Bob Dylan Center Stage: 2008 - 2012

 

Bob Dylan
Center Stage: 2008 - 2012

GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY: 11-21-08
SHOOTING STAR : 10-13-09
THINGS HAVE CHANGED: 07-30-11
EVERY GRAIN OF SAND: 03-19-10
JOHN BROWN: 10-09-12
THIS DREAM OF YOU: 10-15-09
CAN'T WAIT: 06-15-10
THE MAN IN ME: 06-12-10
BEYOND HERE LIES NOTHING: 10-13-09
FORGETFUL HEART: 06-20-11
COLD IRONS BOUND: 11-11-09
I DREAMED I SAW SAINT AUGUSTINE: 06-11-11
THIS WHEEL'S ON FIRE: 03-16-10
NOT DARK YET: 06-12-10
BALLAD OF A THIN MAN: 07-06-12

This release consist of center stage performances by Bob Dylan from Autumn 2008 to Autumn 2012. Though this style of performing would continue past that point, it was especially novel and unique during these years. You won't catch the onstage visual idiosyncrasies that increased the concert-goer's delight, but I think the sound of these tracks provide enough of a picture.

I don't think it unfair to note that the singer is especially in control during these performances when he is able to focus entirely on his primary instrument - the voice. Though Dylan's quite growly at this point, nowhere moreso than the opening song, he communicates both power and vulnerability through the phrasing. From the smoking condemnation of "John Brown" to the reverie of "This Dream Of You," this release runs the spectrum of themes and poetry. Those of us who enjoy Bob Dylan's gospel side will appreciate "Gotta Serve Seombody," "Every Grain of Sand," and a particularly moving "I Dreamed I Saw Saint Augustine," its only airing since 2005. Those who enjoy his bluesier, raunchier side will enjoy the dark heat of "Things Have Changed," "Can't Wait," "Beyond Here Lies Nothing," (with trumpet!) "Cold Irons Bound" and "This Wheel's On Fire." Those who enjoy his introspective pieces will no doubt be moved by "Forgetful Heart" and "Not Dark Yet." Those who are just looking for a good time will get a kick out of this delightful, airy performance of "The Man In Me."

Perhaps most notable to me is the texture of the vocals and harmonica. I'm not a technician, but I suspect a new set of equipment was in use from 2008 to 2012, since their is an almost metallic tone to the vocals and harmonica in the opening song and a handful of others - listen to the way "alive with fiery breath" sounds in "Saint Augustine." There's a strange aura to the recordigns that only serves to reinforce the notion that you've stepped through to another world.

Along those lines, I believe that this collection is one of the more coherent documents in the series. The songs share a sensibility, and a common aural environment, without sounding too similar. I hope you find the same to be true.

Enjoy,
CS

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