House Of Blues

Personally I like this one.
Yes, Bob looks to be in a bad mood but...no! He actually smiles quite a bit. He even plays with the crowd, especially during Highway 61. Ah, to have been in the front row. It sounds good and looks good. If D342 House Of Blues, 2nd Evening Atlanta, 04-Aug-96 is supposed to be better, I can't wait to get myself a copy.

When I first came to dvdylan the House of Blues recording was high on my list of priorities - pro-shot footage,sbd quality audio, esssential in anyones's book surely? Well, no.The truth is though both sound and picture are good they are not great.The picture is a little fuzzy and sound too thin . Maybe one day a lower gen recording will circulate.

But even if that does happen it will still not compensate for this films major flaw, the actual peformance. Get this film ONLY if you want an example of the NET at its most workmanlike.The 2nd electric set in particular is pub rock hell. With 'Maggies..', 'Highway 61..' 'Alabama Getaway' oh and let's not forget(if only I could!) the shows closer, 'Rainy Day Women..' being virtually indistinguishable from one another. But even the lesser played numbers fail to convince.

Alhough 1996 is criticized by some Dylan fans,if you compare this to the Hyde Park footage the contrast is noticeable. I really like the Hydes Park footage. Dylan's vocals are alive in a way that simply isn't present at this gig.Even the much maligned 3-note guitar solos work,were as here they are simply the most unmusical thing you will ever here!!Ok the band is'nt the most inventive Dylan has ever had but still..maybe just an off night.
I suppose it's still a nice recording to have but it's not one I'll return to often, if at all! Approach with caution!