BOB DYLAN feat. MICK TAYLOR : MADRID 1984 SOUNDBOARD

 

Disc One (59:42)

  1. Highway 61 Revisited
  2. Jokerman
  3. All Along The Watchtower
  4. Just Like A Woman
  5. Maggie's Farm
  6. I And I
  7. License To Kill
  8. Just my Imagination (Greg Sutton)
  9. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
  10. Girl From The North Country
  11. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

Disc Two (64:22)

  1. Simple Twist Of Fate
  2. Masters Of War
  3. Ballad Of A Thin Man
  4. Enough Is Enough
  5. Every Grain Of Sand
  6. Like A Rolling Stone
  7. Mr. Tambourine Man
  8. It Ain't Me, Babe
  9. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
  10. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
  11. Tombstone Blues
  12. Blowin' In The Wind

Label : Zion Records

Venue : Estadio del Rayo Vallecano, Madrid, Spain

Recording Date : June 26, 1984

Quality : Soundboard Recording (A-)

Review (Navy Blue) : Continuing to impress Dylan enthusiasts worldwide, the 1984 European tour soundboard excavation series has been a marvel. The multi-track recording for the later released live album 'Real Live' began on July 1st in Paris, making the recordings from other performances via PA soundboard invaluable. Even on days when multi-track recordings exist, such as Slane, the value of PA soundboards that literally convey another side of the stage remains undiminished. Thanks to this, 'Slane 1984 Soundboard' even achieved a 2nd Press release. Therefore, prior to multi-track recording, any PA soundboard excavations from June performances delighted fans, with the groundbreaking find from the first half of the tour being 'Rotterdam 1984 2nd Night : Soundboard'. But this time... it's Madrid on the 26th! Yes, while this day saw the release of the superb audience recording Madrid 1984', finally, a PA soundboard has been excavated. For the past few weeks, 'Madrid 1984' has been a bestseller as a free gift, but even the superb audience recording from 1984 cannot compete with PA soundboards. With each unveiling of soundboards from this tour, I have emphasized their exceptional clarity, and truly, they are magnificent. Of course, PA soundboards serve the purpose of recording without the expectation of official release. This time again, there were cuts due to cassette changes, but initially, the omission wasn't in Dylan's part but the R&B cover "I've Got To Use My Imagination," sung by Greg Sutton (who passed away last October, may he rest in peace), was entirely missing. This gap has been filled from 'Madrid 1984'. Moreover, the soundboard not only captures performances but also rare moments like Dylan asking Sutton, "What are you singing today?" and Sutton addressing the audience in Spanish to grab their attention. It's only natural to supplement with 'Madrid 1984' in Aud where necessary. Another gap occurs during Dylan's rendition of "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," which has also been filled in 'Madrid 1984', achieving complete recording. Additionally, it's been seamlessly adjusted. Furthermore, being the prestigious event before 'The Best Show: Barcelona 1984', Madrid's concert has already proven through 'Madrid 1984' that excellent performances were witnessed throughout. Listening to it through the impeccable PA soundboard, the greatness is further highlighted. The first half of the live show is marked by Mick Taylor's lively phrases. Right from the start with "All Along the Watchtower," he plays more eloquent phrases than usual, conveying the relaxed and stretched-out vibe of the tour uniquely captured by the soundboard. "I And I" is also played with such vigor; it feels incredibly satisfying. Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, Dylan displays his ease by engaging with Sutton, but it's from "Simple Twist of Fate" onwards that he truly reaches a high tension, which again is conveyed with realism. Such expressions from the stage were not fully captured even in the superb audience recording of 'Madrid 1984'. And the addition of Carlos Santana towards the end of the concert creates an even greater excitement, hinting at what was to come in Barcelona. Of course, in the finale, "Blowin' In The Wind," a cheerful Dylan prompts the audience to sing along. Once again, a fantastic day from the '84 tour, riding high on waves, is delivered with the utmost clarity through this soundboard. Like the previously unearthed '84 tour soundboards, enjoy Madrid '84 to the fullest with the assurance of superb sound quality!