North Wind Blowing

The complete show from Oslo, offering an interesting track listing and a performance to match. It's a show of contrasts. After a rousing bums-off seats opener Dylan turns the mood on its head with an eerily atmospheric Long Black Coat followed by a sprightly Watchtower, and a stately, subdued Positively 4th Street. Tangled is, once again, entracing, with Dylan stretching and twisting the vocals, wringing out the very essence of the song. Hollis Brown, sung with a sparse banjo based backing proves to be particularly evocative, and even Ballad Of A Thin Man is sung with an uncharacteristic melancholy, almost sympathising with, rather than chiding Mr Jones. Indeed the whole performance has the feeling of a winters evening wrapped up by a log fire reminiscing over adventures past, not in a overly romanticised way but certainly with the benefit of hindsight and without rancour. It's the sound of a man who's been there and done it and he's now taking the opportunity to reflect on it for a while.
The whole mood is summed up with the closing song, My Back Pages. It's a superb moment when it finally all comes together. Recording quality is excellent, good clear vocals, well balanced separation, and a relaxed and informal atmosphere. .

Tfeb B (8)