Bob Dylan: Live In Toronto
Jul 28 '00
Bob Dylan tours incessantly. How does he do it without burning out? By mixing up his set list and constantly re-inventing and re-arranging his songs. You might show up and catch a full-out electric version of a song originally recorded as an acoustic ballad, or perhaps hear "Forever Young" done as a waltz, or perhaps as a polka. Rabid Dylanophiles might walk out of a show raving about how flawless it was, but then again, they'd probably give a standing ovation to him reading his laundry list to the tune of "Do You Know The Way To San Jose?". The truth is that there's usually some good, some bad, and some undecided in any Dylan show, and Bob's July 18th Toronto outing was no exception.
The show opened with an acoustic set featuring "Duncan And Brady", "Song To Woody" and the crowd favourites "Desolation Row" and "Tangled Up In Blue". Bob and his band took the opportunity to subtly colour the songs with bluegrass rhythms and pedal steel ornamentation. After six acoustic numbers, the crowd and the band were both nicely warmed up, and Bob went electric. His "plugged" set started with "Country Pie" and "Lay Lady Lay", which featured some slick country-style guitar work courtesy of Larry Campbell and Charlie Sexton (yes, that Charlie Sexton). "Gotta Serve Somebody" was retro-fitted with new lyrics featuring Cher and Madonna, and received a rabid audience response. After a sizzling "Drifter's Escape" and "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat", the band stood absolutely still for about 30 seconds of applause, then left the stage. The did return, and played one of the best songs that Bob has come up with in recent history, "Things Have Changed", which was featured on the Wonder Boys soundtrack. It's a testament to the fact that the truths of the sixties may not be quite so valid today. The obligatory "Like A Rolling Stone" and "Highway 61" were played, and Bob ended the evening with "Blowin' In The Wind", featuring impressive some impressive band-provided harmonies.
I think Bob had a good time, but he rarely smiled or spoke to the audience. He raised his eyebrow a couple times, and almost smiled once, which I took as a good sign. The crowd left happy. My feelings were mixed, as usual. I was glad to hear so much from "Nashville Skyline" and some of his more obscure songs. I would have gladly traded "Highway 61" and "Tangled Up In Blue" for some lesser-played tunes, but this show certainly topped his previous two Toronto appearances. If you're a fan of Bob, I highly recommend seeing him.
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