Date: Mon, 21 Aug 1995 11:05:27 +0500 From: xyx Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 5 Hot on the heels of the last 4 Hall of Famers come 2 more sets worthy of high praise, one of which would receive serious 1994 MVP consideration, IMO. Enough with the BS, let's get to it once again: "NEW YORK CITY 1994" 2CD (Red Sky) Roseland, NYC 19 Oct 94 plus (6) 20 Oct 94 I listened to this set three times through over the weekend while painting a hallway in my house, and each time was more blown away. IMO, Dylan & band took things to a new level on 19 Oct in a blazing show tempered by a gorgeous, emotion-wracked acoustic set. From the sound of things, Dylan was really pumped full of energy during this show (maybe he was showing off for Sheryl Crow, who opened the gig), you can hear it in that extra bit of kick he gives to most of the vocals. A nice set list also - Jokerman/If You See Her/ DUUHHHHHH/Big Girl all rock & sound great with distinct, crisp vocals, then the band kick-starts "Most Likely" into another energy level. What follows is an amazing acoustic set of "Mama You Bin on My Mind"/"One Too Many Mornings" and "Baby Blue,", all sung with a passion and world-weariness that is really heart-wrenching. Some nice JJ leads and loud, clear Bob vocals on "Memphis Blues" lead into the highlight (IMO) of the show (perhaps the tour?), an oh so funky, head boppin, finger snappin' & really groovin' version of "Shelter From the Storm" (turn up the bass to get REEALLLLLL GONE!). BD sings this as a celebration, with not a hint of remorse or resignation about what might have been, only grateful for what was (for contrast see Prague 3/11 version). For those familiar with Paul Williams, it would'nt surprise me to see a whole page on this tune in the next version of Performing Artist 1987-???? (much like the space he gave "Idiot Wind" from "Hard Rain" in Vol 2). "MFarm" follows and then an obviously excited and adrenaline-stoked BD enthusiastically introduces the band, thanks Sheryl Crow, and the proceedings are brought to a close with a picture perfect "LARS" and "It Ain't Me Babe." One for the ages, IMO. Oh yeah, almost forgot - sound quality is excellent, up front, right there. My candidate for 1994 show of the year on CD. (Filler trax from the 20th: all excellent sound and well chosen -Back Pages/Simple Twist/Hattie/Boots/God Knows & a smokin'gun soundin "Joey," best I've ever heard). Thanks, Red Sky. P.S. to Roseland attendees: I swear I can hear an organ at times. Am I crazy? "DYLAN GETS TO THE POINT" 2CD (White Rabbit) The Point, Dublin 12 Apr 95 plus filler (4) 5 Feb 93 and (1) 6 Feb 91 Complete show from Dublin with filler taken from previous Eire visits. 17 track show in very, very good quality (just shy of excellent, but not much- perhaps a slight bit hollow sounding and outdoorsy, capiche?) but with vocals clear and true and music all "right there." Unique track list includes "Where Teardrops Fall" in #2 slot, "TBlues" in #5 and an always welcome "Ring Them Bells" #6, appropriate for Dublin (".. for the lines are long and the fighting is strong...") with a classic Bob vocal and superb accompaniment. Sounding like a broken record, but another great acoustic set (are'nt they all) with M.TMan, Love -0/Boots. Highlights of the last half include In the Garden, Carole King on piano on "LARS" before she falls in the pit, TIMES and then Van comes out for a ragged Real Real Gone, a fine I Shall be released and ho-hum 12&35. Overall, a very fine show. Nice sounding filler inc/She Belongs/It Ain't Me babe/JJones/TNight and, believe it or not, a very enjoyable "Tupelo Honey" with Van M. from '91. Maybe it's the weather or something like that, but another hearty recommendation for this one. Until the next time (hopefully we'll start to see some West Coast gigs and Europe summer gigs appearing soon), comments/flames welcome. Peace - xyx