Desolation Row Information Service
February 12th, 2010
Dylan at the Whitehouse
You can now watch the performance at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrpXInu0d8wThanks for letting me know Tom.
Ian Woodward sent a different video feed offering a tantalizingly alternative perspective. Ian says:
“This is an oddity. I'm not sure what to think. At first you think it might be from a mobile phone, as you get an angle not seen on the PBS version or the live White House version, but, later, as it cuts back and forth, you realise that it can't be, because it involves multiple angles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc50j76XDTUIt is the end of the song and what you also get what's not in the PBS version but was in the White House streamed-live on-the-night version, that is a clear indication (to me, anyway) that Dylan expected to sing a second song (Blowin' In The Wind, I suspect). Someone came up to him and said something. I guess something like, "Sorry, Bob, but we have to go straight to the finale". Just my view - no proof or confirmation.”
However, The Examiner states, “According to various spokespersons at WETA (a Washington entertainment channel), Bob Dylan was only scheduled to perform one song. There was speculation that Dylan expected to sing another song, but, as one person said, "the show was scripted to a 'T' ".
Looking at Ian’s video, I’m tempted to go along with him.
And for some additional videos and further perspective on the event, have a look at
Bob Dylan's White House Performance: The Inside Story (Plus Video) - Speakeasy - WSJ
Here we are told, “Luckily for Bob Dylan fans, he was already in the capitol and was able to record “The Times They Are a-Changin’” — not that Ehrlich (the organizer) knew in advance what song the musician was going to play. “You can’t second guess Bob,” said Ehrlich, who added that Dylan had told him he wasn’t going to decide on his song choice until he got to DC. “We had heard it was between ‘Blowing in the Wind,’ ‘The Times They are a-Changin’ and possibly ‘Chimes of Freedom,’” he said. “But he literally didn’t tell me what he was going to sing until about 20 minutes before he went on stage. And even then he was reluctant.”
And, from the Press, regarding Bob’s performance:
From the Washington Post:
“Onstage, no one seemed rushed -- especially not Dylan. Giving his first performance at the White House, America's most iconic pop songwriter ambled onstage and dragged his wonderful, weather-beaten voice over a handsome piano and bass arrangement of "The Times They Are A-Changin'." After the song, there was an awkward pause, a handshake with the president and a hasty exit.”
From the Wall Street Journal:
“The highlight of the evening may have been the brief appearance by Dylan, who sang an arrangement of his song “The Times They Are A-Changin’” that featured piano, stand up bass, and acoustic guitar.”
There have been quite a few negative comments on the Expecting Rain bulletin board about this performance. I don’t know why, because I really enjoyed it. The feedback I’ve had directly has all been positive too. Take for example the following email from John Owens:
“Sounds a very good performance - quite affecting in a sad reflective sort of way. Surely this is how Bob needs to be performing in concert these days – guitar, bass, piano - so many of his songs will suit this treatment and given what's left of his voice - this could be the future. Would need smaller venues though - so don't know how the economics would work out. I hope Bob sees it this way but knowing Bob......”
But perhaps you feel different. Let us know.
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