Bob Dylan 980117 in New York, New York - Madison Square Garden - The Theater
Address: 7th Ave. & 32nd St.
Capacity 5610
Double bill with Van Morrison
Ticket prices: $75.00 and $45.00
Subject: 1/16, 1/17/98
From: (RSbklyn@aol.com)
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 05:00:03 -0500
Howdy Folks,
Here's some thoughts on the first 2 nights in NYC. This probably wont be
brief!
On the 16th, Van played first (on the 17th, Bob played first).
I sure had the opening night jitters on Friday, but Van didn't seem to; he
put in an incredible performance. Van's set:
Burning Ground
Fire in the Belly
It Once Was Was My Life
Raincheck
In the Afternoon
Satisfied
How Long has this been Going On
Vanlose Stairway/Trans Euro Train/I'm a Fool for You
Sometimes We Cry
This Weight
Domino
It's a Mans Mans Mans Mans World/Drifting Blues
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Moondance
Tupelo Honey/Why Must I Always Explain
Cypress Avenue
Van The Man was animated and in good voice (though coughing off mike
occasionally). His band is simply fantastic. Pee Wee Ellis on saxes
(baritone, tenor and soprano) and Georgie Fame (organ & vocals) deserve
special mention. Highlights were How Long, Tupelo/Explain, and especially
Cypress Avenue. Van's comments during that song: "Someone, in a newspaper,
had the audacity to call this pop music...if this is pop music, what the fuck
are we all doin' here??"
A short break, then Dylan's set:
Absolutely Sweet Marie
Not Dark Yet
Cold Irons Bound
Simple Twist of Fate
Silvio
One Too Many Mornings
John Brown
Tangled Up In Blue
Million Miles
Just Like a Woman
Highway 61
Like a Rolling Stone
My Back Pages
Love Sick
RDW #12 & 35
Not a bad show by any means, but not a great show either (IM very HO, of
course). One major distraction was that the house lights stayed on 50 per
cent for all of Dylan's set (lights were off for Van's set). Not Dark Yet,
hell, Not Dark at all! It was a weird distraction, I kept wondering when the
lights would go off...but they didn't. Management allowed a stage rush
during the encores, maybe that has something to do with it, but why have the
lights on the whole set? Anyway...
Simple Twist was a highlight. There is a thread about Tony's bass playing of
late, and he was great on Simple Twist, melodic and creative, virtually
soloing throughout the song.
John Brown, with a new and very quiet arrangement, was also a standout. Just
Like a Woman was in an unusual slot in the setlist, and as always the crowd
ate it up. But to me it seems the song needs a fresh arrangement; Bucky
carries the whole tune. I like Larry overall, but does he play anything new
or interesting on Just Like a Woman?
In the pub after the show with Vanatics, I admitted that despite my leanings
toward Dylan, I thought Mr Morrison played a better show. And I assured them
that Mr Dylan would deliver more impressive performances. One wonderful
element of this double bill is that there is a bit of rivalry, or competition
between the two bandleaders (not to mention the fans ;-).
On to Saturday....
Landing in my excellent mail order seat, I notice that Dylan's band equipment
is ready to go:
Absolutely Sweet Marie
Senor
Can't Wait
Not Dark Yet
Silvio
Tomorrow is a Long Time
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
Tangled up in Blue
Million Miles
Tears of Rage
Brand New Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat
LARS
Forever Young
Love Sick
RDW #12 & 35
YOW! What a show! Everything clicked. (They nearly turned the house lights
all the way off, even.) Senor was very well played, Dylan leaning into every
syllable. Lo & behold, in the #3 slot, we get Can't Wait. Fantastic, with a
bit of a reggae arrangement. Folks, if you haven't heard TOOM songs live
yet, you're in for a treat. The live versions are as good or better than the
recordings (which may be excellent blueprints, but blueprints nonetheless).
Not Dark Yet isn't quite as good as the LP version...yet. It doesn't have
that in-your-ear intimacy, but it's getting there. It sure works a lot
better as #4 than as #2...tonights version was much more focused.
Tomorrow is a Long Time--the real deal. In the midst of all the bitter TOOM
tunes, a genuine love song, beautifully sung (Larry adds some harmony
vocals).
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll--Sounded like 100 per cent effort to me.
One small detail: Dylan's phrasing of the word "murder" was chilling. This
guy is the best actor around.
