London/Wembley (16-Oct-87)

EMPIRE DYLANESQUE

Just watched this last night.
GENERAL COMMENTS: Overall, a very enjoyable and passionate performance by Bob.
VIDEO FOOTAGE: After a shaky start with a few members of the audience getting in the way of our view of the stage, our taper settles into a very steady left-of-stage, slightly distant taping of a nice show. For most of the show we have a pretty steady and reasonably clear view of Dylan, Petty, the backup singers and a few of the other musicians.
PERFORMANCE: This is yet another example of Dylan starting off just ok (warming up) but the performance gets hotter and builds up a wonderful momentum as the setlist progresses.
BREAKDOWN OF SONGS PERFORMED:
Like A Rolling Stone: Not bad. Not sure if this is the opening or just where the tape starts......
Maggie's Farm: Interesting version but seems like Mr. D. is just going through the motions a bit here - lacks a bit of feeling and conviction.
Forever Young: Very nice!
Seeing The Real You At Last: Now it's starting to cook!
Shelter From The Storm: Good but nothing to write home about.
I Shall Be Released: Absolutely amazing vocal performance - seriously one of the best versions I have ever heard of this song!
When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky: Very good. The backup singers perform really well here.
Emotionally Yours: Hauntingly-faithful rendition. Compare this one with the one recorded on Empire Burlesque.
Dead Man, Dead Man: Personal favourite, this one (as usual) rocks.
To Ramona: Another gem. Beautifully subdued and understated version. This song alone merits obtaining this DVD.
Tomorrow Is A Long Time: Very nice but not the best version I have heard.
Gotta Serve Somebody: Very different version from the original. One of those typical examples of a version of a dylan song you may hate at first but grow to love later.
Chimes Of Freedom: Very nice version, sung with....is that McGuinn from the Byrds? Wow, he has a good voice too! and his voice goes really with Dylan's.
Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35: Great closing song. Some absolutely raucous, rocking lap guitar work on this one. Notice Tom Petty's nice work on the bass during this song.
THANKS OWING TO: napbon
VERDICT: As mentioned above, this DVD is worth getting for the great versions of "To Ramona" and "I shall be released" alone. Have not heard/seen the non-sound upgrade so can not comment on how better the audio is here but I can say that it's better than average, bordering on very good. This DVD is worth viewing at least once.