DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 2

Date:    Wed, 12 Jul 1995 11:17:57 +0500
From:    xyx  
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 2

Greetings,
   Thanks for the feedback so far on vol 1, all of which has been positive.
Before continuing with the other "new" releases, I thought it would
be a good idea to recap (& rank) the 95 shows released thus far in order to
give you an idea what's available and perhaps help in deciding which to
spend your money on. The following are ranked in terms of sound quality,
we are assuming the performances are all good (right?), just a matter of
how good: very good, ridiculously good or sublime. So, "I'm gonna start my
pickin' right now":

RECOMMENDED TITLES (NO FEAR):

1) "A MILLION FACES AT MY FEET" 2CD  3/23/ Brussels + filler
   Soundwise, the best released so far from '95 and ranking up there with
the best of any tour in terms of audience recordings. Punchy, well balanced,
upfront vocals & instruments. Could have been a masterpiece had the filler
included trax from the two weeks prior as opposed to '94. Standard set list
from the first two weeks with the exception of "Queen Jane."

2) "BRIXTON BLUES"  2CD  3/31 complete
    Killer sound, a tad less smooth and not as "gentle" as above but well
above average nonetheless. Perhaps recorded a smidgen high but that's better
than the reverse. Not to complain, though and a killer set list with a lovely
acoustic set of MRTMan, Hattie & Baby Blue elevating the show to masterpiece
proportions.

3) "ONE HAND WAVING FREE" 2CD  Birmingham 4/2 + filler 3/26 & 4/3
    Another essential sounding disk, "full and warm with clear vocals and
distinct backing" (from Mr. Townsend).  Noteworthy renditions of Tears of
Rage, Tom Thumbs, D Row included in a revamped set list with killer bonus
trax in
even better quality from Brighton & Manchester. Let's hope those come out
also, as the quality ranks with the best around.

4) "SKIPPING REELS OF RHYME"  2CD  London Brixton Academy  3/30 + filler 3/29
    Although the quality is not up to the standards of the above 3, I still
consider it very, very good, though a bit short of excellent. The incredible
performance & show makes up for it as Every Grain, 4th Street, & Jokerman
all make an appearance & the acoustic set is particularly pleasing.

5) "SONGS OF DARKNESS, SONGS OF LIGHT"  Manchester 4/5 + filler 4/4 (7) 
    After a shaky start, recording quality rounds into shape to become
very, very good, and even excellent with a little bit of EQ'ing to lessen
the bassy feel of the instruments. Dylan's vocals sound a tad harsh but
are right up front, "bright & punchy" (Mr. Townsend) and it does not detract
at all. Filler trax are a bit of a disappointment quality-wise, only because
they don't match the quality of the tapes or the filler from #3 above from
4/3 Manchester. A great selection, though, to round out the set.


THESE HAVE SOME PROBLEMS, MAY WANT TO AVOID:

6) "12/- A POUND"  2CD  3/11/ Prague + filler 3/12 Prague
    A fine performance is hindered by the very obtrusive crowd noise, which
is very loud, while the music is relegated somewhat to the background. Not
at all bad, just not up to snuff when compared to others. When things are
quiet it is an enjoyable disk, particularly an incredibly slow and "worldly"
"Shelter From the Storm"

7) "ROMANTIC FACTS OF MUSKETEERS" 2CD   3/31/ Brixton London + filler 3/29
    Unless you are a completist and want the 5 trax from 3/29 (which are
OK but not great), go with the "Brixton Blues."  The sound on this disk
in no way compares.

8) "WITH ONE HAND WAVING FREE"  2CD  Utrecht 3/20 + filler (9) 3/16-23
    Another OK disk soundwise but just does not stack up with the top 5.
Sound is not as upfront and music just not as punchy. Good selection of
filler trax helps relegate this disk from run 'o the mill to not bad at all,
though if you are choosy, go with "A Million Faces" as a document of the
first 2 weeks of March.

RUMORED TITLES: Vienna '94 soundboard, Completely Unplugged 2CD, 1978
  tour rehearsals. Also two more from 3/30 & 3/31 Brixton called "FU*K THE
  PLAYLIST" and "BOBS FULL HOUSE," although the outfit that made these
  was apparently raided and these may not be readily available. NO matter,
  as they are out already.

         Feel free to flame, praise, criticize or complain.

                                                           Ciao - xyx

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