Tears of Rage--very heartfelt singing on this favorite of mine. (Note to
Maureen--he screwed up the third verse, par for the (rather odd) course. He
started by repeating the second verse, then clearly rolled his eyes and
corrected himself in time to get the "heart is filled with gold" line right).
Spoken intro to "Pillbox Hat": "Here's a song that was written right here in
New York City, just a little while ago..."
Band Intro (approx): "Here's someone from right here in New York, Larry
Campbell! From the East Bay, Dave Kemper...the former mayor of Bluefield,
West Virginia, Bucky Baxter...and of course Tony Garnier on bass..."
LARS built up quite a head of steam by the end, Bucky chiming in with sweet
arpeggios. Forever Young featured two great guitar solos by Bob. Another
awesome Love Sick, then open up those houselights, everyone stand up and get
down; it's time for RDW. I even spied some rather highly placed Vanatics
boogieing like mad in their posh box seats.
Oh yeah, after all that it's only intermission,
another show to go:
Burning Ground
Fire in the Belly
It Once Was My Life
Raincheck
In The Afternoon
Satisfied
Vanlose Stariway/Trans Euro Train
A Change is Gonna Come
Summertime in England
Domino
Man's World
Have I Told You Lately that I Love You
How Long Has This Been Going On
Days Like This
Cypress Avenue
Yikes, I may have some of the song order wrong towards the end, but I think I
got them all in. Which means I was enjoying myself so much I didn't even
write down the songs!
Van had a few laughing fits tonight--perchance he had a drink before the
show. But it didn't affect 90 per cent of the tunes, I think his looseness
was a plus. He may have been laughing a bit, but when he got to the intense
parts, he was really intense.
Pee Wee singing doo wop harmony on "It Once Was My Life" especially seemed to
crack Van up. The whole band looked loose...Pee Wee walked on and off stage
and danced occasionally too (that is, when he wasn't switching between
baritone and soprano in the same song and playing tremendously).
(note: Speaking of dancing, I haven't even mentioned Dylan's dancing, which
could be studied on it's own at this point. I'll just say that during one
song the 17th, Bob Dylan did a brief combination duckwalk/moonwalk.)
During "Satisfied", Van said 'Its funny, upstairs they're saying "I can't get
no Satisfaction" but down here were saying "I'm Satisfied"'. Yes, the
Rolling Stones were playing in the same building.
Somewhere during "In the Afternoon" Van shouted out "Bluebeat!" apropos of
nothing, it seemed. Later on I realized the arrangement of "Domino" does has
a touch of ska to it, that quick choppy rhythm guitar. "Domino" ("this was a
hit 500 years ago" Van quipped on the 16th) was great both nights.
During the quiet part of Vanlose Stairway/Trans Euro Train, Van yelled out
"Sam Cooke!". The version of "Change is Gonna Come" that followed was
exquisite, a real highlight, as was "Summertime in England" (featuring the 2
horn players slowly marching along the edge of the stage at one point).
During one of the long songs (which one? sorry my memory is not 100 per cent
on this, would love some clarification on the quote) Van said something like
"For all you people who write about me on the internet, here's some truth".
It was wild hearing Van acknowledge the internet community...though he
didn't seem to have a very high opinion of "us"!
The version of "Cypress Avenue" was even more intense than last
night's..."It's Too Late To Stop Now!" Indeed.
Did you get healed?
Lights up, back down through Penn Station to the L train.
No guest stars, no Van/Bob collaborations;
but I honestly don't mind. Two down, three to go--
if they top Saturday's show, it'll really be something.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks ev'rybody,
Rich Shaffer
Subject: msg 1/17
From: Peter Stone Brown (peterb@erols.com)
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 06:07:22 -0500
I was wondering what it would be like when the two people I
consider to be the most intense and greatest singer-songwriters
of the last part of this century would bet together.
When I got inside and realized the stage was set up for Dylan to
open the show, it was something I wasn't mentally prepared for.
Compared to the much more intimate Troc shows of a month ago,
Dylan seemed lackluster. I wondered if he'd been up real late
the night before with Keith and Ronnie. Sweet Marie was okay,
but not as intense and rocking as Maggie's Farm at the club shows
(and if I had a choice of the two songs, normally I would pick
Sweet Marie.) When he went into Senor, I though oh no, he's not
gonna do Not Dark Yet, but Bob had some surprises in store. Now
it didn't help that there some real assholes sitting around me
who decided to converse the entire night. I felt like asking if
they were millionaires. I really cannot comprehend how someone
can pay almost $100 for a ticket (after ticket monster service
charges) and talk through a show. Anyway, Can't Wait was third,
a bit of surprise, kind of a quick version, followed by Not Dark
Yet. As has been pointed out elsewhere, it's not quite there
yet. I kept thinking this should really be affecting me, but it
isn't. Part of the reason may be is that Dylan sang it in a
lower key than on the album, and just wasn't able to emote as
powerfully.
