Bob Dylan, TImes are Changing, MTS Centre Winnipeg

Ok, I am a big Bob Dylan fan, I like his old stuff and I like his new stuff.  Whenever I bring this up with friends or family there is always someone who wants to do their Bob Dylan impression.  Now I will admit that Dylan does not sound anything like some of his old albums, in fact he sounds totally different.  I fortunate a couple of weeks ago to see Dylan for the first time.  Near the end of the show someone yelled out "Play a hit".  This got me thinking.

Now before I get started I do have to say that I was impressed by Mark Knopfler who opened up the show.  Although I had not heard much of his music before, I enjoyed the variety of his rich guitar sounds mixed with other instruments such as the flute.  I was blown away.

Now when Dylan took the stage the best way I can describe what he does these days is a gritty, bluesy, guessing game of old songs.  If you listen to a lot of Dylan tracks, I would say that most of the songs are recognizable, but for a casual fan this may not be the case.  Despite his raspy voice, I still think that Dylan can carry his songs, he uses lyrics and emphasis in way that tells a compelling story whether it is an older song like "Tangled Up in Blue", or a new ballad such as "Scarlet Town".

Seeing Dylan to hear the "hits" puts you in the wrong place.  You might be better off listening to a concert cd or dvd at home.  If you want to go see Dylan playing fresh but raspy versions of old songs, go see the show.   If you want to go listen to the songs as they were recorded, stay at home.