Through The Years LIVE Vol. 3

I always enjoy footage of '81 - its kind of a last gasp of youthful innocence blowing through a carnival soundscape. When I saw Dylan in '80 I raged against the 'new music' and preaching. Now I just marvel. Oh, but I was so much older then...there is a big jump to '84. Dylan's appearance and music are both noticably consolidated. It is a treat to hear Mick Taylor's regal sugar and salt guitar spicing up License to kill.
We watch Ballad of a thin man being performed in '86 and, although it is a strong performance, the year is not my favorite. There is a certain self consciousness as Dylan seems to be searching for how he fits in to those times which are a changing. Chimes of Freedom peel in '87 with the help of Roger McGuinn, whose reverent performance helps make this one of the jewels of the disc.
Hard Rain is this dvd's entry into the NET, and it is a majestic tour de force. It goes without saying, as I write this in real time, that the cuts on this collection are almost uniformly of great sound quality and wonderful visuals. It is only the slightest detraction to note that, since this is an arbitrarily compiled collection it does not offer a cohesive look at the man or his art. Rather we get an overview, which I most enjoy watching in chronological order. Somethin' 'bout watchin' ol' Bobby tumble through the sands of time...
It's All Over...features another rock solid performance, this one spear headed by some gorgeous acoustic work from GE and Bob. I am not a big fan of the '91 band, or this particular version of Watchtower. The lead guitarists masturbatory antics are neither appealing in their own right or in the context of the fact that he is there backing the inimitable Bobby D. Oh the contradistinction between that and next year's loving performance of Boots. The sound is a bit muddy, but the song rings crystal clear and true. Little Moses sometimes leaves the eyes a bit dizzy, but what a feast for the ears. Definitely a hidden gem amongst the nuggets of gold and silver.
The blues laces TUIB, while not my favorite incarnation, is a fun filled frolic that features some great guitar lead from Dylan himself. The '94 band really work this one out - it's nice to see the renaissance that has taken place since those darker days on the road about three years ago. I'll be your baby tonight is a half blues drenched half country club piece that features a guitarless Dylan probing the inner space of his musical soul. He stumbles upon some wonderful harp along the way. That Bob can keep soloing in '96 while dozens kiss and otherwise jostle him is shear genius, not to mention a truckload of faith in the human race. Cocaine Blues is stately - definitely worth seeing. I'm not supposed to care reminded me of Whiter Shade of Pale. Not Fade away is a raucous, rollicking romp that features a Bob Dylan having an awful lot of fun - a great ride. I could have done without Highway 61 in this set, but Mississippi is priceless - incredible video quality. Summer Days has a real ballroom feel, a little love and theft on the way to modern times. Nice two view video - blurring the line between proshot and amateur. The stunning video continues with My Back Pages, wherin a full, stately performance is graciously rendered.
2004 sees Bob behind the keyboard and Down Along the Cove where we are treated to a raucous, if not slightly vamped rendition of this late sixties gem. We close with It's Alright, Ma and, yes, it really is. I wanted to give this DVD less than five stars, but it is just too damn good. Thanks to everyone's efforts in getting this out, and to Tiny for getting this to me, and to Bob Dylan, who is busy being born...

It's high time to break the review ice on this one, but it's not easy and i'm sure i'm not the first to think to myself: "What can one really say?" in contemplation of posting a review. still, here it goes:

A new edition of TTY Live is known to induce a similar sort of excitement that a newly scheduled NET stop in my area might. Of course, in the case of TTY Live I have my choice of seat and I'm sure to witness Bob at the peak of his game.

All video, audio, authoring are all of the highest grade. I love the shuffle option, and recommend giving it a try. Especially exciting are the tracks which have not been released with upgraded audio previously.

Favorites? Bob's false start on Ballad of a Thin Man from Philly 86 leads to one firey delivery once he gets there. Bologna 05 'Its Alright Ma' never fails to amaze me. Similarly, 'Little Moses' from Bern 93 features facinating footage of Dylan's facial expressions as he delivers a prime performance. I could go on, but i'll leave the rest of the review to you all, for:

Without doubt, no Dvdylan collection is complete without this gem.

Thanks to all tapers and filmers everywhere, thanks to Vygi for this DVD and everything else you do for us all, and especially: Thanks Always to Bob Dylan!