This was recorded on March 27, 1965, by an audience member with a very expensive tape recorder; although still a bit rough, the quality of this bootleg is superior to most audience recordings from this period. It's fantastic to be able to hear exactly what was coming out of the auditorium speakers, the very sound waves that met the ears of the audience nearly 56 years ago... Not sure about you guys, but keeping that in mind while listening always moves me.
I usually don't give in-depth information about venues, but the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium has a colorful history and deserves some context. It was once the most acclaimed music venue in Southern California; name a legendary artist and they've probably performed there. David Bowie's concert there was recorded and famously released as "Santa Monica '72"--an incredible performance. The documentary film "The T.A.M.I. Show", one of the greatest exhibits of 60's pop music, was shot there too, just a few months before Dylan's appearance. It featured Chuck Berry, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, and many others. Watch it here: • The T.A.M.I. Show-Teen... .
Unfortunately, the concert isn't complete, probably due to recording errors or a lack of tape. Either way, we're very lucky this has been preserved. There's an absolutely hypnotic version of "Mr. Tambourine Man", one of the best versions of "Love Minus Zero" I've heard from this period, and a hilarious take on "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," which sounds like he's mocking his 1963 self.
TRACKLIST:
0:00 - To Ramona
4:24 - Gates of Eden
11:41 - If You Gotta Go, Go Now
13:54 - It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
21:30 - Love Minus Zero/No Limit
25:38 - Mr. Tambourine Man
31:14 - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
34:50 - With God on Our Side [INCOMPLETE]
36:16 - She Belongs to Me
40:02 - It Ain't Me, Babe [INCOMPLETE]
41:20 - The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll [INCOMPLETE]
41:42 - All I Really Want to Do
44:11 - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Peace & Love,
~SP