Bob Dylan 991102 in East Lansing, Michigan
Subject: michigan 11/2/99 Review From: Shawn PulverDate: 3 Nov 1999 14:29:29 -0800 Michigan State University November 2, 1999 I arrived at the Breslin Center around 6.30pm. A very nice venue, which actually seemed very cozy for a basketball arena. Phil came on right after seven and played Terapin Station, I believe, and a bunch of other songs I didn't recognize. The whole set was enjoyable, but not exactly my cup of tea. Some of the songs seemed to go on for a half an hour at a time. The set was over around 8:40pm and Bob took to the stage just after nine. I am the Man Thomas Fun song to open with - never heard it live before. I was directly in front of the stage (security was very nice) and the sound was not very clear for the opening tune. It was very short, but enjoyable. The sound improved dramatically for: Back Pages Larry on Violin, which was a treat. Bob's vocals very high in the mix. Even though I've heard this song many times live, it just never seems to sound old. Bob's phrasing was great and he seemed to be having a good time. The harp solo that closed was one for the ages - it just seemed to go on forever. Masters of War I must admit I was dissapointed with hearing Masters again. However, it was a strong performance and had kind of a weird new intro from Larry. I almost didn't recognize it at first. Don't Think Twice Another slightly dissapointing choice, but once again his performance was so good that I didn't care. It seemed to explode in the last verse and the whole crowd, which was pretty animated, seemed to love it. The song concluded with another great harp solo. Tangled After the show I got a cue sheet and realized that Hard Rain was in this slot, not Tangled. Although I would have prefered Hard Rain, and was even screaming at Bob to play it without even realizing it was on the cue sheet, the performance was still strong. It seemed a little more laid back than usual, Bob having no trouble spitting out the words in sync with the band (sometimes it seems he has trouble keeping up to pace with the band). Another outstanding harp solo concluded the acoustic set in fine fashion. Maggies Farm Nice change from Watchtower. Same arrangement that he played this summer. Fun, but not exactly an adventerous choice. It was the next performance that totally made my night. Positively Fourth Street Now I've heard this song on hundreds of tapes and Cd's and numerous times in person. Other than maybe the Berlin '96 performance, this was as good as it gets. Slow and almost spoken, with Larry on steel, it is hard to describe how good it was. Get a tape, that is all I can say. Can't Wait A nice change in this spot. He hasn't really played it in a while and it seemed like a slightly new arrangement. Larry was playing some cool licks and the whole performance seemed laid back and casual. Just Like A women Another good performance of a song that might have seen better days vocal wise. A major shakeup in this spot could help (ie Born in Time, Shelter, Trying to get to Heaven, to name a few). Larry was playing some beautiful steel as well. Band intros followed. "On the Bass guitar tonight.....me. No, I'm just kidding, that is Tony Garnier." Highway 61 The usual hysteria. Crowd was nuts and Bob was doing some of his classic Elvis moves. Encores: Lovesick Sounded great. Bob threw in a new line at the end (he either forgot a line or made it up on the spot, not too sure)I think that the song could use a bit of a rest, however. RDW Bob was playing to the crowd by this point and loved the reaction that the song recieved. The whole band was having fun by this point. Rolling Stone Larry had put on his acoustic and Bob decided to add an extra electric encore (I guess he was having a good time). Another crowd pleaser and always good to hear. Blowing in the Wind Very nice phrasing, and as good of a version as I've heard in either on tape or live in a while. Not Fade Away He couldn't resist another great crowd reaction. The fans, many there just to see Lesh, couldn't have gone home any happier. The verdict: a great show, despite not exactly the worlds greatest set-list. It seems that Bob is working off the crowd and wants to play what he thinks will get the best reaction. I am not complaing, since I am always happy to see Bob, regardless what he plays. I think that things could improve set-list wise as the tour progresses as Bob becomes more comfortable. All in all, I came home a pretty happy camper. Thanks for reading, Shawn.