The Dylan media player requires Flash 9
At Budokan (1979)
(30 votes)
Tracks (Click song title for lyrics)
Disc 1
Album Info
The more I think about it, the more I realize what I left behind in Japan -- my soul, my music and that sweet girl in the geisha house -- I wonder does she remember me? If the people of Japan wish to know about me, they can hear this record -- also they can hear my heart still beating in Kyoto at the Zen Rock Garden -- Someday I will be back to reclaim it.
-- Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan -- Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
Billy Cross -- Lead Guitar
Ian Wallace -- Drums
Alan Pasqua -- Keyboards
Rob Stoner -- Bass, Vocals
Steven Soles -- Acoustic Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
David Mansfield -- Pedal Steel, Violin, Mandolin, Guitar, Dobro
Steve Douglas -- Saxophone, Flute, Recorder
Bobbye Hall -- Percussion
Helena Springs -- Vocals
Jo Ann Harris -- Vocals
Debi Dye -- Vocals
Produced by Don DeVito
Production Coordinator -- Hiroshi Kanai
CBS/SONY Production Director -- Toshiyuki "Heckel" Sugano
Recorded at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo
Feb. 28 & Mar. 1, 1978
Engineers -- Tom Suzuki, Teppei Kasai, Tetsuro Tomita, G.H. Sukegawa, S.C.I.
Staff for Music Touring Company:
Management Representative -- Dick Curtis
Technical Advisor -- Arthur Rosato
Production Supervision -- Patrick Stansfield
Stage Manager -- Mitch Fennell
Road Manager, Principal -- Gary Shafner
Road Manager, Band -- Tom Mooney
Chief of Staff -- Ava Megna
Sound Contractor -- Stan Miller
Monitor Mixer -- Tim Charles
Sound Technician -- Val Lane
Stage Design -- John Lilly & Leo Bonamy
Equipment Technicians -- Joel Bernstein, Alan Bartz
Stage Technicians -- Jerry Murphey
Public Relations -- Paul Wasserman
Accountant -- Marty Feldman
Production Assistant -- Tony Broccoli
Management -- Jerry Weintraub/Management III
Special Thanks To:
Mr. Siejiro Udo
Mr. Jiro Uchino
Mr. Tats Nagashima
Ishitani
Moon Kobayashi
Tack
Nabe
Aki
Norio Ohga
Toshio Ozawa
Hiroshi Kanai
Taisuke Ohnishi
Heckel Sugano
Hibino Onkyo
Stania Sound Lt.
Terry
Yama
Toshi
Michi
Comments
completely agree
No Rating
completely agree
I think it's Bob's most interesting live album
His vocals are in good shape (and tune), he sounds like he's enjoying himself (which, ehm, is not always the case), and the band sound like a real tight group who have thoroughly rehearsed the material. Although some of the new arrangements indeed sound like over the top bombastic late 70's Las Vegas ballroom kitsch (Times are-a-changin', Forever young, Going gone, Twist of fate, All I really wanna do... are just a few of the most horrible versions), some others (All along the watchtower, Cup of coffee, Tambourine man, Love minus zero, Heaven's door, It's allright ma, Shelter from the storm...) are refreshing and strong interpretations which really add something new. If it were one single album, containing like 12 or 13 songs, it would be great.
The root of my problem with later Dylan albums
No Rating
Paul A. Recht
Once upon a time I owned this album. I recently heard it on a CD. My problem with Bob Dylan's live albums starts with this one. I understand he would get tired of singing his same songs in the same way as the original material. I do not understand why all the arrangements of all the songs on this album are, in my opinion, decidely much worse that the original arrangements. Every single one. This album, in retrospect, represents the beginning of my problem with all his later live albums which I have heard, and was duplicated the last time I heard Bob Dylan in concert, in the mid 1980"s.
fave
No Rating
My absolute Dylan fave is I want you. Loved the Chrimbo tune, and this is a damn good album too. Keep it up Bob!.
My All Time Favorite
No Rating
My all time favorite is the 1966 "Blonde on Blonde". I still remembered this was in May, 1966. It was the vinyl version in two pieces.
He then was experimenting new style of play. Combining mystical poetry and mischievous phrasing. Check out his works such as "Visions of Johanna", "Just Like a Woman" and "Rainy Day".
