The Bootleg Series Vol. 6: Live 1964-the Philharmonic Hall Concert by Bob Dylan (CD, Mar-2004, 2 Discs, Legacy Recordings)

This is a great performance good sound quality and playful interaction between Dylan and the audience. Recorded on Halloween in 1964, Dylan was at the peak of his folk career and on the precipice of his break from the folk community to venture into rock. Critics seemed to love this bootleg for the two early versions of "It's Alright Ma" and "Gates of Eden" of which neither had appeared on an album as of that time. I enjoy it because quite simply Dylan was "on" that particular night, with a great intimate audience and a strong collaboration (though brief) at the end with Joan Baez.

I discovered this album while browsing Dylan stuff on youtube. Most of the songs on this two disc set can be heard there, though it it a much better album to listen to linearly. All of the conversation and setup for the next song is at the end of each track, so it loses the live feeling if one tries to jump around the recording.

Having not lived in the era that this was recorded, hearing this performance brought home how Dylan became a dominant figure in the 60's culture. While the Beatles were cutting their teeth on "I Want to Hold Your Hand", a young Dylan was tackling conformism, nuclear war, the Red Scare, social inequity and the trials of life. This is a Dylan that has perhaps been lost in the shadow of the more mainstream electric Dylan. Truly a hidden treasure, it seems a shame it took 40 years for this to be given an official release.

Dylan live in the 60's. Need I say more? One of the most powerful and coolest live concerts in my CD collection. 4 stars.