Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan in Concert: Brandeis University 1963
★★★★
Columbia/Legacy

Just before he released The Freewheelin’ in May 1963, Bob Dylan performed a seven-song set at Massachusetts’ Brandeis University ”“ a tape of which sat in the archives of Rolling Stone editor emeritus Ralph Gleason until two years ago. Dylan is as warmly engaging as ever on ”˜Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues’ and ”˜Talkin’ Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues,’ which remains one of his funniest songs. The only bummer? The tape doesn’t start until partway through the opener, a rewrite of Henry Thomas’ ”˜Honey, Won’t You Allow Me One More Chance?’

Key Tracks: ”˜Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues,’ ”˜Masters of War’