Disappointed by the Bob Dylan Musical? Download the Real Thing!
Bob Dylan performs at Brixton Academy in London on November 21st, 2005
With the controversial "Bob Dylan Musical" causing San Diego residents to debate the artistic staus of Bob Dylan, I thought I would provide some evidence that Dylan the contemporary entertainer is still relevant and rockin'. I present to you the show that Bob Dylan played in London at Brixton Academy on November 21st, 2005. This bootleg has gotten some press recently, it was even reviewed in Rolling Stone. It is notable for a couple reasons. First of all, guitarist Link Wray had just died two weeks earlier, and Dylan paid tribute by opening the show with a rendition of his famous instrumental "Rumble." Secondly, he decides to treat the Brits to a shortened version of "London Calling," which obviously brings the house down. And Thirdly, he plays the Basement Tapes song "Million Dollar Bash" for the first time live. As I mentioned in the previous post, I consider Dylan to be very self aware of how the public perceives him, so let the debating of his intentions here begin It is nice to see these rarities popping up once in a while, because I've seen several Dylan concerts on the "Never Ending Tour" that he's been on for several years now, and while he is in good form, the setlists are kind of predictable. Every show ends with the less exciting every time you hear it"Like a Rolling Stone," "All Along The Watchtower" combo. His stage intro for every show, however, set to Copland's "Rodeo" is the best in the business.
These little wrinkles that Dylan tosses in, along with above average recording quality for an audience mix, and the tight form his band demonstrates makes this show definitely worth a listen. When all is said and done, this Never Ending Tour stage of Dylan's career will dominate a sizeable portion of his timeline as a performer. Since he's been on the tour, he's released two of his finest albums, opened up to Martin Scorcese's camera, penned his autobiography and shows no signs of slowing down.
Plus, as an added bonus, if you download and burn this show, the kind people on the internet have done you the favor of designing TWO separate album art sleeves for you to adorn your jewel cases with. Now get busy downloading, and hope that Twyla Tharp doesn't find out about this show and include Million Dollar Bash (Kanye Remix) in her production of "The Times They Are A-Changin' 2: Still A-Changin'"
Download MP3s and album art below:
Disc 1:
1. Introduction
2. Rumble / Maggie's Farm
3. The Times They Are A-Changin'
4. Million Dollar Bash
5. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
6. Moonlight
7. Down Along The Cove
8. Boots Of Spanish Leather
9. Cold Irons Bound
10. Mr. Tambourine Man
11. Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
12. Visions Of Johanna
Disc 2:
1. Honest With Me
2. Waiting For You
3. Highway 61 Revisited
4. London Calling
5. Like A Rolling Stone
6. All Along The Watchtower