Sylvio as usual rocked hard. A pretty exquisite Tomorrow Is A
Long Time followed with Larry providing nice harmony on the
chorus, and this was followed by Hattie Carrol, also very strong.
Then came Tangled Up In Blue which had a lot of tangled up
verses. Bob sang verse 4 (topless place) 2nd and then worked his
way back to verse 3 then 2. There was one great part (I think
when he finally did verse 2) when he delivered this really
amazing "And" I believe on and they drove that car as far as they
could, he just held it like AANNNNNNDDDDDDDD and it was one of
those great Dylan moments. The rest of the show was okay with
Love Sick the standout and Bob messing up lyrics, a slight flub
on "Tears of Rage," and a sort of amazing mixup on "Forever
Young" where he sang the last part of verse 3 on verse 2 or
something and then added an additional 2nd part of the verse
going back to what it should've been or something like that.
The sound (at least where I was sitting) was also a little
strange with Bob's voice far out front at first and the guitar
sound muddy throughout. On the electric numbers Dylan left most
of the lead work in Larry's hands. Now though, I'm wishing I had
tickets for an additional night because I would like to see the
show with Dylan in the closing spot.
Van Morrison on the other hand was totally awesome. It's been
something like ten years since I've seen him and this show
totally blew away the last shows I saw him do. Doing mostly
recent material, he was on from the very first note and just kept
taking things higher. His shows these days are half high
spirited R&B, half revival meeting, and Van was in a great mood
(he is easily as unpredictable as Bob when it comes to moodiness,
but he has a tendency to let his moods get in the way of a show),
but not tonight. Like Dylan, it really doesn't matter ultimately
what he sings, but how he sings it and tonight he was in top
form, joking around and having a great time. Morrison has stage
presence, but he doesn't always show it and doesn't always use
it. He's so short (even shorter than Bob) that sometimes he was
amost hidden behind a music stand and he likes to prowl around
the stage often disappearing behind the other musicians, and you
can hear him but not see him.
As Rich so excellent reported, he joked about the Stones playing
up stairs, paid tribute to James Brown and Junior Wells, even
mentioned the net. His band (and his bands are almost always
great) was just impeccable, so professional, so tight, that at
the end I wasn't sure if it was the dream bill I thought it was
gonna be. And the thing is I love Dylan's current band. I think
with this line-up, he finally has everything really in place, the
right guitarist, the right drummer, a band that can rock hard,
but can also play the acoustic folk and country stuff the way
that it should be played, a band that is totally sympathetic
musically to his unique needs.
But halfway through Van's set, I started wishing Dylan had
Keltner and Drummond even though there were times when I saw him
with Keltner and Drummond where I thought their arena-rock sound
wasn't necessarily right for Dylan at all. Then I started
wishing for The Band, not the Band as it is now, but The Band as
it can never be again. But then again, if somehow I'd been able
to take the show I saw first night at the Troc a month ago, and
put it on the stage last night, it would've been a totally
different show.
I'm not into competition among musicians. It has nothing to do
with the music, and the two singers I saw last night are the two
who are the most important to me and have been the most important
to me for three decades. But last night it was Van Morrison who
delivered the more powerful and inspired performance. --
"I was just too stubborn to ever be governed
by enforced insanity." --Bob Dylan
Peter Stone Brown
e-mail: peterb@erols.com http://songs.com/psb
Subject: 1/16 and 1/17, MSG
From: SAKaplan (sakaplan@aol.com)
Date: 18 Jan 1998 15:49:13 GMT
Saw the Friday and Saturday night shows.
I thought Van started out a bit slow on Friday night; there were moments,
particularly towards the end, that cooked but it definitely took him a while to
get going, and I thought the intensity of the performance was uneven.
Dylan started out a little shaky on Friday night--I thought his vocals were
kind of pinched and tentative on Sweet Marie, and Not Dark Yet, which was the
first song on TOOM to really grab me, didn't have the power I hoped for. I
thought Bobby had that weird disconnected "Kennedy Center" look in his eyes at
the beginning, where he looked very uncomfortable, like he didn't want to be
there and was kind of not there as a result. But midway through, I think in
the middle of Tangled Up in Blue, he visibly relaxed and started enjoying
himself--vamping and flirting with the crowd outrageously and seeming to love
the role of rock 'n' roll lead guitarist. The last song of the regular set,
Highway 61, was dynamite. As usual, I thought it was the newest stuff that
really had his attention and sounded the most emphatically felt.
