BOB DYLAN : THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN

  1. Ballad Of Hollis Brown

  2. Mr Tambourine Man

  3. Gates Of Eden

  4. If You Gotta Go, Go Now

  5. The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll

  6. It Ain't Me Babe

  7. Love Minus Zero/No Limit

  8. One Too Many Mornings

  9. Boots Of Spanish Leather

  10. It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

  11. She Belongs To Me

  12. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

Label : Scorpio Records

Time : 66:40

Venue : BBC Studio, London, UK

Date : June 1, 1965

Quality : Studio Recording (A-)

Review (Bob's Boots) : This set was originally issued on vinyl in 1973 as BBC Broadcast. The sound is a little thin, mono, and the noise floor is high. All of this, however, is to be expected considering the original source and date of the recordings. Vinyl noises are virtually nonexistent, or are buried in the noise floor. The performances are good, and the historic value makes this a must-have piece for any serious collection. The final song to be broadcast was the prophetic "It's All Over Now Baby Blue". One month later came 'Newport'.

Review (AllMusic) : On June 1, 1965, mere weeks prior to his epochal electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival, Bob Dylan entered the BBC's London studio to cut a dozen songs that the network aired in two halves later that month. As a portrait of Dylan at the midpoint of what was arguably the most pivotal year of his career, these BBC tapes retain immense historical value. Even at the bitter end of his folkie phase, he delivers solo renditions of "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Boots of Spanish Leather," and "It Ain't Me, Babe" with the passion and energy they demand, building to a climactic reading of "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" that foreshadows everything to follow. Although master soundboard tapes are rumored to exist, The Circus Is in Town originates from home recordings made directly from the original BBC broadcast, and its excessive tape hiss and thin sound make for sometimes frustrating listening. Listeners seeking this material are recommended to instead acquire MainStream's "At the Beeb", which employs cutting-edge remastering and noise-reduction tools to make a quantum leap forward in fidelity.