Late 2017, the latest Bob Dylan bootleg series was released. This covered the “Christian” Dylan years of 1979-81. Is as usual with the Bootleg series, there is a large (in this case 13 CDs) release and a 2-CD “Best of.” I was always interested in this phase of Dylan but woefully uninformed, except for a couple of songs, specifically Gotta Serve Somebody. So I picked up the two CD set and was immediately blown away.
Most of the tracks are live renditions from this period, a time when Dylan’s band was excellent. Also the crowd’s were a little on edge as they wanted to hear the hits and let’s face it, Dylan always responds when the crowd’s on edge. Although not included on the 2-CD set, Dylan was actually testifying to the crowd during these shows. (some of these sermons are included on the 13 CD set or can be found on You Tube.) One particular incendiary song is Blessed is the Name, which I am pretty sure is a Psalm I’ve sung at Catholic Mass.
Anyway, if at all interested in this era of Dylan, I would strongly recommend picking up the 2 CD set. It’s a fascinating look at a fascinating phase of a fascinating artist.
Go forth and drop they lists.
1. Pan Sonic* “Uranokemia” Osasto EP
2. Ian William Craig “Second Lens” A Turn of Breath
3. Fovea Hex “While You're Away” Huge*
4. Fever Ray “Red Trails” Plunge
5. Palace Music “Lost Blues” Lost Blues And Other Songs
6. Einstürzende Neubauten “Blume” Tabula Rasa
7. Pan Sonic “Prospekt Vernadskogo” Kesto*
8. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy “I'm Always on a Mountain When I Fall” Best Troubador*
9. Pan Sonic “Kytkennät” Katodivaihe
T. The Cinematic Orchestra “Evolution II” Horizon EP
*Notes:
1. The disc is credited to "Panasonic", but they changed their name to avoid lawsuits and it would be credited to "Pan Sonic" if rereleased or digitally released.
3. An EP, part 2 of Fovea Hex's debut Neither Speak Nor Remain Silent trilogy.
7. From disc 2 of 4.
8. The album of Merle Haggard covers.
01. “Hot On the Heels Of Love” – Throbbing Gristle – 20 Jazz Funk Greats
02. “Chamakay” – Blood Orange – Cupid Deluxe
03. “Best Time of My Life – Obnox – Louder Space
04. “Wars Of Armageddon” – Funkadelic – Maggot Brain
05. “North Hollywood” – Van Hunt – What Were You Hoping For?
06. “Highway Alien Paranoia” – By Divine Right – All Hail Discordia
07. “100°” – Shout Out Louds – Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
08. “Jackrabbits” – Joanna Newsom – Have One On Me
09. “Race: In” – Battles – Mirrored
10. “Mr. Whirly” – The Replacements – Hootenanny!
1. What Are We Doin’ – Kenny Rogers
2. It All Comes Down to You – Alison Krause & Union Station
3. The Dope Show – Marilyn Manson
4. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In – Kenny Rogers
5. For The First Time – Kenny Chesney
6. Old Mother Reagan – Violent Femmes
7. The Bunting Song – The Good, The Bad & The Queen
8. Fish Song – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
9. Sin – Stone Temple Pilots
10. One True Love – Semisonic
B1. This Velvet Glove – Red Hot Chili Peppers