At Budokan [Live]

Bob Dylan | Format: Audio Cassette

Product Details

• Audio Cassette (January 24, 1990)
• Format: Live
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025GQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #741,741 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Mr. Tambourine Man

2. Shelter from the Storm

3. Love Minus Zero/No Limit

4. Ballad of a Thin Man

5. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

6. Maggie's Farm

7. One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)

8. Like a Rolling Stone

9. I Shall Be Released

10. Is Your Love in Vain?

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Blowin' in the Wind

2. Just Like a Woman

3. Oh, Sister

4. Simple Twist of Fate

5. All Along the Watchtower

6. I Want You

7. All I Really Want to Do

8. Knockin' on Heaven's Door

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

10. Forever Young

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It was Dylan himself who said "the present now will later be past" and there's no better proof of it than this bizarre live collection of his old hits performed in big band versions where nothing seems to mean what it originally did. There's something going on here and even Dylan doesn't know what it is. Following the success of Cheap Trick and Neil Diamond--who both scored with Japanese live albums--Dylan took his Las Vegas revue with him and handed up "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Shelter from the Storm," and even "The Times They Are A-Changin'" without the vehemence that made them anthems for a past generation. Weird. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviled, Neglected, Forgotten... and Wonderful!, March 8, 2005

By 

Thomas E. Davis (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: At Budokan [Live In Japan, February, 1978] (Audio CD)

Why not sing clearly, in time and in tune? Why not a horn section? Why not back-up singers? These live recordings are arrangements for a large band, yes, but they're not over-arranged, and they have drive and style to spare. Stiff-necked rock purists were horrified by the recasting of Dylan's songbook, just as overly-reverent folk purists took umbrage at his electrification. But they're missing out on one of the man's most musical moments and discouraging others from listening with an open mind. Don't make the same mistake.

Dylan was not surly or angry on this tour. He was expansive and approachable and -- dare I say it? -- happy! If joy is antithetical to the spirit of rock, then I'm not a rocker. Don't pay attention to those sniffing that the music wasn't honest at this point or that Bob had gone Vegas. Lyrics don't have to be droned in a ragged voice to rate as poetry. If you want to hear the originals (and you should have all of Dylan's original 60s albums), then listen to them. But give this 1978 recording a try and enjoy a change of pace. It's yet another phase of our preeminent rock-poet's always-daring reinvention.

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of his best albums. Period., August 17, 2000

By 

Skylar Hamilton Burris "Skylar" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: At Budokan [Live In Japan, February, 1978] (Audio CD)

Critics said Dylan's Live At Budokan was too "slick" and "Las Vegasy." But then again, whever Dylan expanded his music, or added a new note of variety, he was criticized. Greatest Hits fans and critics alike wanted him to remain forever a folk musician, never growing, changing, or maturing. This album definitely has a big band sound, but there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, this live album has some of the best versions of some of Dylan's greatest songs. "All Along The Watchtower," "Shelter From the Storm," and "Mr. Tambourine Man" are all better here, I think, than in their original versions. The album contains a great selection, from love ballads to rocking political commentary. This is not just Dylan's best live album, it is among his best albums--I would even venture to place it somewhere among his top ten.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some necessary Budokan revisionism......, February 1, 2006

By 

Pip "Pip" - See all my reviews

This review is from: At Budokan [Live In Japan, February, 1978] (Audio CD)

The maliciousness that has been directed at this album over the years is an open testament of the way in which Dylan fans desire to own their idol, to constrict him, and to demand him to peform and record in ways that are their own, but not his....
"Live at Budokan" was my first Dylan album, miraculously discovered twenty five years ago as a window into a magic world.
Ever since I've heard bile and venom from innumerable sources about it's 'Vegasy' feel, and its 'commercialism'.
But Dylan is a song and dance man, mercurial and a mystery -
the minute you define him and place expectations on him he will inevitably disappoint.
Above all he is a true entertainer, who paradoxically brings everything to his performances and yet nothing, like it's always gonna be new.
The songs on this album are all like that, all stone cold classics, but elastic, sweet, wry, still timeless.
After twenty five years of listening to all the rubbish reviews, I still recommend this album for any newcomer to Dylan.
For one thing, there is booklet of lyrics to the great songs which is really helpful for new fans, as it was for me so many years ago, and the album photos still talk of the irresistible mystery that is Dylan.
'Budokan'is like an old road map on which the street signs are still right.
It truly gets better like old wine.