On Saturday night, Dylan opened and came out cooking. It might have been where
I was sitting--right next to the sound board guy in front of Section 200,
versus on the first night fourth row--but the mix sounded absolutely perfect,
and Dylan came out in great voice. I had a slight preference for the song list
on Friday night--Forever Young has never been one of my favorites, but it's
hard to argue with great renditions of Tears of Rage, Lonesome Death, Tomorrow
is a Long Time--overall I thought Dylan really came to play all night on
Saturday night from the outset. I also believe he put some pressure on Van
Morrison who came out and played a far superior show on Saturday night--it may
also have been the privileged position of coming out second and it being
Saturday night.
Kind of amazing to have so much music power at one location those two nights,
with the Stones upstairs.
I loved both the shows. I am a long-time--35 year--Dylan fanatic, and for me
he is far more than a performer, I regard him as a visionary with profound
insights into the divine. I rediscovered the beauty of "I and I" recently and
made the connection in the chorus--"One says to the other, 'no man sees my face
and lives'"--to the chapter in Exodus 33:20 where God speaks to Moses (You
cannot see my face for no human can see me and live). I feel that when I watch
him I am gaining a glimpse of something transcendent.
Subject: Review of MSG, 1/17 - be warned, almost 1800 words!
From: Stasia (A_Karel@ACAD.FANDM.EDU)
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 23:21:29 -0400
Bob Dylan and Van Morrison - Madison Square Garden Theater, January 17, 1998.
So, at 7:45 all the lights dimmed and I stared at the stage in
anticipation. However, I was expecting Van Morrison to be the opener, with
Dylan following. And even though I had previously noted the type of
equipment set up on the stage (i.e. Tony's upright bass, and Bucky's
instruments - I remember seeing a roadie tuning the mandolin, and knew we'd
be hearing "Tangled Up In Blue"), my mind didn't make the necessary
connection. Anyway, back to the beginning. Even as the oh so familiar
voice started announcing "Columbia Recording Artist. . . .", in my mind I
was trying to figure out which label Morrison records for. I really was
not mentally prepared to see Bob open the show.
"Absolutely Sweet Marie" was so much better than it had been in
August. As my notes say - the sound was fantastic, and all the words were
clear. BTW, this was my first Dylan concert that was sit-down (okay, one
with seats), indoors show - so a new experience in that respect. "Senor"
is/was on my extensive wish list of songs to hear live, and for me, it was
nearly as good as the album version. However, perhaps owing to the fact I
hadn't listened to this song in a while, I was convinced that Bob was using
different words - but the words I heard matched the Lyrics book - it was
the line with "pick myself up off the floor" that I had jotted down for
evidence.
After consulting Larry about something, Bob and the band start into
"Can't Wait". I didn't recognize the instrumental intro. - thinking that
perhaps it could be "Cold Irons Bound", but yet at the same time knew it
wasn't. Anyway, this song was just awesome, and IMHO, an ideal live
version. Bob, by the way, was incredibly full of energy.
Count off by David (I'm assuming it was him, know I heard someone
count off), and they start "Not Dark Yet". I'm happy to say that I guessed
correctly before Bob started singing - and those first couple lines
("Shadows are falling/and I've been here all day") have been stuck in my
mind ever since the moment Bob sang them. It was just so beautiful, and
definitely another ideal live version. Note: I've read several reviews in
which people are saying that this song isn't quite there yet. For me - if
there had been anything wrong, I would have written it down. But no, this
song was one of the highlights of the concert and I'm thrilled to have
heard it.
"Silvio"! Okay, so I've heard it at all the shows I've seen. But
this time was definitely the best - and, except for the last verse, I could
understand all the words. Great back-up by Larry and Bucky, too.
Ooh, ooh. The acoustic set! Big question running through my mind
- what song would start it off?? Lo and behold, it was "Tomorrow Is A Long
Time"! I admit I'm not very familiar with this song, but I knew it well
enough to appreciate the performance. At this point I realized just how
fast the concert was going by. But the song was so beautiful - and I just
love it when Tony's playing the upright - is it called a "double bass"?
