Mtv Unplugged [Live]

 

 

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I'm not one to get too nostalgic and linger in the past because the present is much to exciting However every now and again I listen to some Dylan. There is something to be said for longevity. This outing from 1995 finds Dylan in a loose mood with a fine nasal vocal tone that ducks and peeks while his strong lyrics jab and punch your sensibilities leaving your brain feeling like silly putty. Created for the superlative accoustic MTV series, Dylan is right at home with his folksy pre-electric roots. His harmonica playing adds luster to the folksy sound. He displays an impassioned vocal range that you will either hate or love but you have to give him his props for his poignant songwritting. Actually he is singing on "Knockin on Heaven's Door"in a very uncharacteristic style that indicates he can actually carry a tune! More at home in his delivery of barely understandable slurring and distorting in his vocal phrasing is more the norm on this disc. This cat was the original white rapper sans urban beats. His poetical lyricism is superb. This collection of songs are timely some 35+ years later. Of particular interest is "John Brown" about the soldier who goes off to war and sees the enemy "whose face looks just like mine" and returns to see his mom after being wounded . In these days that finds our country once again at war the words, reality and horror of war are very relevant. "Desolation Row" is one of those classic Dylan songs that paints surreal imagery with words that still reads like a modern epic tour de force. There are several other songs from the excellent 1965 "Highway 61 Revisted" including the unofficial 60's anthem "Like a Rolling Stone" that begs the question "how does it feel to be without a home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone"? Further along in the song Dylan states, "You said you'd never compromise, with the mystery tramp, but now you realize he's not selling any alibis as you stare into the vacum of his eyes and ask do you want to make deal"? These lyrics might make baby boomers choke on their lattes and cause them to wreck their Lexus suv's now days as they reflect on their rebellious youth. Another "Highway 61" song is the mind blowing "Tombstone Blues" with which he opens the set as he makes reference to the everything from the "commander in chief, John the Baptist, Gaileo, MaRainey, Beethoven, Deliah and the Phiilistines." In these times of world trouble and tension, heightened by terrorism, Dylan's exploration of war is very timely today. He ends his song and set with the words"If God's on our side He'll stop the next war." Even though "The Times TheY Are A-Changin'" some concerns remain the the same. This is as important music today as it was originally in the 60's and when this 1995 MTV version was released. Buy it especially if you don't have any Dylan, it is a nice introduction to the poets music. Every song is a winner.

Man...this guy's been messing with our heads for 40 years.
Ya gotta love him!

I've seen Bob Dylan 3 times in concert, and only once did he give 100% The other two times, Bob barely played the harmonica...hurried through classic songs and cut verses out of the longer songs.

My point?

This brilliant poet/folkie and pot-head has been putting us on ever since he came along in the early 60's. When he feels like giving you his best, he gives it to you! But when he doesn't feel like giving you his best....he puts on the "too burnt out" act.

Bob knew that this was a concert for MTV and the critics, so he purposely just threw out a bunch of effortless numbers. He's Bob Dylan, and will always do what HE wants...not what others want.

Surprisingly...the critics loved this show. Bet ya Bob was shocked.

Still love ya, Bob!

This MTV Unplugged session provided a great musical setting for Dylan to bring out subtle new twists, interpretations, and life to some of his best material!

If you're a Dylan fan, you'll enjoy this recording!

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1.0 out of 5 stars unplug tha hoarse voice!
props to all yu Dylan fan-atiks! dylan is in tha house and it aint pretty. tha same guy who is sooo poplar in tha 60's jsut can't hold up in tha 90s whut with good charlotte and... Read more

Published on Jun 7 2004 by tupac wayne gacy

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece
What a great album! Bob Dylan proves once again that he is one of the best musicians of the 20th century. Read more

Published on Aug 22 2003 by Christoph Walter

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible perfomance--Dylan never sounded better
Dylan's more than deserving resurgence in recent years traces its birth back, in my opinion, to this incredible live performance. Read more

Published on Aug 11 2002 by Daniel Jolley

4.0 out of 5 stars Dylan Unplugged and Unstoppable
Bob Dylan has been known to purposefuly rush and slur his lyrics in live performances. Combine that with the toll time has taken on his voice, and some of his classic songs when... Read more

Published on Jun 11 2002 by S. Sroczynski

4.0 out of 5 stars A good well balanced set for all fans of Dylan
No matter if you are a hardcore Bob Dylan fan or a casual listener, everyone will find something they like on Bob Dylan's MTV unplugged performance. Read more

Published on April 3 2002 by Damon Navas-Howard

4.0 out of 5 stars very strong Live Set
this set captures one of America's Greatest Poet's doing His thing.He seems at ease&the words just flow non-stop here. Read more

Published on Sep 26 2001 by A customer

4.0 out of 5 stars Dylan going through the classics
For this reviewer, the point of buying a recent live concert of someone with a long career is to hear the jextaposition of old and new, stuff that your Dad has heard and stuff... Read more

Published on May 24 2001 by Omer Belsky

5.0 out of 5 stars Bar room country punk
Dylan live....can frustrate you and please you in the same breath. This is a classic. He rollics his way through old and new and brings a new fresh buzz to all the tunes. Read more

Published on Mar 14 2001 by Matthew Turner

5.0 out of 5 stars Unplugged and Loaded
The first thing anyone should consider when listening to a recent Dylan recording is yes, his voice has changed. Thirty plus years of singing have taken their toll on Bob. Read more

Published on Dec 31 2000 by choiceweb0pen0

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Introduction to Dylan
Dylan may have played them louder in the sixties, but the MTV Unplugged edition of Dylan's classics is just as meaningful and memorable as any. Read more

Published on Dec 8 2000 by Mike

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