A Joke?
From what I read, the promoters sent Dylan a list of the songs they wanted him to perform. I think this is Dylan's way of getting back at the promoters. He rearranged the songs so they sounded nothing like the album. I know he did this before but on this album it sounded like "Las Vegas Bob."
Budokan forever!!
WWWOOOOWWW!!!
it's strange
Some of the arrangements are interesting like on love minus zero and simple twist and some are horrible like blowing in the wind and the times they are a changin. Dylan doesn't like this one all that much. It is a very mixed album but overall fine.
I'm a HUGE Dylan fan
No Rating
I'm a HUGE Dylan fan, I love every piece of music he has produced. Though that statement is not a lie I won't lie... I do love some more than others. If you are like me and your true love for Dylan stems from his early career , then this album is for you and your collection. This album may not be noticed much in comparison to his other works, but this is a later work from him that just lets you know he's no where near to being done and throwing in the towel. As he has said himself "forever young" and he always reinvents himself to be young again. Bob Dylan WILL NEVER DIE, and for that I give thanks.
Very Detailed Buddhist Garden
No Rating
Some cools pics of the actual kyoto garden http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/lifelist-zen-garden-kyoto.html. Check it out!
Great Album
No Rating
What a great album. He had great musicians with him. I love the back up singers on many songs, such as "Just Like a Woman." The sax player is great, too - especially on "Shelter from the Storm."
Bob talking to the audience...
No Rating
I am so used to Bob just playing songs at concerts, it is a shock to hear him introducing songs, thanking the audience and making an effort to present. Wish he still did that now.
About Bob Dylan's album
I became a fan of Bob Dylan when I heard the album "World Gone Wrong"
and about this album... It's great! I like it.
I think, we all should get this album who truly love music.
My First Bob Dylan Album
No Rating
Must say this was my first ever Bob dylan album (record at the time) I brought. I did not like it at first but I decided to keep it. As Times was going buy I like it more and more. For me best versions of Love Minus Zero/No Limit and I want You...and many more but this was my tops and this is what I like about Dylan...he would do song which I usually dont like on concert and sweep me of my feet! All this album has some beutiful fragrance...shall I say of Geishas, LOL
I forgot to mention that now i have almost all albums!
Not sure
SLUMDOG
It's not bad but I have to be in the mood.
It is interesting to listen to the arrangements.
I think that I just prefer 'RAW BOB'.
liberating
Most of the hit-or-miss arrangements are definitely hit. A good live album is always a great musical experience, although the audience in this one is boring.
A Nice Listen
I read a lot of people trash this album, but I don't agree. It can be pleasing to listen to, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I read someplace that the Japanese release is actually better, and that the band got better as it went along. I've always wanted to get my hands on that version.
I like Tambourine Man and Rolling Stone and others on here. I think some are a little rough on him on both Street Legal and this album.
Dave
At Budokan
This was one of Dylans best periods - great arrangements played by fine musicans. I remember a german local rdio dj saying that this was the first time he liked Dylan because he now was making music for the first time....
Many "fans" booed at concerts in germany - but bob was confronted to these kind of people many times before since 1966 and his courage to do his thing makes him one of the greatest of all times.
has some redeeming qualities
No Rating
Some of the arrangements are nice and the band sounds very good. Rumor has it that Bob was tired of not making money from his tours and tried to emulate more polished live performers such as Neil Diamond
Atypical Beauty
Beautiful band, with flute/recorder, violin and backup vocals -- this was very new and fresh sound when it came out. I love the Watchtower ("from the Mojave desert...")
Another live souvenir
Not nearly as important or as good as other Dylan records. Here is a little souvenir of Bob's Japanese tour while promoting Street-Legal. Interesting to hear these reworkings, but their not as good as they would later be or even before.
Interesting
Me too, I like this album. The versions may not be the best version but them all are interesting. The highest point to me is the best version I've heard of Blowin' in the wind followed by a great version too of Just like a woman with a wonderful harp solo.
Amazingly Unique
Although most don't agree with me, I love this album! Bob brings a unique twist to his own songs with a different sound to them. Don't get me wrong I still love the original versions too, but this album shouldn't be overlooked.