New York, NY (12-Aug-03)

Out-freakin'-standing! I only have a handful of DVDs, but I've seen my share of VCDs and VHS tapes and this is the best non-proshot video I've seen. The camera is close on Dylan, but scans the rest of the band very well. The audio is great, the lighting is nice. I have nothing but good things to say about this whole disc. Brilliant plus something.

We all can thank the unknown (?) taper to have made such overall splendid recordings of these three NYC shows in summer 03. Here we have the first one on which Nils Lofgren makes a terrific guest appearance and adds an own flavour to the band´s sound (he plays Dylan´s guitar from 2001, by the way, the one that has his name engraved on the fretboard). The position of the camera is more or less the same on all three shows, it´s placed on a balcony on left side of the stage so that Dylan is seen in profile throughout. The camera work isn´t as precise and inspired as on the second show (13th August) since it pans around the stage a bit too much (for my taste anyway) and focusses sometimes on the wrong guy when a solo is played. But these are minor objections, the overall impression is a very good one. Starting with a powerful "Silvio" (effective, slightly altered arrangement), Dylan and his four gunmen (+ Lofgren) establish a very high level they never fall below, delivering a manic "Things Have Changed", a hilarious and wonderfully blues-rocking "Watching the River Flow" and one monster of "Highway 61" that sees everyone in full force and inspiration. A great document of a memorable stint at the Hammersmith Ballroom. Highly recommended.