I neglected to mention something to you guys.

I've never been to a concert before.

No, not just a Bob concert. This is both my first Bob concert and my first concert ever. Talk about firsts?!

Anyway, when I wrote this, my memories were drying up very quickly so I don't talk about the whole concert. But I can't do much about it so whatever

Setlist:


Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Things Have Changed
Tangled Up In Blue
Beyond Here Lies Nothing
Mississippi
Summer Days
Trying to get to Heaven
High Water (for Charlie Patton)
Simple Twist of Fate
Highway 61
Blind Willie McTell
Thunder on the Mountain
Ballad of a Thin Man
(Encore) Like a Rolling Stone
(Double Encore) All Along the Watchtower
(Triple Encore) Blowing in the Wind

Allow me to say, from where I was, it seemed as though the condition for recording was phenomenal. I couldn't hear a soul talking or deciding to yell "BOBBY!!!!!!" every three seconds like I hear on some recordings. I'm hoping to God we get a good recording. Soon. Taper person I will love you forever.

I've always said I hate Bob's oldguynotreallysinging rasp. However, that was barely present here. His singing was full of highs and lows, truly emotional. Barks were used more where appropriate rather than at the end of every line. Considering it is the last leg of the American tour, he seemed to pull out every stop on this one. The singing was simply phenomenal. It was apparent that he was having a wonderful time.

The Boston House of Blues is like, the best venue ever. Something like 1800 people. I sat in the stadium seats in the back but even then I had a great view. Rumor has it the sound is really good over there anyway. I totally swear he looked right at us once

I pretty much totally lost it when Leopard came on. I was so, so afraid he'd be barking everything, and he just wasn't. I don't know if I've been listening to crappy NET selections or what, but in recent years this is the best performance I've heard. Did he sound 70 at times? Certainly. Did his voice ever sound shot? Not on your life.


Don't Think Twice, It's All Right just melted my heart. He really SANG this one. Its was just gorgeous. Perhaps the best vocal job of the concert. The chorus was just.... wow. I really enjoy the style he's taking, downplaying the leadups and way emphasizing the last few words of lines. Maybe I'm wrong, but he seems to be doing something new. Instead of basically yelling the last few words like he's been doing (highwaysixtyONEE!!!!! HNGGGGGG oh god my ears) it's, well, sang (High-way, six-tyyyyy, oooooone!). God it was wonderful.


I forced myself not to listen to Things Have Changed until this concert. No joke, this was my first time hearing this song- in addition to Mississippi, Summer Days, High Water, Tryin to get to Heaven and Thunder on the Mountain. It was chilling and gripping, possessing the rough raw power of frank world-weariness. No other voice, no other man could have suited the song better. The chorus was just... wow. For me, that song tore its was onto the pedestal as my favorite song. I found myself in smoky bars and dark taverns, abandoned gravel roads and outside boarded up halls. The namesake is still ringing in my brain. The live version was even better than the official recording. I can't even listen to the official recording. I tried it in the car on the way home from Boston and I was practically like, Turn this crap off and get some NET in here! The bluesy, loud voice he uses live just fits it like a glove. The way he was moving, everything. It was so connected and interwoven and felt the official almost seems fake. Needless to say I'm a little addicted to NET now, yes? Did I make that clear enough? Good.

Mississippi, unlike the official recording was actually good It's one of those beautiful songs that crystallizes a part of life so perfectly you just need to sit back and gape at it for a while. I kept picturing dirt roads and prairies and road trips. And now I'm really sad I can't find a video of it because I so much can't stand the official.


Highway 61 was great, as always. it was rollicking tonight, with Bob dancing like the world ended tomorrow and finishing off lines and especially the chorus with top-notch singing. Highway Sixtyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy-oneeeee!

Ballad of a Thin Man.... He wiped the floor with it, drove a steak through its heart, and threw it back up to Heaven with his bare hands. It was beyond phenomenal. I almost jumped out of my chair when I heard the first few notes come on. He was having a great time with it, gesturing the whole time like he was telling us the story of his life.


Blind Willie McTell was completely re-imagined - for the better. Don't get me wrong- I love the original track. But they're different enough that it's pointless to try to say which is best. This song had soul. I'm listening to the Asbury Park version right now and I'm happy to say Boston trumped it. At least in my opinion. I'm struggling to describe it- It was conversational and scolding, he was singing di-RECTLY to the audience for this song. It was a sermon. The band was amazing as well, rocking through every 'wave' perfectly. It was the ultimate in blues.
What was that line from Tangled Up In Blue about burning coals? B]


Every time that harmonica came on, the rafters shook and the pillars trembled! The sound practically slapped me across the face! I was blown away by the sheer strength and force of the instrument. Damn I love the harmonica. If there's another instrument in the world that acts as a better extension of the artist I haven't found it.

It was AWESOME seeing ER folk. You guys!!! BABF recognized me in a split second seeing me walk by the gigantic line out the door. It was almost creepy. Was it the hair?
After the concert we met for real, BABF, Anythingbutaroll, Milkcow, Jcastro, and I think- Rosie-? It was WAY COOL. And the age difference was also kind of hilarious.

