I've always loved Empire Burlesque, and I've played it nearly every day over the past week or so. I've never understood the complaints about the production; the pre-Arthur Baker mixes don't sound that different, and the drum sound on Infidels is much worse than anything on Empire Burlesque, imo. But then, I'm a huge fan of 80s synth-pop... Like you, Dark Eyes is the one track on the album I can do without. It makes for a nice conclusion, but I would never want to listen to it on its own. Emotionally Yours might be the most beautiful song that Bob ever wrote, melodically speaking.
And so you should. It is a strong set of songs, beautifully produced. But you know how it is with Bob fans: some are never satisfied.
John Wesley Harding from the mono cd box. One of the albums I'm less familiar with. Seems like it has a couple of different vibes going on.
One of my favorite Dylan tracks is Black Diamond Bay from Desire. What makes it so great is the present tense in the lyrics (dragging the listener into the scene) for all but the final verse, wherein Bob reveals the inspiration for the lyric in the past tense (credited to both Bob and Jacques Levy, for the record). Having been immersed in the situation, we are reminded that this is a fictional interpretation of an event that did indeed happen. Simultaneously a novel and an unauthorized biography, as it were. Great playing by all musicians involved, especially Scarlet Rivera on violin.
I listened to this on his recent birthday, and am happy to hear it again! Makes me want to hit the road.
In snail mail today. Original 1985 5 NM STERLING stamped all 10 sides lps. Booklet and original sleeves in beautiful condition. Spinning now!
Incredibly underrated. Bob not only keeps a story on track throughout, but nimbly manuvers through a tricky vocal with a great melody. Yeah, that last verse is remarkable. Rob Stoner and Howie Wyeth were the best rhythm section he ever worked with imo good story about 8:00 in
Feels like we're in the middle of this at the moment . . . the apocalyptic landscape of Masked & Anonymous:
So so much better than the original Bootleg Series disc, even if some of the dialogue is missing. I can listen all the way through without reaching for the off switch. What a performance, and what contrast to what is just around the corner for Dylan.