"The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll". Although long ago I
realized what the guy's name is - to this day I still hear it as "Williams
and Zinger". But anyway, it was nice hearing this song - it's not one of
my favorites, but well, nice is the only way I can describe the experience
(for my dad, on the other hand, it was the highlight of the show). At this
point I wrote in my notes: How can anyone complain about his voice?
I had heard "Tangled Up In Blue" at the two shows I attended in
August and at the moment, feel rather indifferent about it. BUT, when Bob
switched the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th verses around, I saw this as pretty damn
cool. Okay, at first, I was horrified, but then it was rather groovy. I'm
still not telling the complete truth. As he began the song, I kind of
stopped paying attention, and so assumed that he had already done the 2nd
verse and then skipped the 3rd to right to the 4th. This was what I was
horrified about, but then everything eventually made sense. You know, it
was something different - and I'm applauding the change (even if it never
happens again). Oh yeah, move those feet Bob! Excellent footwork
throughout this song - as well as the rest of the show, of course. Also
great lighting - for this song only - in which there was a golden hue and
the band's shadows were reflected upon the walls (this viewing experience
was another highlight).
Now, the song that contains my favorite lines from TOOM. "Million
Miles" was everything that I'd hoped it would be and more. I did notice
something though - and as insignificant as it may seem - I simply have to
mention it. In the verse about the janitor, Bob is supposed to say:
"That's alright momma, you do what you have to do." (close enough -
currently don't have access to album) Anyway, when singing it Saturday
night, he said "baby" instead of "momma". Yes, I know. It means nothing
in the long run. Just something I noticed - and besides, the next verse
(my fav.) is "Rock me pretty baby. . . .", which is how he sang it, so the
two verses didn't sound right next to each other. Oh yeah, this song also
deserves the title of being an ideal live version.
It was at this time that I noticed the absence of monitors in front
of the stage. Were they hiding somewhere? Guess it really doesn't matter.
Another count off by David, and "Tears of Rage" begins. I doubt
I've heard this song more than once before, so it took me a while to be
certain of what it was. I was pretty sure it was "Tears", as I knew it
wasn't "Watching the River Flow" or "This Wheel's On Fire". I also had
trouble understanding Bob during this song - possibly because I didn't know
the song? Also noticed quite a bit more audience movement during this song
- which I attribute to those people not knowing the song.
Intro. of the band, with Bob mentioning that Larry was from NYC.
Also heard him say something about Bucky being from West Virginia. (I know
he said more, but I couldn't understand it, except for the last bit, ". . .
right here in NYC.") Later, I learned that he'd introduced "Leopard Skin
Pill Box Hat" - and I must say, I was rather surprised that Bob had spoken
so much (but glad, too). At the end of this song, we were treated to a bow
from Bob; it was 8:55.
The encores began a few minutes later with "Like A Rolling Stone".
Having had a bad experience with this song in August, I was not overjoyed.
Dreading that Bob would let the audience sing in his place, I kind of
sulked throughout this song - but was relieved when it was over. Oh yeah,
the weird thing is, when it first started I thought it was "It's All Over
Now, Baby Blue" - don't know where my mind was.
I still had a surly attitude during "Forever Young" - didn't even
really watch, although that was due to not wanting to stand - which I would
have had to do because of the people in front of me (and that's as much as
I'll say about them). 1/2 bow from Bob at end. I'm not sure what the real
cause of my attitude problem was - it was definitely instigated by "Rolling
Stone", but I remember feeling a little sad too. I think I felt a little
out of place, because I don't know exactly what role Bob currently plays in
my life. (e.g. At my first August show I was so overjoyed that Bob was on
stage that nothing else mattered; second show I was a bit more reflective -
thinking "why does it have to be like this, Bob?")
I had totally forgotten about "Love Sick" - to the point that I was
expecting "RDW" and thought that the opening chords of "LS" were for
another song - like he'd chosen to close with something else. This song
was not quite as ideal as the other songs from the new album were. It was
a little flat - if that's the correct way to describe it, I don't know.
Some verses were better than others - particularly by the end. Overall,
though, the instrumental was better than the vocal.
And, of course, "Rainy Day Women" closed the show. Nothing
significant about this, except that he left the stage with a double bow and
a wave.
Not having much experience with the music of Van Morrison (only the
album Moondance), I was quite pleased with what I heard - in particular the
song "In The Afternoon". I also enjoyed his presence on stage - the stream
of consciousness that seemed to be in some of his songs.
Okay, final consensus of the show - and how I feel about the set
lists from the other shows. The set list for my concert was really quite
wonderful - particularly "Senor", "Not Dark Yet", and "Million Miles".