But! Tragedy struck! In my ecstasy and penchant to run back to the hotel in case the slight drizzle opened up into a downpour, I didn't realize Bob was going to be walking right out in front of the House to his bus. Didn't even cross my mind. I heard a HUGE cheer half way back, realized what happened and I was like.... dammit.

BUT DONT WORRY GUYS BOB MADE SURE WE SAID BYE.

Once we were in sight of the hotel, his bus drove by fairly slow. I yelled BYEEEEE and waved. So yeah guys, I was the last person Bob saw. Suckers. xD''''

Or at least hoped he saw. Bleh.

But anyway yeah it was AWESOME, a million times better than expected if that is EVEN POSSIBLE.
Only disappointment was not having any rad dreams afterwards xD

Felliniesque wrote:BUT DONT WORRY GUYS BOB MADE SURE WE SAID BYE.

Once we were in sight of the hotel, his bus drove by fairly slow. I yelled BYEEEEE and waved. So yeah guys, I was the last person Bob saw. Suckers. xD''''

Or at least hoped he saw. Bleh.

Great review, Fellini - I'm thrilled Bob was your first concert. You've set the bar pretty high.

Oh, and I know Bob saw you wave & say goodbye.

Felliniesque wrote: Blind Willie McTell was completely re-imagined - for the better. Don't get me wrong- I love the original track. But they're different enough that it's pointless to try to say which is best. This song had soul. I'm listening to the Asbury Park version right now and I'm happy to say Boston trumped it. At least in my opinion. I'm struggling to describe it- It was conversational and scolding, he was singing di-RECTLY to the audience for this song. It was a sermon. The band was amazing as well, rocking through every 'wave' perfectly. It was the ultimate in blues.
What was that line from Tangled Up In Blue about burning coals? B]

yup...best part of the night... GAD

THE. BEST.

Felliniesque wrote:

I've always said I hate Bob's oldguynotreallysinging rasp. However, that was barely present here. His singing was full of highs and lows, truly emotional. Barks were used more where appropriate rather than at the end of every line. Considering it is the last leg of the American tour, he seemed to pull out every stop on this one. The singing was simply phenomenal.

You were struck with a case of "I was there so everything was wonderful" disease.

Quite common. Your senses (especially hearing) are overwhelmed by the concert experience. Tricks your mind.

One sure sign that you have been struck with the disease is saying/typing something like "the singing was simply phenomenal." This is usually followed by gushing about pretty much everything and anything.

A quick cure is to listen to a recording of almost any night in the last 2-3 years.

Plunk wrote: You were struck with a case of "I was there so everything was wonderful" disease.

Quite common. Your senses (especially hearing) are overwhelmed by the concert experience. Tricks your mind.

One sure sign that you have been struck with the disease is saying/typing something like "the singing was simply phenomenal." This is usually followed by gushing about pretty much everything and anything.

A quick cure is to listen to a recording of almost any night in the last 2-3 years.

Untrue. Listen to certain recordings from the past 2-3 tours and you will note that the voice IS better than that in previous years. That's not to say that it can't stumble upon songs on the same night, but to write this person off as deluded is pretty insulting.

Oh that's right, it's not "cool" to like what Bob does on stage these days.

Plunk wrote:

Felliniesque wrote:

I've always said I hate Bob's oldguynotreallysinging rasp. However, that was barely present here. His singing was full of highs and lows, truly emotional. Barks were used more where appropriate rather than at the end of every line. Considering it is the last leg of the American tour, he seemed to pull out every stop on this one. The singing was simply phenomenal.

You were struck with a case of "I was there so everything was wonderful" disease.

Quite common. Your senses (especially hearing) are overwhelmed by the concert experience. Tricks your mind.

One sure sign that you have been struck with the disease is saying/typing something like "the singing was simply phenomenal." This is usually followed by gushing about pretty much everything and anything.

A quick cure is to listen to a recording of almost any night in the last 2-3 years.

I have indeed been listening to various recent NET tracks and I can still safely say this night is better,

Love your review. Seems that you had a great time - which is what you should at a Bob show!

Plunk wrote:

Felliniesque wrote:

I've always said I hate Bob's oldguynotreallysinging rasp. However, that was barely present here. His singing was full of highs and lows, truly emotional. Barks were used more where appropriate rather than at the end of every line. Considering it is the last leg of the American tour, he seemed to pull out every stop on this one. The singing was simply phenomenal.

You were struck with a case of "I was there so everything was wonderful" disease.

Quite common. Your senses (especially hearing) are overwhelmed by the concert experience. Tricks your mind.

One sure sign that you have been struck with the disease is saying/typing something like "the singing was simply phenomenal." This is usually followed by gushing about pretty much everything and anything.

A quick cure is to listen to a recording of almost any night in the last 2-3 years.

It seems to me you are struck with the "I know exactly what you feel and heard since I was not there nor am I you, so I must berate you and your opionion " disease.... There is a term for it.... It's called a$$hole.

.. and the punishment is to go and sit in a windowless room with Bennyboy and bleat about Modern Bob in the privacy of your own asylum!

