Listening to Dylan in San Francisco 11/16 1979, it's a shame that some songs from Saved were so magnificent as they developed on stage, while the released versions seems toothless (if you've got that expression in English)
actually, I like the album versions...but Dylan live in '79/'80 was arguably his best live work...it was fun hearing those Saved songs (and a couple that didn't make the album) before the album was recorded or released....
currently listening to a fabulous Derek Trucks Band show from Berlin '05....man can that cat play....
I think about half of Saved are fantastic songs, but I never really understood them before hearing live shows from 79 and 80. So yes, Saved isn't as bad as most critics say, but it's hard to get into them...as they seem distant and lifeless at first. For instance What Can I Do For You; live versions are so full of life...but Saved version seem somewhat shy. THere's only 3 songs on Saved that I think work as they appear there.
Bob should have released that live album (the Toronto boot that was slated for released) instead of Saved. it's clear that by the time Bob hit the studio with these songs, he'd lost interest in them. I happen to think What Can I Do For You? and Pressing On are among his greatest songs ever.....
Those 2 songs....they're up there allright. I think the harmonica on this SF version of What Can I Do For You is the best harmonica-playing I've ever heard, too. That Solid Rock from the Toronto movie...that's a really wild moment.
Once again The Impressions Fool For You [www.content.loudeye.com] I'm deep deep down in ma heart grateful, that Sir ROCKMAN along with DOCTOR SATAN, that they introduced them to me...[www.amazon.com]
Me, I'm into the reggaefied Mamy Blue by Byron Lee & The Dragonaires & Reason To Believe w/ Marianne Faithfull (thanks to Rooster!) & of course the Stones gone country-snippets from Austin, TX...
I've just been listening through disc 2 of the In Exotic Honolulu bootleg. It's always funny with people yelling for Jumping Jack Flash during the concert...and then going wild when they play it. Have you guys hear the Rotterdam Tapes (the horrible one) from 73? There's some guys going ABSOLUTELY crazy there...when Stones start Star Star, one guy shouts "DUDUDU DU DU.."...like if he was the guitar. I also wondered, did Taylor and Richards turn the volume up during the last 2 songs in Honolulu, or is it just the guy who record, who's approaching the stage? It's really much louder near the end. Amazing boot!