This is the album of the famous Philharmonic Hall concert, and it is terrific -- maybe the best album in the whole pile (including the Live 66) -- the sound is unbelievably good for a live concert in 1964. What makes it so special is that it is Dylan at the absolute peak of the folk universe, you only have to listen and you can see why everyone was so obsessed with Dylan, and why there was such a desire for him to go on doing more of the same. He is very casual (makes mistakes, stops, starts, laughs) -- unbelievable charisma. He introduces "It's All right, Ma" and does fresh early performances of many others, now worn out by millions of playings.

The only part that doesn't work too well is when he brings Joan Baez on to guest, but that is part of the legend too.

It is hard to believe one has to spend more money on early Dylan, but this is the one.


yours,

Peter T.