Bob Dylan – Before the Flood Review

What better time to enjoy Before the Flood than when stuffing your face with Christmas Day leftovers? Bob Dylan and The Band were often found in fine form with one another – and this live record should be no surprise to those who listened in. But those who found themselves tapping their foot to these collaborative styles and wildcard instrumentals may be surprised by the sheer quality and class which spreads across Before the Flood. Stuffed full of the all-time greats in the Dylan discography and backed by a group whose own successes were not far from shooting them to the same lofty position members of the public now hold Dylan to, Before the Flood has an almost impossible task ahead of itself for those listening to it fifty years on, yet somehow, it survives. 

Not through willpower or the good grace of fans obsessed with the titans on stage, but through a sense of capturing the real feel of live work. Before the Flood may be a drag at times but the waste-no-time style and the throaty, gruff tones from Dylan on opener Most Likely You’ll Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine) is a stunning experience. Stretches of quality are assured with hearty renditions of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door and an electrified piece from It Ain’t Me, Babe. Stick to your guns and hear out the best rendition of Ballad of a Thin Man. Utterly astounding, an ascension of quality nobody could quite predict – but The Band and their overlapping sound, the electronic pops and whining elements are sharp, exciting and unique.  

A few bits from The Band follow, a neat break from Dylan though he is the main fixture. Up on Cripple Creek is simply otherworldly here. A particularly raspy cover of I Shall Be Released deflates the live piece somewhat but strong instrumentals carry the burden. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Stage Fright are intense and wonderful workings, some of the sharpest guitar work on offer from The Band in any setting, studio, live or otherwise. Warm, encapsulating and fulfilling guitar work. Dylan returns on this second disc in fine form with an upbeat and intense, folksy turn for Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright. Considering where his career would go soon after this period, Dylan may give one of his best and final heyday performances here. 

With a run of hits to close this one out, perfect acoustic numbers without too much stray from their studio reflections bar a lyrical turn from Dylan with a bit of venom in his throat, Before the Flood has an incredible status. Certainly, one of the best live offerings available to fans of The Band and Dylan. It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) could not sound better here than it does. Moments of real perfection and keen understanding of the live process, the back and forth of Dylan and the wilder side of The Band flowing through and creating a masterful piece in parts. Where it may not have many interjections from the audience in attendance, that is more a problem for those of the time than it is for listeners at home, enjoying some of the sharpest performances Dylan and The Band ever gave.