Bob Dylan 2001.03.24 in Newcastle
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan Subject: Newcastle Review From: Peter Huish huish@ozemail.com.au Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2001 08:19:41 +1000 Organization: TallShips Solutions This was my third Dylan show. I wallowed in the mud at the Sydney Showground hoping that the little figure up on stage doing all those songs that I loved differently was in fact the man. I took advantage of a businesss trip to Perth to see a show at the Entertainment Centre and wondered why I bothered and then last night got blown away by a smoking effort here in Newcastle. When's the next show. Through following the ng I was somewhat prepared for what to expect in terms of format and content. I had no "I hope he plays epectations" but if I did have I doubt that I would have come away dissatisfied that he didn't play that song. They hit the stage running with "I am the Man Thomas" and it seemed like a stake in the ground and he then spent the rest of the night proving it beyond belief. "Chimes of Freedom" was passionate and it was great to see and listen to it in its own right. I feel that many of these songs got lost in the banner songs. "It's Alright Ma" nicely rounded out the first acoustic bracket with Larry on something other than a guitar (maybe a mandolin) and really just emphasising that these buggers could play. Out with the electric guitars, on with the afterburners and into a bracket of three songs that left you wondering could it get any better. The three were full and powerful. "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" was a personal highlight. The guys just played with it and really expressed themselves and managed to wrap a little of "Waltzing Matilda" into the middle of one of the jams. Great stuff and really well delivered. The following acoustic were excellent. "Masters of War" is as relevant today as it was thirty plus years ago. The fuller delivery also brings the song out more. I really love the "Blood on the Tracks" album and "Tangled Up in Blue" was a reasonable representative but maybe not my choice. It still managed to fit into the scheme of things and was enjoyable. "Make You Feel My Love" was the first of two unknown songs for me - must have come in my Dylan sabatical. Neat stuff. The next two electric songs SMOKED. "The Drifter's Escape" had so much energy and the follow up of "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat" just lifted the roof of the place. So much energy. The encore started with "Highlands" (my other unknown song) and featured a neat little light trick with the shadow of Bob projected Oscar-like onto the back wall. Neat trick, great song. "Like a Rolling Stone" was good and the follow up of "If Dogs Run Free" was interesting. I've been waiting to hear that one (New Morning was my first ever album purchase) and it went over really well. Nice and bouncy and unknown enough to catch people by surprize. "All Along the Watchtower" was a crowd thriller and I really like this version of "Forever Young". "Highway 61" was served up with gusto and the finale of "Blowing in the Wind" left the crowd on their feet chanting for more but unfortunately Bob had had enough. It was a really great show and presented every song in a great light. Time to get the tour schedule to see if there are any other possible dates this time around. ciao, pete