Bob Dylan 2000.07.22 in Mansfield
Subject: Notes: Tweeter Center, July 22 From: Alex Lehmann alehmann@pop.together.net Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 13:01:27 -0500 Review: Tweeter Center, July 22, 2000 The parking lot scene was more subdued than it had been at Canandaigua; this probably had much to do with the police on bicycles patrolling the lot. I saw several joints and other paraphernalia confiscated, though I witnessed no arrests. They didnât seem to mind if you appeared of age (my wife and I are well beyond that) and kept your beverages in plastic cups rather than the bottles from which they originated. Regardless, the combination of Dead/Lesh fans and Dylan fans once again brought out the unique pre-show fun. The Tweeter Center was approximately three quarters filled by the end of Dylanâs opening number and remained that way for the duration. The lawn was packed and during the Dylan set a slow and appealing sunset occurred behind us in perfect view of the musicians, which may have helped provide the inspiration for the fine performance they once again delivered. Saturday nightâs show, particularly the electric set, was at times stellar and always far above average. The energy level was up from Wednesday nights performance (of course these types of observations are extremely subjective) and the performers appeared to be enjoying themselves. Dylan was as active and energetic throughout the show, strutting around, bending low, shaking his head and striking dramatic postures as he slowly pointed his guitar across the front rows in a rebellious arc. Notably, there was no harmonica playing last night, although the harmonica rested on the amp behind him. During ãDonât Think Twiceä my wife (by now a Dylan show veteran by association) and I both commented on how the guitar solo sounded very much like the harp solo has in previous performances of the song (if you can imagine what I mean). The band opened with ãDuncan and Brady,ä which I have never seen or heard. I enjoy these traditional covers (?) as openers, they have been tight and energetic songs featuring the harmonizing at which this band is marvelously adept. As was the case throughout last nightâs show, Dylanâs vocal delivery was clear and I was able to follow the lyrics to less familiar songs with ease. ãSong to Woodyä was terrific. I donât know what else to say (we had a looong drive home last night, but this gets us very close to Saratoga this evening...). While I am familiar with the song and have heard its recent incarnation on boot, I am not too familiar the lyrics. The clear delivery drew me in and blew me away. ãDesolation Rowä was once again outstanding. I only wish the fans had a longer attention span and allowed themselves to contemplate the tremendous lyrics of this song. The greatest work of poetry to ever appear in music. In my Canandaigua review (which embarrassed me when I just read it) I provided am unsolicited opinion of those who talk during the performance (Be Quite!). Last night there was a distracting amount of the ãSit Downä syndrome going on around us. Unsolicited Opinion 2) This is a Rock and Roll show, not a living room. Relax in a recliner in front of your television at home, loosen up at shows. Fine, if everyone is sitting, but if rows of people are standing, then it becomes necessary to stand up in order to see, and fun! A redundant question: Which would the performers prefer, an enthusiastic crowd on their feet in appreciation of the performance, or seated individuals shouting ãSit Downä? ãFrankie Lee and Judas Priestä was well performed once again and, as opposed to Weds. nightâs show, tonight I could really follow the lyrical content. I had to stand up in order not to hear the sitting folks behind me who would not stop talking (Iâm really not as bitter as I sound here...) Other high points: The entire electric set, especially: ãBallad of a Thin Man.ä Hadnât heard it live in a while. Once again, a clear and wonderful delivery. ãCrash On the Levee (Down In the Flood)ä was a surprise and an inspired, hard rocking new arrangement. ãTears of Rageä is one of my favorite Dylan songs. With the original arrangement by Richard Manuel evolved but recognizably in tact it was a tremendous performance. Terrific harmonizing during the chorus. The new arrangement of ãCold Irons Boundä was impossible not to boogie to. Iâm no dancer, but who cares! Thatâll have to be it for now. No time to proof read, so this will have to do. Weâre off to Saratoga, the sight of my first Dylan show in the summer of Î86! Enjoy!
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 02:08:59 -0400 From: David Godlis god66@inch.com To: karlerik@monet.no Subject: Mansfield MA 7/22 Tweeter Center, Mansfield Mass: Just some quick notes 24hrsafter. This was a great set. Dylan at the top of his game from start to finish. Good sound system. Beautiful outdoor arena weather (it had rained steadily the night before). No harmonica, but a very good song selection. The first five songs were like a car running down the road building up to full speed. Just perfect. Duncan & Brady, Song to Woody in the 2 slot, then a DEAD ON Desolation Row ("you better hurry up and leave" ,"DesolatioiNNNNNROWWW"), and then "Frankie Lee & Judas Priest ("have it any way you want, I'll see you after a while", "it's not a house at all, it's a home", "....SAIIIID ETERNITY"), ending up with a beautiful Tangled. This was a very fun audience, and by this time the deadheads were dancing up and around the aisles. Searching for a Soldier's Grave was beautifully subdued, and then Country Pie - this one makes the Nashville Skyline version seem unplugged. Very similar with Crisp with beautiful guitar work all around. Why hasn't he done this before this year like this??? Thin Man was next with this intro: "here's a song I wrote a while ago about some over the hill rock critic". He was clearly having a good time. There was a long steel pedal solo(Larry), followed by Charlie, followed by Bob. Then a break in the action. And into the Basement Tapes segment of the show. Down in the Flood was the pleasant surprise, but Tears of Rage was just superb, with the echo-like backing vocals in the chorus by Larry & Charlie. Bob would choose whether to come in ahead of or behind them, or sometimes right with them. This was mesmerizing, and Band like. Then to end the set on a very LOUD note - Cold IRons Bound. The usual soft start, but a very differently syncopated and top volume level performance ("cold irons BOUNNNNND. With the stage lights turned up high the energy level was very high by this point. And then another loud guitar version of Leopard Skin to end the main set, with plenty of attention paid to the vocals. The encore choices were right in line with the past weeks. Things Have Changed very well done. But Rolling Stone for me was really the most interesting part of the encore. Bob started off with a very subdued rendering of the first two verses, andthen went into an instrumental break that played right through the chorus. It was during this break that Bob seemed to become interested in the song again, and so it was no surprise that he came back with a spectacular vocal on the last verse - every word right through "no secrets to conceal". I don't know if he plays that instrumental break every night, but it sure worked him up here. Especially given there were no harmonica breaks all night. Don't think Twice was more spoken word than sung. Hiway 61 was like Cold Irons, LOUD and great. Then a very beautiful Blowin' followed by the very impressive Formation. It really is a master piece of showmanship, that serves the purpose of leaving the crowd unexpectedly breathless - Take a look at us, Take a look at yourselves, and Good Night. Summertime and the livin' is easy. Who could ask for anything more? David Godlis god66@inch.com