Bob Dylan At Budokan (live album) by Bob Dylan

This is probably the most important album in my collection as it was the one that got me into Dylan way back in the early 1980's. I fell in love with it straight away, which gave me routes into so many other Dylan albums and also other artists that have covered Dylan. Still an absolute favourite after all these years.

Dylan goes for a big band sound. It's actually very enjoyable and although you certainly wouldn't want these songs done like this too often, I can't help but find this album a lot of fun. In fact, some of It is quite beautiful.

Not even close to my favorite Dylan record. I agree with the previous commentator, some interesting takes on classic material. Should have been a single disc.

From Mercury 03/02/2014 20:20

2 March 2014

The instrumentation is clean. Sax solos! Background vocals! A flute! Congas! Horn section! Big brass licks! This is damn clean fun. Somehow the presentation of all these classic songs in this way removes nearly all the emotion and beauty of the songs. Sometimes the songs feel totally lifeless, like Dylan is just going through the motions but in a "new" way.

The above is my perception of the lows here. There are things that are admirable about this album: Dylan is clearly going for a new sound. And he just jumps right in and goes for it. The band is actually pretty skilled. It sounds like a well drilled show. I like the reggae vibe of "Don't Think Twice It's Alright" The guitarist, Billy Cross, is pretty hot throughout the album. The version of "Maggie's Farm" is actually quite good and rockin'! The version of "Like A Rolling Stone" is, while being almost insanely predictable, quite good and fresh in a way. A crowd pleaser if there ever was one! And then the tender, harmony heavy and organ-rich version of "I Shall Be Released" is also surprisingly effective and captivating. And "All Along The Watchtower" features some great violin work. "All I Really Want To Do" is also really fun. Those are the slight good points.

As a whole this record is hampered by clear attempts at dancey and slightly disco inspired pop and big, wannabe Springsteen rawk.

All in all, this is terribly inconsistent record. About half of it not very good at all. The rest is at best quite good, but mostly kind of alright. Nothing approaching greatness here. Not really my cup of tea.

Grade: 58/100