Last night, however, I was most upset that he had done "Born In Time" (on
1/20) - which I believe to be my absolute favorite song. The only thing
that consoled me was knowing that this song was indeed on my set list as an
alternate for "Tears Of Rage" - and that it also appears to be in the
rotation of things, which means that I just might get to hear it in
Atlantic City (can't wait!). But it was definitely worth the money spent
(about $55 after everything). I had made ample use of my binoculars during
the show - so my view wasn't too bad (my seat was towards the front of
section 305). I can't call this the best concert I've ever been to (that
would be 8/13/97), but I do think that Bob's voice sounded much better. I
also can't rate this concert - it just doesn't seem fair for some reason -
and all I can say to end this review is that it has given me some wonderful
memories.
-Stasia
Subject: Went to the Apple - Took a Bite (In the Garden, 1/17/98)
From: Tom Karel T_KAREL@LIBRARY.FANDM.EDU
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 16:07:29 -0500
I've been enjoying all the reports from the Madison Square Garden
shows, and decided to add my own "review". I attended the Saturday show
with my 19-year old daughter, who is a huge Dylan fan (and a frequent
contributor to this list), We had the rare opportunity to see two of Bob's
concerts in August, in the same week (Hershey, PA and Holmdel, NJ), but
missed a couple chances to see him in Philadelphia so it was a thrill to be
able to get into New York for this one.
The setting: the concert was in MSG's "Theater", which is just a small
part of the complex and seemed to be on the lower level. In the much larger
arena above, the Rolling Stones were doing their last show of their NYC run
the same evening! You know you're in the Capital of the World when you have
the Stones, Dylan, and Van Morrison all performing in the same building on
the same night - and the city seems to take it all in stride! Our seats
were in the upper left section of the theater, a little bit closer than we
were at Holmdel. We had a good view of the stage, and my daughter brought
binoculars which we used frequently.
The crowd was a mix of NY sophisticates, aging hippies, younger fans,
and ordinary people. Not as rough and rowdy as Holmdel, yet more hip than
Hershey. A lot of drinking going on all around us, though, as others have
reported.
The first surprise came around 7:45 when the lights dimmed and we
heard that now-familiar canned introduction. Bob was opening the show! We
had assumed that Morrison would go on first, so we weren't fully prepared
for Bob's appearance. A lot of people were still filing into the theater,
and kept arriving and trying to find seats during his first few songs - so
that was a distraction. But eventually everything settled down and we could
really enjoy the concert.
The sound system at MSG is terrific, hence we could hear's Bob's voice
loud and strong. He appeared to be in top form, very animated, a lot of
dips and walks and he engaged the crowd with his face. Throughout the show
he looked like he was having the time of his life, and he was singing up a
storm!
"Sweet Marie" - I'm starting to prefer this live version (which I've
now heard 3 times) to the Blond on Blond rendition, though this time the
song seemed to fly by too quickly. Maybe Bob sensed that the crowd was
still restless and unsettled and wanted to get this one out of the way. But
everyone stood and rocked throughout the song - then, happily, nearly
everyone in front of us sat down for ---
"Senor" - Stasia was really happy to hear this; it was on her wish
list. He sang it beautifully, clearly, with feeling. Even with the
continuing crowd distractions, it was effective. The guys in the band
joined in on the refrain and sounded good. Then the unmistakable Lanois
strains of a TOOM song began and it was ---
"Can't Wait" - the crowd responded vigorously to this, so a lot of
people know the album already. The live version was wonderful. It was made
for his 1998 voice and he didn't have to force a new interpretation of an
old song. He put everything into this. Then the stage darkened (as it did
between nearly every song), more familiar TOOM sounds began and Stasia
turned to me and exclaimed ---
"Not Dark Yet" - easily one of the night's highlights, a marvelous
performance. Bob has the crowd now, they're settled, they're with him, and
he puts his heart into this song.
"Silvio" - the band kicked in and brought the crowd to its feet again
- this was maybe the best performance of the song that I've heard. Bob
looked happy, the band looked happy, the crowd was happy. No ugly incidents
this time (it had gotten a little scary at Holmdel), no sense of danger in
the air, just good hard rock'n'roll. Then came the anticipation of the
acoustic set. It took a while for everyone to sit down - especially the
couple in front of us, who liked to stand and dance longer than most (they
also liked to drink, so they were gone part of the time getting more beers
and cocktails). Because of the lingering "Silvio" excitement, it was hard
to hear the first few lines of ---
"Tomorrow Is a Long Time" - Bob sang this softly and slowly and the
crowd quickly quieted (and stayed seated). Very nice. Then, for me at
least, came the highlight of the evening. As soon as the applause died
down, Bob began singing the words "William Zanzinger..." and I almost
leaped to my feet.
