Search - Bob Dylan - MTV Unplugged (1994) on DVD

An amazing Dylan concert unlike any other

Daniel Jolley | Shelby, North Carolina USA | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dylan's more than deserving resurgence in recent years traces its birth back, in my opinion, to this incredible live performance from 1994. This show has it all, mixing old and new music that more than satisfies longtime fans such as myself while also managing to appeal strongly to the younger generation, many of whom would know Dylan only by name had MTV not provided the medium for him to prove his genius and longevity to them first-hand. Dylan's tendency to be reclusive and mysterious has made him inaccessible to some listeners in the past, but the energetically appreciative audience is an important part of this recording, and you can tell that Dylan is really enjoying the whole performance. He even smiles at one point; having seen Dylan perform live, I know just how rare an occurrence this can be.The older songs are great, but they differ significantly from the original recordings (Dylan is constantly redefining and recreating his legendary classics); this may disappoint some fans, and I admit it took me a while to appreciate this particular version of The Times They Are A-Changin', but the soul of each song remains the same, no matter what kind of modernized or different interpretation Dylan decides to go with on a certain night. I love Tombstone Blues, and it does start the show off with a great kick. It's always nice to hear Dylan's All Along the Watchtower, if for no other reason than to let people know the song didn't originate with Jimi Hendrix. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 has never been a favorite of mine, but this version is an enjoyable splash of fun in between a couple of slow, serious songs. John Brown is a significant track, dating back to 1963 but never having been released. It vividly reflects the anti-war feelings Dylan expressed so forcibly in his formative years. Dylan's newer songs only build on the musical momentum. I was a little surprised to see Shooting Star from the Oh Mercy album included, but the track looks and sounds great and fits right in. Dignity was a brand new song at the time, standing as a true showcase of Dylan's unparalleled songwriting and performing skills. He may have aged, but his musical vision and talent are eternal.

Three songs particularly stand out to me. Desolation Row is a truly incredible, meaningful song that only Dylan could write and perform. Lasting more than eight minutes, it's the kind of song you never want to end. Knockin' on Heaven's Door really starts building the momentum that reaches its crescendo with my favorite Dylan performance ever of his greatest song, Like a Rolling Stone. Having wowed his audience for close to an hour, Dylan is definitely "feeling it" when he gets to this crowd-pleasing classic (after a rather humorous false start). Its length is matched only by its powerful delivery, and I get the feeling watching it that even Dylan is a little surprised at how great a show he is putting on. He is absolutely on fire, and he knows it. With God On Our Side is an interesting song with which to end the show, but it reflects the heart and soul of music's greatest songwriter. Following on the heels of a rocking performance, it reminds the audience that the old Dylan so many have loved for decades is still there, even if his classic songs have been given a fresh overhaul. Having a rather small audience so close to the musicians makes this live performance a true personal triumph for Dylan, and the sense of intimacy between the legendary performer and his fans is powerful and palpable. Dylan never looked or sounded better than he did on this unforgettable night in 1994. If you saw the performance on MTV, you should know that the DVD contains four bonus songs not included in the television broadcast (as well as one song - Love Minus Zero/No Limit - not included on the CD). If you already have the CD, buy the DVD as well - the visuals capture the magical effects of the performance in ways the audio cannot."

A marvelous, unique Dylan concert

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 10/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the blackest of sunglasses and a polka dot shirt, Dylan, and his musicians, are fabulous in this concert taped in Sony Music Studios on November of 1994, in an intimate setting with a small but enthusiastic audience.

From the mellow country feel of "Shooting Star", the up-tempo "Dignity", or the somber "With God on Our Side", the musicianship is a marvel, and being a "nobody sings Dylan like Dylan" person, I love the way he sings his music with his gravelly voice that gets rougher as the years go by.

The acoustic instruments are a pleasure to listen to, as well as a visual delight, especially the gleaming rich wood of the double bass.



This disc contains 4 tracks that were not included in the MTV Unplugged broadcast (# 1, 5, 6 and 8), and total running time is 73 minutes.

The terrific musicians are: Tony Garnier on bass, Bucky Baxter on dobro, Winston Watson on drums, John Jackson on guitar and Brendan O'Brien on organ.

Track list with original release album dates:

1: "Tombstone Blues" (Highway 61 Revisited '65)

2: "Shooting Star" (Oh Mercy '89)

3: "All Along the Watchtower" (John Wesley Harding '67)

4: "The Times They Are A-Changin'" (The Times They Are A-Changin' '64)

5: "John Brown" (MTV Unplugged '94)

6: "Desolation Row" (Highway 61 Revisited '65)

7: Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35" (Blonde on Blonde '66)

8: "Love Minus Zero / No Limit" (Bringing it All Back Home '65)

9: "Dignity" (Greatest Hits Vol. 3 '94)

10: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid '73)

11: "Like a Rolling Stone" (Highway 61 Revisited '65)

12: "With God on Our Side" (The Times They Are A-Changin' '64)

"

Feels like Bob Dylan

Kay Cox | Under The Stars in Texas | 02/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have watched music performed, I have listened to music performed, but never have I felt music performed until Bob Dylan. I have loved him for 30 years and if this video doesn't make you fall in love with Bob Dylan you never will. I can watch this video over and over and still not understand how one man can have so much talent inside. This video is a must for anyone who appreciates the man and his lyrics and his unyielding ability to make you feel his music."

BOB DYLAN NR 1 OF THE 20th CENTURY.

J. van den Akker | 09/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bob Dylan shows that he can still performe on the stage.Dylan has never been blessed with a nice and good voice but he whrote history with his music.It's the music and words that made Bob Dylan great.On this video Dylan sings like he never did in the 80's.He is coming back and so is his {new}band.In the mid 80's his concerts was not what you expected.But now on this video you will see Dylan reborn.Lots of songs who was sung by others can not reach that spirit like Dylan does on this video.Bob Dylan is always on tour and the concerts is still growing with it.His last album "time out of mind" will show you that he is still the greatest artist ever."