Search - Various Artists :: 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration

One Fine Tribute Set

Stephanie Sane | from the Asylum | 10/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really liked this double CD, found it worth every penny, would recommend it highly. There is some stuff on these two discs that is just simply too good to describe. Tracy Chapman's rendition of the "Times They are A-Changin'" shoots straight to your soul. Richie Havens version of "Just Like a Woman" gives the song a whole new dimension. Eric Clapton's two songs are eerie. Mr. D performs admirably on "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)," and surpasses himself on "Girl from the North Country." But the real outstanding song on this set is the version of "Absolutely Sweet Marie," performed by the late George Harrison.Reviewed by Stephanie SaneUnlike a lot of live compilation albums, this one really works. All I can say is that I think you should own it. Five Stars."

Good times...

Papoose | nujork | 09/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This concert, held back in October of '92, brought together a startling array of artists, whose presence alone was tribute to the musical significance of Bob Dylan. Thankfully, they all brought instruments with them, and somebody thought to record it. What we have here are some highlights of that show, which featured remarkably tight playing throughout. Some of the highlights are surprises, others quite expected: Willie Nelson gets the vibe of "What Was It You Wanted" just right, the Clancy Brothers do a glorious rendition of "When the Ship Comes In", and the O'Jays' (yes, the O'Jays) performance of "Emotionally Yours" is downright stunning. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a powerhouse, with Duck Dunn guesting on bass and a dual drum attack of Stan Lynch and Jim Keltner. Hearing The Band (well, 3/5 of it, anyway) give what was their first performance in ages was a treat. And Neil Young pretty well steals the show.





For all the highlights, there are a few things could have been better about this set. George Harrison's performance of "If Not For You" somehow didn't make it on here. The sound mix is decidedly bland throughout. Chrissy Hynde's guitar is completely buried on "I Shall Be Released", as are Garth Hudson and Richard Bell's accordians on "When I Paint My Masterpiece" (no wonder Neil Young insisted on mixing his tracks himself). The greatest indignity of all, though, is saved for Roger McGuinn, who sang ALL FOUR verses of "Mr. Tambourine Man" that night, not just the two that appear in this hacked-up version. The "Everybody" rendition of "Knockin' on Heavan's Door" is quite chaotic - despite the familiarity of the song, people seem to playing two different sets of chords. And, on a humorous but hardly surprising note, Bob's vocal on "My Back Pages" was redone later (I know - I still have the tape I made from the radio broadcast that night - plus, you can check the video, they don't show his mouth at all).





I think the Sinead O'Connor incident would have made a worthwhile inclusion as well, as a document of what the Woodstock generation are like now.





In any case, none of these drawbacks should keep you from buying and enjoying this set."

This is a Spectacular Album

T. Keogh | Madison, CT | 07/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is BIG. The headliners are legends, the playlist is awesome and the music is overwhelming. Maybe there's a song or artist that isn't your favorite but there is so much to like, it's a no risk deal.



Some of my favorite parts: Booker T and the MGs backed almost everyone - their set with Neil Young was as good as his best stuff with Crazy Horse, absolutely stratospheric. George Harrison was delightfully perfect. Don't Think Twice - Clapton IS God. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers turned Rainy Day Women into its own party. My Back Pages is one of the best songs I've ever heard on any album. Clapton, McGuinn, Petty, Young, Dylan and Harrison each sing a verse. Play it loud, it will give you goosebumps. This doesn't take away anything from Johnny Cash, Richie Havens, the O'Jays, Tommy Makem and The Clancy Brothers and everyone else but it would start to sound like I copied the liner notes to list everyone who makes this album a really special treat.



OK, what could have been better? The Band only made it onto the album for one song - that was good but I would have enjoyed more. They are The Band, after all (or at least most of them..). And yeah - Stevie Wonder got a little preachy but he still played great. I've always liked live albums and this is one of the best I've found."