Customer Reviews

Before the Flood

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been vexed by this release ever since some old friends of mine used to rave about it. I just couldn't warm up to it. I thought the Dylan songs were just not like the studio ones I was familar with and the sonic limitations (of the orignal CD release) definitely did not help its cause. Now I can say it was soley the sonics that kept this on the shelf for so long. The improved sound is just brilliant, the high end rides above a solid bottom whereas this used to be a muddy mess. I can finally recommend this. Many diehards will lament the lack of any bonus material whatsoever. This is how the Dylan machine operates, he uses his bootleg series toward that end and he keeps the legacy material tried and true. I applaud that and I think brevity is sometimes its own reward.

This one is a tough call. Some of the best live versions of Dylan's folk songs like Don't Think Twice, It's Allright, appear on this album. Also some of the best versions of Band chestnuts like Stage Fright and the Night they Drove Old Dixie Down. It is also the only album where you can hear them do Endless Highway.

BUT: When Dylan and the Band play together, as they do on about 8 cuts, the results are mixed. Dylan seems to feel the need to shout, rather than sing, over their support. The worst example is Lay Lady Lay, which loses all its delicacy here. Other collaborations come out somewhat better, but you get the feeling that Dylan is nervous singing in front of the arena crowds that had begun to characterize rock touring by 1974. This was Dylan's first real tour since the 60s, and maybe all the fistpumping populism freaked him out. Who knows?

If you love Dylan or the Band, you'll want this. But if you don't have any other Dylan, don't start here.

Dylan's music is closest thing to American folk art produced in the 20th century. Always evolving, his songs remain works in progress even after 40 years of recording and touring. His most recent tour, with moving remakes of his classics and brilliant new songs from Love and Theft, proves Dylan is never content to rest on his laurels.
Before the Flood is nothing short of a brilliant live album, featuring an energized and passionate Dylan, putting into his songs a vitality that a studio cannot hold. Versions of "Most Likely You'll Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine," "Rolling Stone," and especially "Watchtower" are among the best ever performed, reaching a breathless level of intensity. The acoustic numbers are uptempo, clearly stated and articulate. The Band is tight and focused, economic in their playing, sometimes following Bob, sometimes challenging him to keep the pace, but always with brilliant interplay. Their solo numbers are as intense as they have ever recorded, on a par with Rock of Ages. True Dylanphiles rank this record with the best of the many bootlegs which capture his greatest performances. Those with only a casual familiarity with Dylan can listen to this album and learn why the leading figures in rock and roll history count Dylan as a major influence.

The sheer fearlessness of The Band in this 1974 live performance is so confident that it makes one wonder how they ever could have caught their famous case of 'Stage Fright.' "Before the Flood" is the live document of Bob Dylan's tour for his "Planet Waves" album, joined by his one-time backing outfit, The Band. At the time, the tour was one of the most successful ever. It couldn't have come at a better time for both parties; Dylan had staggered musically as he entered the 70s, releasing the ill-fated "Self Portrait" album, and fans of The Band were disappointed that they hadn't released any original material since 1971, their latest album having been a collection of covers, the "Moondog Matinee."
"Before the Flood" captures the electrical bond that had linked the two legends together in the first place, something missing from earlier classic Dylan/Band efforts like "The Basement Tapes." The Band (unintentionally) upstages and outshines their former mentor, being the more thrilling of the two, but Dylan finally demonstrates the sincreity and power of his cross from folk to rock. But here, the response from fans surely isn't the boos it met in 1965; Dylan compositions associated with his folk period are given a more exciting life, notably 'It Ain't Me Babe' and 'Blowing In the Wind,' as he soars on 'Rainy Day Women,' 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door,' and 'All Along the Watchtower.' The Band however steals the show, even though there are more Dylan compositions on the album; they captivate with such paintings of rural life as 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' and Richard Manuel's shiver inducing vocal on 'I Shall Be Released.' "Before the Flood" also contains the most thrilling and rambunctious live version of the raw 'The Shape I'm In.'
This album packages one of the best live performances in rock and roll. "Before the Flood" is an absolute necessity for Dylan/Band fans and concert experts in general, and it's a pleasantly affordable necessity at that.

A strong live set from Zimmy and his ex-backup group, the Band. The energy here is everywhere, and though not as much as on Hard Rain, Before the Flood is my favorite Dylan live album out of the three I own, by a mile.
Since this is a live set with Dylan and the Band, not only are Dylan classics Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Just Like a Woman, It Ain't Me Babe, Don't Think Twice It's All Right, All Along the Watchtower, Like a Rolling Stone and Blowin' in the Wind included, but some of the Band's more popular numbers (the Weight, Stage Fright, Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek) are also played. Dylan and the Band are a very good match, and the songs are generally quite good. My problem is Bob's voice. He seems congested, and the same can be said for Hard Rain. Also, why does Lay Lady Lay sound so angry? Bob sings it the way he sang the studio takes of Positively 4th Street and Like A Rolling Stone. Isn't he supposed to be happy here?

