Manchester Free Trade Hall

May 7, 1965

The Times They Are A-Changin'
To Ramona
Gates Of Eden
If You Gotta Go, Go Now
It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
Love Minus Zero - No Limit
Mr Tambourine Man
Talking World War III Blues
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
With God On Our Side
She Belongs To Me
It Ain't Me Babe
The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll
All I Really Want To Do
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

Finally. This great concert is now available on CD! In 1965, Dylan had reached the peak of his ability as a solo performer and his British tour, well documented in the excellent cinema verite film Don't Look Back, was one of his best ever. Everything comes together perfectly here: the intimate vocals, the hypnotic acoustic guitar rhythms, the haunting lyrics, and the subtle humor - all adding up to a unique concert experience. At a time when The Beatles and the entire British invasion were influencing popular music, Dylan managed to hold an entire concert hall captivated with only an acoustic guitar and the powerful images from his timeless songs. Dylan was able to attract both the rock and roll fan and the more mature young adult who had not yet become accustomed to the full frontal rock assault. It's no coincidence that soon after this particular tour the British rock groups began to grow up a little. Witness The Beatles' Rubber Soul, The Rolling Stones' Aftermath, and The Kinks' Face To Face - all very mature rock albums emphasising meaningful lyrics combined with "folk rock" instrumental backing. Some of the songs performed at this concert could be listened to as rock and roll: If You Gotta Go, It Ain't Me Babe, Baby Blue, etc. At the same time, Dylan's "protest" roots are fully displayed here as well: Hattie Carroll, With God On Our Side. Most important of all, his new surrealistic songs were showcased: Gates of Eden, Mr. Tambourine Man, It's Alright Ma. Each song moves effortlessly from one to the other without seeming incongruous in the least.

Since this is a PA recording, the sound is excellent. As 1965 performances go, this is good as it gets, which is very good indeed!

CDs:

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