November 9, 2008
Review by Bret Lanoue
The organ sounding keyboard was nice and loud. So loud, in
fact, that later on Dylan might have blown something. Unfortunately, this
was at the beginning of “Spirit on the Water” (The song in which the
keyboard has routinely been weak). Repeat, minus the short lived power cut
to the keyboard it was good and loud. I was stunned by the way Dylan
opened the night with and Al Cooper sound and presence on the “Wicked
Messenger.” Brilliant!
However, when the keyboard cut out during “Spirit on the
Water” this gave Dylan a couple of minutes to stand at the mic and croon.
Dylan usually restricts standing at the front mic for when he is playing
the harmonica. But at this moment he had to stand there and sing. It was
great! No noticeable change in his voice other than this evening’s deep
husk. Dylan had to do something with his hands though, so at first he held
the stand with both hands just below the mic as well as letting go a hand
and swinging it back. At times, both hands stuck out in front of his
body then sweeping them back with a kick of the boot. Strangely, he looked
confident. Then again, it was just the La Crosse Center .
Beautiful town, though. Hey, the La Crosse center doesn’t have a bad seat
in the house. Low stands no nose bleeds. I do wish indoor arenas would
ditch the floor seats. I had a show in Iowa City ’07 ruined by the
“sit down,” guy.
I am sadden to hear at times (including the La Crosse show)
when the crowd stops cheering before Dylan and the band have even fully
left the stage for the final time. Perhaps, the casual fan has picked up
on his patterns. A surprise “All Along the Watchtower” to open the encore
seemed more appropriate followed by an introduction of the band into a
groove/reggae “Blowin’ in the Wind” finale. Still, it was fun to see Dylan
at the mic with nothing to do with his hands. And of course the sort of
breast stroke move with a kick of the right boot. A sort of tap dance move
only slow and cool.
Review by John Condon
Bob played a fine show in LaCrosse, on the day after the election. The
set list included the gems "Wicked Messenger", "Forever Young","Trying to
Get to Heaven", and "Chimes of Freedom". The more familiar songs, such
as "Highway 61" and "Honest With Me" were white- hot rockers, just
scorching, and maybe the greatest versions that I have heard. Bob is
playing the organ as usual , and on this tour the sound of the organ is
excellent, with a nice low pitch. Bob really plays it well these days,
and the improvement in the organ tone makes this current band all the
better. We heard lots of harmonica playing, too. Overall, a terrific
show.
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