"Hattie Carroll" - I can't adequately describe the way Bob sang this
song. His voice was rich and melodic, and the song sounded far better than
on the album. A softer and sadder interpretation. His performance was
powerful, poignant, and riveting. As he got into the song you could hear a
pin drop in the hall. An amazing moment. The crowd loved it. How do you top
that kind of performance? By launching into a rousing version of ---
"Tangled Up in Blue" - here Bob's enthusiasm overtook him; he mixed up
the second, third and fourth verses, but then got back on track. The crowd
stood and rocked and Bob was having a great time. Then the roadies brought
back the electric guitars and another TOOM-like sound began ---
"Million Miles" - another highlight, a good rollicking song that
sounded perfect for Bob's voice. You didn't want this song to end. The next
song was a mystery for a while - Stasia and I kept looking at each other,
then finally recognized it ---
"Tears of Rage" - it seemed to take Bob a little while to get the feel
of this song, but when he did the song took off nicely. However, there
seemed to be increased crowd activity at this point - more people were
leaving their seats, getting drinks, making pit stops, etc. - maybe because
they didn't know the song?
Bob then introduced the band with brief remarks (such as, "On guitar
is Larry Campbell, he's from New York City"), then eased into an actual
song intro:
"This next song was written right here in New York City, a little while
ago" (I immediately scribbled the words down, so I think I have it right).
What could it be?? I was expecting "Positively Fourth Street," but instead
it was ---
"Leopardskin Pillbox Hat" - a good frolicking number and the crowd got
to its feet and rocked till the end. And then they left the stage! Wait a
minute - we seem to be one song short here. Hmmmm. There was a longer break
than usual, then they returned and from the first note I knew the song was
---
"Like a Rolling Stone" - A predictable version, a lot of fun, and the
crowd joined in on all the "How does it feel" choruses - though they didn't
attempt to sing the entire song as the Holmdel crowd did. The place was
rockin' - I think the crowd was waiting for this one.
"Forever Young" was another crowd favorite (the couple in front of us
loved it and stood and swayed through the whole song, so we, too had to
stand in order to see Bob). Bob sang it beautifully - his voice was still
strong and clear. I didn't notice that he messed up some of the lines.
"Love Sick" was very, very good. A better song live than on the album,
though the guitars seemed a bit too loud on this one. It was well received
by the TOOM-loving fans. I then half-expected Van Morrison to appear and
sing something with Bob, but ---
"Rainy Day Women" kicked in, the crowd went wild, Bob was laughing and
dipping, and then the lights came on and they were gone.
It seemed like a fast concert and not just because it was one song
short of the usual 16. Bob might have felt a little rushed, knowing that
Van Morrison had a full show yet to do. But it was a very good, satisfying
show. Bob was in good form and in good voice.
The buzz in the men's room between shows included these comments:
"He's still great!"
"I was hoping he'd do "Highlands""
"It took me a while to get used to his voice."
"What a show!!"
After that, the Van Morrison concert was a bit anti-climatic, but he
did a very good show - a rich combination of rock, blues, and jazz. He,
too, was in very good voice, and in good humor. He interrupted many of the
songs with asides, or comments to members of his band. He did a joke about
the Rolling Stones (something like, "upstairs they're singing about getting
no satisfaction, but down here we've GOT satisfaction!") He had a fairly
large ensemble with him, including an excellent back-up singer and several
horns. A good, stirring sound. My favorite number was a bluesy rendition of
a Sam Cooke song, "A Change Is Gonna Come," though I also enjoyed hearing
"Days Like This." I was waiting for Bob to appear near the end of Van's
show, but he didn't. Stasia and I were unable to see a set list for
Friday's show, so we didn't know if they had sung together or not - or even
what the order of the shows was.
We had parked (expensively) right near the Garden, so we got out of
the city pretty quickly. Van's show ended around 11:30, and we were back in
Lancaster by 3:00 (a.m.!). A long day, but definitely worth all the effort.
This was my fifth Dylan concert and possibly the best so far - though I
still have powerful memories of a show I was lucky enough to see two years
ago at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, Bob and Patti Smith on the
"Paradise Lost" tour.
