|
The core of my argument is that if you have limited cash resources, time or energy (or, heaven forbid, aren't all that into him) then getting copies of his earlier albums rather than some of the more esoteric compilations is the way to go. The bootleg series entries in this space by this reviewer, however, are presented based on trying to work through what to pick and choose from in the vast Dylan repertoire. The rest, as I mentioned above, can be found on those early albums I am touting as the source of "learning" Dylan. I have spilled no little ink on the question of the value of various bootleg products, genuine basement tapes, fake basement tapes, etc. This one is strictly for the aficionados.Note: As always in this series there is a very informative and copious set of liner notes as well as a DVD with a couple of tracks from one of the stops on the Rolling Thunder tour. Nothing, absolutely nothing.
While the current bootleg volume, "The Rolling Thunder Revue", is certainly historically important it does not measure up in importance to the previously mentioned set.Certainly a CD that features Dylan's reemergence on the concert circuit in 1975 after a number of years of producing albums (mainly with The Band) but with little other public exposure would speak for itself. As was the finale "Knocking' On Heaven's Door". The plea, important at the time, for freedom for imprisoned middleweight boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, the subject of the song "Hurricane" was well done. Add in, as another positive factor, a concert tour concept (the "Rolling Thunder" of the title) that featured a "new look" Dylan trying to claw his way back into prominence after some self-imposed obscurity. The duos with Baez, especially the old traditional tune "The Water Is Wide" are nice.
that have come out of over the years detailing the career of the premier folk troubadour of his times, Bob Dylan. There really is little new here for those who want to hear the core of Dylan's work. So what is there to complain about. That said, I recently touted the virtues of Volumes 1-3 (in one set) of this bootleg series for those with a little extra money to spend. Also add in the factor of an album that has Dylan doing duets with Joan Baez and along the way bringing in singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell and violin player extraordinaire Scarlett Rivera.
I liked the different versions of some of my favs, like 'One More Cup of Coffee' and 'Sara'.Footnote: I still have been unable to attend any large venues since Altamont. Through the magic of the grammaphone recording live, I was able to hear the Dylan concert I missed.
Too self-indulgent with his voice and musical arrangements. Very overrated music which will not stand the test of time like his better stuff. Bob Dylan is a genius, but this sh#t is sh#t. Plus bland generic 70's rock-style sound from the band. For hardcore fans only. Pales in comparison to both the bootleg series concerts from 1964 and 1966. In Rolling Thunder, what's with all the shouting lyrics.
His intensity at these shows is unmatched in my opinion. This is my personal favorite of all the Dylan albums.
He succeeded. He decided to take a bunch of musicians on the road, and re-arrange all of his songs to the point that they were unlistenable. His career has been erratic ever since. The Rolling Thunder Review was the beginning of the end for a whole lot of us original Dylan fans. Dylan was trying to break out of the traditional concert tour thing that he did to great effect in the 74 tour with The Band.
|