YAY, Fellini!! Worth waiting for - great review - I'm SO glad you had that experience for your very first ever concert - you started with the best. Don't listen to the naysayers - you heard and saw what you heard and saw. As I did in Memphis . (and am changed forever for it)
doomed

stephenoxford wrote:.. and the punishment is to go and sit in a windowless room with Bennyboy and bleat about Modern Bob in the privacy of your own asylum!

I'm patiently awaiting a possible roast

great review. Thank You.

Great review, thanks!
For your first concert, you get the new arrangement of Blind Willie, so I hope you really enjoyed

johnwesley61 wrote:Great review, thanks!
For your first concert, you get the new arrangement of Blind Willie, so I hope you really enjoyed

Yeah, it was amazing *_* I really didn't think I'd like it but I did!!!

I admit that my writing generally is pretty damn dramatic but I do that with everything. You guys should know that about me by now

Anyone have an awesome recording of the same arrangement of BWMT kicking around?

Felliniesque, thanks for sharing. I too am moved by MIssissippi beyond rational explanation.
Also, I love the photo with a photo.
Bob approves too.
- Fabe

Milkcow wrote: It seems to me you are struck with the "I know exactly what you feel and heard since I was not there nor am I you, so I must berate you and your opionion " disease.... There is a term for it.... It's called a$$hole.

I love you, milkcow.

How very cool that it was your first concert. I remember my first BD concert. It was so amazing and away we go...I was hooked. Great review. Thanks for bringing back those great memories of House of Blues, I had forgotten. It was really one of the best!

smoke wrote:

Milkcow wrote: It seems to me you are struck with the "I know exactly what you feel and heard since I was not there nor am I you, so I must berate you and your opinion " disease.... There is a term for it.... It's called a$$hole.

I love you, milkcow.

thanks funny right? I even fixed a spelling mistake I made... but I could only fix it in your quote.

Milkcow wrote: thanks funny right? I even fixed a spelling mistake I made... but I could only fix it in your quote.

It seems to me you are struck with the "I know exactly what you feel and heard since I was not there nor am I you, so I must berate you and your opionion " disease.... There is a term for it.... It's called a$$hole.

Might want to fix your vocabulary as well:

Definition of BERATE. transitive verb. : to scold or condemn vehemently and at length.

Definitely did not berate him.

Anyone who describes Bob's singing these days as "simply phenomenal"....

Plunk wrote: Might want to fix your vocabulary as well:

Definition of BERATE. transitive verb. : to scold or condemn vehemently and at length.

Definitely did not berate him.

Anyone who describes Bob's singing these days as "simply phenomenal"....

I don't need to. Your condescending tone is the scolding part.... you are trying to either 1) make her feel like a fool or 2) make a fool out of her b/c of how she perceived Bob's voice. That is berating someone... and you didn't just say it in one line... you went on for 5 (or 6 if you count you still going on about in your last post)....if you don't understand that then you must also suffer from "I didn't do that even though it's blatantly obvious I did." disease ... I think the medical books coined that one as...um....douche bag.

oh... and, Fellini is a girl

Anyone have an awesome recording of the same arrangement of BWMT kicking around?[/quote]

I didn't listen to the Boston show, but try the Canandaigua one, or the Bethel one. BWMT is awesome.

johnwesley61 wrote:Anyone have an awesome recording of the same arrangement of BWMT kicking around?

I didn't listen to the Boston show, but try the Canandaigua one, or the Bethel one. BWMT is awesome.[/quote]
Will do when I get home

Milkcow wrote:

Plunk wrote: Might want to fix your vocabulary as well:

Definition of BERATE. transitive verb. : to scold or condemn vehemently and at length.

Definitely did not berate him.

Anyone who describes Bob's singing these days as "simply phenomenal"....

I don't need to. Your condescending tone is the scolding part.... you are trying to either 1) make her feel like a fool or 2) make a fool out of her b/c of how she perceived Bob's voice. That is berating someone... and you didn't just say it in one line... you went on for 5 (or 6 if you count you still going on about in your last post)....if you don't understand that then you must also suffer from "I didn't do that even though it's blatantly obvious I did." disease ... I think the medical books coined that one as...um....douche bag.

oh... and, Fellini is a girl

So far you (who I was not addressing in the original post in the first place) have called me an a-hole and d-bag. For posting my views on a message board in a non-profane way.

Who is doing the berating around here?

Plunk wrote:

Milkcow wrote:
I don't need to. Your condescending tone is the scolding part.... you are trying to either 1) make her feel like a fool or 2) make a fool out of her b/c of how she perceived Bob's voice. That is berating someone... and you didn't just say it in one line... you went on for 5 (or 6 if you count you still going on about in your last post)....if you don't understand that then you must also suffer from "I didn't do that even though it's blatantly obvious I did." disease ... I think the medical books coined that one as...um....douche bag.

oh... and, Fellini is a girl

So far you (who I was not addressing in the original post in the first place) have called me an a-hole and d-bag. For posting my views on a message board in a non-profane way.

Who is doing the berating around here?

Your original post was pretty corrosive.