Jokermen Podcast Episode Summary: NES 032 – Bob Dylan LIVE, 8/19/98
Host: Jokermen
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Episode Title: NES 032: Bob Dylan LIVE, 8/19/98
Description: Jokermen Podcast serves as your spirit guide to the enchanting world of Bob Dylan and the Neverending Tour, delving into every song and performance with insightful analysis.
Introduction
In episode NES 032, the Jokermen Podcast team—comprising Ian, Evan, and Steve—dives deep into Bob Dylan's live performance on August 19, 1998, at the Mercury Lounge in Melbourne, Australia. This episode is part of the "Tony's Choice" series, where live shows are meticulously analyzed and reviewed based on listener recommendations.
Notable Quote:
- Ian (01:06): “August 19, 1998, at the Mercury Lounge, which apparently doesn't exist anymore.”
Listener Submission: Lewis’s Introduction
The episode features an insightful introduction from listener Lewis, who provides context and personal reflections on the Melbourne show. Lewis emphasizes the intimate atmosphere of the Mercury Lounge and highlights the unique energy of Dylan’s performance.
Notable Quotes:
- Lewis (48:05): “The Mercury Lounge was a small room at the back of Crown Casino, which only held about 500 people... the energy and intimacy of the performance.”
- Lewis (51:22): “I love the set list. I love the expansive and jammy electric numbers and then the warm acoustic portion.”
Setlist Analysis
The hosts meticulously break down the 21-song setlist, commending Dylan's blend of classic hits and deep cuts. They highlight standout performances and discuss the flow of the concert, noting the seamless transition between electric and acoustic sets.
Key Songs Discussed:
- "Tough Mama" (60:14): Praised as a rare and energetic performance, showcasing Dylan's ability to deliver high-octane renditions of less frequently played tracks.
- "Pretty Peggy O' Life" (62:33): Celebrated as a masterful highlight, with the hosts lauding the guitar interplay between Bob and Larry Campbell.
- "Can't Wait" (75:41): Recognized for its electrifying live energy, distinguishing it from the studio version.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve (62:33): “Pretty Peggy O' is the filet of this show.”
- Ian (73:06): “One of the hardest, loudest, just most extraordinary incarnations of that song that I've ever heard.”
Band Performance and Interplay
The episode delves into the dynamics of Dylan's band during this performance. Larry Campbell and Bucky Baxter are commended for their exceptional musicianship, particularly in their guitar work and pedal steel contributions. The hosts appreciate the balance and chemistry between the band members, noting how it enhances the overall performance.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve (64:16): “The interplay between Bob and Larry Campbell is really interesting in this show.”
- Ian (71:46): “I think the way they play on Highway 61 is fucking badass. The best Highway 61 I can remember hearing.”
Comparative Analysis: Toads and Melbourne Show
The hosts draw parallels between this Melbourne performance and Dylan's legendary "Toads" shows, contrasting the relaxed, jam-oriented vibe of "Toads" with the polished and energetic atmosphere of the 1998 Melbourne show. They appreciate the evolution in Dylan's live performances, highlighting the strengths of both eras.
Notable Quotes:
- Evan (54:45): “It's one of those performances where it's like, you can tell it's in a small club, you can tell it's intimate.”
- Ian (55:51): “This feels like just a ridiculous chance to be seeing, like peak, close to peak Dylan Never Ending tour material right in front of you.”
Listener Engagement and Contributions
The episode emphasizes the importance of listener submissions, with Lewis’s detailed introduction setting the stage for an enriching analysis. They also introduce a group exercise where each host creates a hypothetical condensed album from Dylan's Rough and Rowdy Ways era, fostering community interaction and creativity.
Group Exercise Highlights:
- Album Creation: Hosts select and order songs from "Empire Burlesque," "Knocked Out Loaded," and "Down in the Groove," including unreleased tracks and alternate takes.
- Shared Preferences: The exercise reveals overlapping song preferences, underscoring the hosts' shared tastes and deep familiarity with Dylan's catalog.
Notable Quotes:
- Ian (29:19): “Tim requests Bob Dylan has just arrived in a time machine... naming it 'Knock Down Empire.'”
- Steve (37:20): “I love mine, by the way.”
Critical Reception and Ratings
The hosts unanimously rate the Melbourne show as a "triple three-star" performance, indicating a highly positive reception. This rating underscores the show's excellence, with the hosts noting the absence of criticisms due to the show's overall quality.
Notable Quotes:
- Ian (98:18): “Triple three star perfect scores. Perfect marks.”
- Evan (91:37): “I’m giving this one three stars just because... there's nothing wrong with it.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with reflections on the significance of the Melbourne show within Dylan's Neverending Tour. The hosts express gratitude to listeners like Lewis for their contributions and emphasize the enduring appeal of Dylan's live performances. They also tease future episodes and encourage listener engagement.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve (99:53): “Louis, we love you. Thank you so much.”
- Ian (99:58): “The rare triple three star perfect scores.”
Key Takeaways
- Intimate Setting: The Melbourne show’s small venue fostered a close connection between Dylan, his band, and the audience.
- Exceptional Setlist: A blend of rare tracks and classic hits, executed with high energy and precision.
- Musical Interplay: Highlighted the exceptional musicianship of Dylan’s band, particularly between guitarists Larry Campbell and Bucky Baxter.
- Listener Involvement: Active engagement and creative contributions from listeners enrich the podcast experience.
- Unanimous Praise: The show stands out as one of the best performances from Dylan's Neverending Tour, earning high accolades from the hosts.
**For **more episodes and detailed analyses of Bob Dylan’s live performances, subscribe to Jokermen Podcast on Patreon and follow @jokermenpodcast on Instagram and Twitter.