Subject: New York City, NY, 17 January 1998 - a review
From: Carsten Wohlfeld (happyjaq@confetti.ruhr.de)
Date: 28 Jan 1998 21:09:00 +0100
Bob Dylan
New York, NY, 17 January 1998
Madison Square Garden - The Paramount Theater
A Review by Carsten Wohlfeld
Second night meant Bob's on first and so we had to take our seats early to
make sure not to miss the 7.45pm announcement.... "Ladies and gentlemen,
would you please welcome... Columbia Recording Artist - BOB DYLAN!"
Absolutely Sweet Marie
Kicked off the porceedings once more. Another high-engergy start, this
time with the crowd going nuts and dancing in the aisles right from the
start. Bob was dancing, too and his singing was once more beautiful. Bob
had to laugh out loud during one of the verses. No clue why though.
Senor (Tales Of Yankee Power)
Awesome version of one of my all-time Dylan favourites. For the first time
in quite a while they played it at the right speed - pretty slow, that is.
A gorgeous version that came close to the show-stopping 12 July 95
performance in Dortmund.
Can't Wait
A bit of a surprise (first time ever that "Cold Irons Bound" wasn't played
since it first appeared in the set in October) but a very welcome one.
This one's more of a crowd-mover anyways.
Not Dark Yet
Not as good as last night's try. Bob didn't exactly *sing* the first
verses but turned the song into a semi-spoken-word performance instead.
Silvio
As good as it is live, this version sounded flat and tired compared to the
previous ones.
Tomorrow Is A Long Time (acoustic)
If I hadn't heard the song a couple of days ago in New London already, I
probably would've dropped down dead :-) This time the crowd immediately
recognized this relatively unknown gem during which Larry sang some very
nice backing vocals again. And this time you could hear him much better
than in New London.
The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll (acoustic)
If I wasn't such a nice guy, the person next to me would have a very loud
"OH MY GODDDDDDDD!" on his DAT now. This was the song (apart from "Not
dark Yet") that I wanted to hear more than anything else and to be treated
to such a perfect version of it was almost too much. Good to see that
David didn't play much drums at all on this one, he only started after the
last verse, which made for a very nice ending indeed. I didn't come so
close to crying at a Bob show in years...
Tangled Up In Blue (acoustic)
Bob had to struggle with the lyrics again and once more put a half-
remember "topless" verse in the space where normally the second verse
belongs. Messed it up three times in a row now! He made up for it with
some verry nice phrasings throughout the song though.
Million Miles
Still perfectly played and a definite highlight if you like the song.
Tears Of Rage
Another song you normally don't expect to hear twice in the space of four
days. I can hardly believe that I'm really going to write this, but the
awesome version coming out of the speakers of my stereo right now was not
as good as the New London rendition! Maybe I'm just biased cause the
audience reaction in NYC wasn't half as enthusiastic as in CT.
Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat
The band intros prior to this song included the "Bluefield" joke again.
Bob told us that Larry's "right here from New York City" and that the next
song was written hear just a short while ago (um, 31 years actually!!!).
"Pillbox" rocked hard, but didn't go down nearly as well as "Highway 61".
(encore)
Like A Rolling Stone
Standard version with nice phrasing here and there. Got better vocal-wise
closer to the end and was in general much better than last night's.
Forever Young (acoustic)
Even though I was pleased to get to hear this song live at long last, I
have to admit that it was by far the worst song of the night. Bob's voice
was all shot (and he didn't sing in tune with Bucky and Larry on the
chorus), he messed up the lyrics and his guitar solo at the end was
totally unconnected to the song. Sadie told me later that the solo itself
was fine, it just didn't fit in with the song, but that didn't help much.
This tune is - along with "Memphis Blues Again" - almost too perfect on
the album already to really improve on it live.
Lovesick
Once again a nice version. I liked the singing better than the night#s
before, even though the "TOOM" songs generally sound too alike too comment
much on them anyways.
Rainy Day Women Nos. 12 & 35
Usual goofyness.
I left as soon as Bob's set was over. Even though I really like Van
Morrison I wouldn't have wanted to see another show after Bob's.
Apparently it was Van's best night of the whole mini-tour, though, that
featured a show-stopping version of "Summertime In England" (or so I'm
told).
Stay tuned for the next review: New York City 01/18/98. So long ... thanks
for reading.
--
carsten wohlfeld
"i'm caught in a trap and i can't get out cause i love you so much, baby!"
(elvis presley)
