Review by Neil Sreshta
The quality of the concert tonight was absolutely fantastic. 20 times
better than the September shows. The sound of the band was different - a
much more central role for the lead guitarist, and less for Donnie
Herron, the slide guitarist (who isn't that spectacular). Dylan on
keyboard with the organ sound, resonated well with the echoey acoustics
of the auditorium. He used a low voice register the entire night, which
worked really well, compared to the high register and "upsinging" from
September. The arrangements were much better as well - very few sub-par
performances. The sound of the band and Dylan was very similar to the
sound on Modern Times.
1. Cat's In The Well - B+. This is the same song he has opened with each
time I've seen him this year, and tonight was by far the best
performance. Very concise, no dragging-on of instrumental sections like
the last time, and it was a jolting start to the set. Not a very exciting
song to see on paper, but he did it very well and it was an effective
opener.
2. Senor - A! This was done REALLY WELL! Great use of the low
register of his voice - it captured even more of the doom and
depression than the original recording. This was a dark song - very
captivating and sung very well by Dylan.
3. Rollin And Tumblin - B. This was alright, a solid performance,
very similar if not the same to the original recording.
4. Boots Of Spanish Leather - A+! Amazing! An unrecognizable version -
sung in a very low register, staccato type style. All the lyrics were
crystal clear and the way he sung it set the rhythm of the song. An
acoustic sound, with Tony Garnier playing upright bass and Donnie Herron
playing banjo. Great harmonica solo at the end. This was absolutely
beautiful.
5. Cold Irons Bound - A-. This was also very well done. It really
resonated with the acoustics of the venue. An all-encompassing,
powerful sound to the chorus, it was well played and energetically
sung by Dylan.
6. When The Deal Goes Down - B-. I give credit for a solid
performance, but not my favorite song, I find it boring. The
performance wasn't very interesting either, but he hit all the notes.
7. High Water - A-. Not what I expected from this song! It escalated into
a totally rocked out, Honest With Me-like sound. Much better than the
album version! Totally new sound.
8. Most Likely You Go Your Way.... - C. Not well done. It was fun to hear
a Blonde On Blonde song, but he wasn't hitting the notes and the
performance dwindled.
9. Masters Of War - B+. He emphasized the important part of this song -
the lyrics. It was really powerful towards the end... "and I'll stand
over your grave till I'm sure that you're deeeaaaaaad". That was
brilliant - but the only downside was that the entire song was one or two
chords, which wasnt very interesting musically. A harmonica solo might
have helped. Still very well done.
10. Spirit On The Water - A! A damn good performance of this! Beautiful.
11. Tangled Up In Blue - A+++!!!! UNBELIEVABLE! Full of energy and
sung with precision and creativity - changing from middle to low
registers. Everyone was dancing.
12. Nettie Moore - A+. This was beautiful, sung very melodically with
great instrumental background.
13. Highway 61 - A. What a closer! Very rocked out. Fantastic.
---- encore----
14. Love Sick - A. Great performance of this! Again a very good use of
low register.
15. Thunder On The Mountain - A. Another great performance. Very fast and
upbeat. Everyone went nuts!
16. Like A Rolling Stone - B+. Well done! The version I saw in
september was better, though. This one was a little slower, and the low
voice register didnt work as well as on other songs.
17. All Along The Watchtower - D. This song is getting to be pathetic at
this point. Poorly performed, with the only redeeming factor being very
good drum work by George Recile. Dylan should stop closing with this
song.
FANTASTIC concert, in general. Quality of sound is great! Dylan
sounded great and gave very well-done performances of almost the
entire setlist.
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