By now, everyone in the world knows the historical significance, at least within the context of music, of this recording. Dylan is a folk singer. Dylan goes electric and takes Robbie, Rick, Richard, Levon, and Garth along for the ride. The die - hard folk fans are incredulous. Dylan is a traitor. A few years later, Bob is again regarded as a genius. So here we are in the early 70's with political hysteria abounding, and Dylan and the Band on tour, in fine form, and whipping crowds into a frenzy everywhere they play.

I agree with the reviewer who said that the recently released "Live 1966" CD is a better showcase of Dylan and the Band performing live, and that "Rock Of Ages" is the ultimate live Band recording. Those albums are raw, gritty recordings, first cousins of The Who's "Live At Leeds," while "Before The Flood" is a portrait of The Band and Dylan at the top of their respective games, both together and separately. This is not to say this album lacks intensity; more aptly put, the Band members are tight, and follow Dylan effortlessly as he reworks his classics.

The highlights of the collaborative efforts between The Band and Dylan are "Highway 61", "Most Likely You Go Your Way And I Go Mine", and "Like A Rolling Stone." Robbie Robertson provides excellent guitar work, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson are solid as ever, but it's Rick Danko's bass and Levon Helm's drumming that hold the songs together.

When Dylan takes a break and The Band plays alone, there is no shortage of energy; in fact, their set is even stronger than the songs on which they back Dylan. "Stagefright," with Danko's wonderful vocals, "I Shall Be Released," which showcases Manuel's beautiful falsetto, "The Shape I'm In," and "When You Awake" are all gems.

Dylan's acoustic numbers stand alone as the high point of this recording. This is Dylan at his best, or very close to it. At times, he seems to (almost) lampoon his own voice. "Don't Think Twice, It's All - ri -eeet," and "She Breaks Just Like A Little Gir - hur - hur - hurl," are examples. But it works. "It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding" is classic moaning, screeching, howling Dylan. There are few (if any) musicians who, armed with only a guitar and harmonica, could play to an arena - sized crowd and elicit such a response, even from those in the cheap seats.

The bottom line: Dylan and The Band are great. The Band minus Dylan are superb. Dylan alone is tremendous. However you may choose to look at, or listen to, this recording - as a sum of its parts, or as three separate performances - it adds up to five stars.

Bob Dylan's last tour with The Band had been some ten years before, but they certainly didn't lose their chemistry. You can feel that Bob is happy to be touring again, and that The Band is playing as good as ever. From Dylan's set with The Band, my highlights are Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine, Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Like A Rolling Stone and especially Highway 61 Revisited, for me one of The Band's greatest performances ever. There are only 3 songs where Dylan plays alone, but they're all wonderful, particularly Don't Think Twice, It's All Right. Though their set is limited to 8 songs, and their best moments here happen when they back Dylan, The Band have moments on their own, especially with a great version of The Weight. This is not Dylan's best live album (that would be Live 66) nor The Band's (Rock Of Ages), but this is not very far behind. The Band always brought the best out of Dylan, and this is a great document of one of the best combinations in the history of rock.

I caught the show in Charlotte NC in January 1974, purely by luck as someone offered a ticket on the UNC student radio station at face value, something like $8-9. (Yes, young people, major concerts used to be reasonably priced.) It turned out to be on the center aisle, row W. Bill Graham walked by a couple of times during the show. It was unbelievable, so great, I had no idea walking in how staggering it would be.

But on to Before the Flood. A huge disappointment to me at the time, it sounds somewhat better in hindsight. Dylan oversings, especially on what would be the first side on vinyl. He didn't overdo every vocal when I saw him (and I have a boot of the concert to remind me) but he pretty much does here. On the other hand, the Band is great particularly Garth Hudson. The versions of Stage Fright and the Weight are particularly strong and Garth makes a mighty effort to save Ballad of a Thin Man with his organ/synth work.

The fourth side, from Watchtower on, is really good. Dylan, Robbie, the Band are really rocking and tear it down.

Don't start here for either Dylan or the Band, but it's worthwhile with the exception of the opening numbers.

I saw this show in Charlotte. I recall the tightness (The Band not me) and the way The Bob was attacking the songs. But here's the deal... he's The Bob and he's entitled to interpret his songs the way he sees fit. Sometimes it does seem a little forced (Lay Lady Lay). But man I am telling you, when it comes together, it is something to behold.

My favorite among several, is the quintessential version of 'Ballad of a Thin Man'. The Bob is snarling and howling and The Band is smoking. It's a transcendent rock moment. It has raised the hair on my neck a time or 2. Great performances by some artists who aren't here anymore.

The solo is set is impeccable and moving. And trust me, in 1974 when The Bob let loose with "even the president of the united states sometimes has to stand naked" ya just had to stand up and hoot. (look it up kids).

I appreciate the time you took to read this review. I hope you enjoyed the fellowship.

Oh to have caught the tour from which we have this artifact! This is epic stuff -- the funky, loose-limbed Band helping rock and roll's greatest songwriter deliver his hits to an arena audience. Take special note of Like a Rolling Stone and Blowin in the Wind. Play them loud.