BOB DYLAN / AT OSAKA FINAL 1978 (2CD)

Bob Dylan - vocals, guitar
Billy Cross - guitar
Alan Pasqua - keyboards
Steven Soles - guitar, backing vocals
David Mansfield - violin, mandolin
Steve Douglas - horns
Rob Stoner - bass
Ian Wallace - drums
Bobbye Hall - percussion
Helena Spring - backing vocals
Jo Ann Harris - backing vocals
Debbie Dye - backing vocals

This recording features the legendary final Osaka performance on February 26th, 1978, from Bob Dylan's first visit to Japan. Fans consider this performance to have been "the most passionate and energetic show." This currently hard-to-find recording has been revived on a pressed disc with the highest sound quality ever.

DISC 1 
1. A HARD RAIN'S A-GONNA FALL 
2.LOVE HER WITH A FEELIN' 
3. ONE MORE CUP OF COFFEE (VALLEY BELOW) 
4. MR. TAMBOURINE MAN 
5. I THREW IT ALL AWAY 
6. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU (SHE ACTS LIKE WE NEVER HAVE MET) 
7. GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY 
8. I'LL BE YOUR BABY TONIGHT 
9. SHELTER FROM THE STORM
10. BALLAD OF A THIN MAN
11. MAGGIE'S FARM
12. TO RAMONA
13. LIKE A ROLLING STONE
14. I SHALL BE RELEASED
15. GOING, GOING, GONE

DISC 2 
1. ONE OF US MUST KNOW (SOONER OR LATER) 
2. BLOWIN' IN THE WIND 
3. JUST LIKE A WOMAN 
4.OH, SISTER 
5. YOU'RE A BIG GIRL NOW 
6. ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER 
7.I WANT YOU 
8. ALL I REALLY WANT TO DO 
9. THE MAN IN ME
10. KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR
11. Band Intro - IT'S ALRIGHT, MA (I'M ONLY BLEEDING)
12. FOREVER YOUNG
13. THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'

Following the guerrilla tour "Rolling Thunder Revue" in 1975 and 1976, the large-scale "Far East Tour" began in Japan. It started at the Budokan, included three shows in Osaka, and then returned to the Budokan for five more performances. The Budokan performances were compiled and released as the first official Japanese album, "AT BUDOKAN." Although initially a Japan-only project, it was so well-received that it was also released overseas. My first impression of "AT BUDOKAN" was, "Hmm, a colorful sound, not bad," but as mentioned earlier, the legendary performance of this Japan tour is the final show in Osaka. According to veteran fans who actually attended the Japan tour at the time, it was widely believed that "the final show in Osaka was incredible." Just how incredible was this legendary "final show in Osaka"? The answer isn't in the wind, but contained within this CD. This isn't just a "colorful sound"; the interplay of brass, organ, and soulful choruses creates a powerful, thick rock sound that drives Dylan forward. Furthermore, to truly appreciate this live performance, an audience recording that captures the raw energy is far more effective than the sophisticated, official soundboard recording. The song arrangements, a hallmark of Dylan's live shows, are superb, and these adorned versions of classic songs, completely different from the simple studio versions, will transport you to the electrifying Matsushita Electric Gymnasium of 1978—a must-have title.