Tuesday, May 26, 1998
Latest Hits
MUSIC: Despite a slow start
and a lack of adherence
to the oldies, three
classic rockers bridged
the generation gap
at Pauley Pavilion
By Mike Prevatt
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
UCLA’s biggest music event of the year rolled into Pauley
Pavilion Thursday night as acclaimed singer-songwriters Bob Dylan,
Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison provided distinct performances at a
once-in-a-lifetime show.
Solely for the West Coast leg of Bob Dylan’s 1998 tour, the
three legends attracted a diverse group of fans and admirers to the
near-sold-out Pauley Pavilion, including both the very young and
the older generation who grew up with Morrison’s ’60s
R&B-flavored rock, Mitchell’s free-spirited pop and Dylan’s
gritty, influential folk music. Clearly, though, this was a show
for the over-40 crowd.
The combined efforts of the three musicians provided for a night
of nostalgia and inspiration, though each of the separate,
80-minute performances varied in their structure, delivery and
style. One thing remained the same, however: none of the artists
chose a "greatest hits" set list, as they all chose to mix their
newer material with a few oldies (with Dylan throwing in the
most).
Morrison opened the festivities to a mildly excited crowd. The
mood became restless and distracting, as many recent arrivals
shuffled about the arena and talked over the music. Morrison
remained the only real focus of anyone’s attention with his rich,
soulful vocals. His backing band, though on key, lacked any
distinct talent and failed to evoke a lasting impression.
Furthermore, Morrison chose to rely most on his newer material
(he released "The Philosopher’s Stone" on Tuesday). The crowd, no
doubt, looked for the hits from his classic albums "Astral Weeks"
and "Moondance." While the material was hardly derivative or
talentless, it did lack the spark and style of his past
efforts.
He did offer a cover of Frank Sinatra’s "That’s Life," in
obvious tribute form, and versions of "Moondance" and "Have I Told
You Lately," which garnered a few roars. But for the most part, the
set didn’t possess any dynamic musicianship, save Morrison’s
singing and some head-swaying rhythm.
Joni Mitchell brought her band on shortly after in front of a
more enthusiastic audience who was hoping to hear the ’70s classics
that made her one of the leading singer-songwriters of her time,
even comparable to the artist she was opening for.
However, Mitchell too looked to her ’90s material, which didn’t
lack the lyrical punch of the older songs but musically meandered
with no real hook or rhythm. Not to say the music disappointed;
indeed, her calming, mood-setting style remained with such newer
songs like "Sex Kills" and "Crazy Cries of Love."
Mitchell found her place with the crowd by offering several
thoughtful and humorous anecdotes, displaying her down-to-Earth
personality. With a potential for such egoism, Mitchell could have
stayed silent but chose to give the somewhat devoted audience
stories and laughter. And as the show went on, she threw in "Big
Yellow Taxi," recently sampled by Janet Jackson in her recent
single, "You Don’t What You’ve Got Til’ It’s Gone," and closed with
"Woodstock."
By the end of "Woodstock," Mitchell had received her standing
ovation. Mitchell may have ignored most of the classics, but she is
to be admired for not catering to the masses and maintaining
relevance as a continuing recording artist. Her clear vocals and
dreamy compositions highlighted her warm presence.
By 10:45 p.m., the crowd was ready for some roaring, melodic
rock ‘n’ roll. They got more than they bargained for.
Bob Dylan strolled out to deafening cheers and immediately
rolled into "Absolutely Sweet Marie," from the double album,
"Blonde on Blonde." With his soaring and surprisingly clear vocals
and on-target guitar work, Dylan was in top form.
He balanced the faster, more rollicking songs, like "Highway 61
Revisited," and the slower, jangly tunes, like "Just Like a Woman."
He also went back and forth between the new and old material,
making sure to play "Lovesick" and "Make You Feel My Love" (already
covered this year by Billy Joel and Garth Brooks) from this year’s
Grammy-winning "Time Out of Mind" and also digging back to the ’60s
and ’70s catalog (i.e. "Masters of War").
People took to the aisles and began twirling and twisting about,
even during the few softer tunes. Standing ovations followed about
half of the songs, especially towards the end. Dylan lacked the
rapport of Mitchell but he gave what the audience wanted musically
and that’s all they needed. Classic rock ‘n’ roll boomed through
the PA system, with hip college students dancing along with their
parents.
Though Dylan headlined, he played exactly the same time as
Morrison and Mitchell, which seemed odd given most headliners play
longer than an hour and 20 minutes. He did, however, come back from
a truly memorable encore. In his usual twangy tradition, Dylan
opened the four-song encore with the affecting "Forever Young,"
which led to the haunting, desolate "Lovesick."
Then, in the evening’s shining moment, the house lights came on
at midnight and Dylan launched into a standing-room only version of
"Rainy Day Women #12 & 35." It was the ’60s all over again as
the 10,000 plus sang back to Dylan, "Everybody must get stoned!" A
pot cloud emerged and Pauley shook to the rhythm of the dancing,
singing masses.
In his fourth decade as a rock performer, Dylan showed no signs
of slowing down. With a set as flawless and as exciting as this,
Dylan could do no wrong in the crowd’s eyes, except maybe for those
diehards waiting for "Blowing in the Wind" and "Like a Rolling
Stone." It is a testament to his legacy when a man like Dylan can
still wow an audience like he did Thursday night, especially when
the most energetic and physically involved onlookers came from the
younger fans.
Bob Dylan is one of a few artists with such a talent and
presence and vitality that guarantees him a rightful spot in
pre-millennium culture. It is this cross-generational appeal and
unparalleled musical depth that will keep Dylan one of the most
celebrated figures in music for years to come.
Columbia
Singer Bob Dylan performed at Pauley Pavilion before a rowdy
audience of all ages.
MICHAEL ROSS WACHT/Daily Bruin
Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell plays her newer ’90s material
for the crowd.