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First of all, most songs are instrumentals. Billy 1, 4 & 7 are great variations on the same theme with Dylan's voice sounding strong and melodically different in each one. Bob Dylan's soundtrack for Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid might be one of his most underrated works. He doesn't sound like he did on his previous album New Morning(1970) or Planet Waves which was recorded a few months after in November '73. I'll be eagerly awaiting for a proper remastered version of this sadly forgotten yet most treasured and timeless piece of music. And no, they don't need any lyrics. The original version of Knockin' On Heaven's Door is pure classic and belongs 100% among the other songs.
With that in mind, this music should be taken as a whole. Recorded in California in early 1973, this is a most unique experience in his career. Such joy. There's a soothing atmosphere to them and it feels as if Dylan allows us right into his place by the woods where a fire crackles beside running streams under the light of a magical moon and acoustic guitars, flutes, bongos, tambourine, fiddle, banjo, voices, harmonium, cellos, bass intertwine in harmony.And then there is Dylan singing passionately - his voice different once again. Yet another side of the master. There's nothing like this in Dylan's recorded output so the fact that Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid is a one-off musical adventure makes it all even more worthwhile.
Never did receive my purchase. I e-mailed this place at least twice and did not receive one answer. Should have known something was wrong after my two other orders from different places arrived within days.
Lovely collection of low key chilled out tracks, but in need of remastering treatment in places, notably the the first track on which the rhythm acoustic guitar distorts quite frequently. I guess to some the low-fi approach to recording is part of the magic of this bunch of tunes, as for instance when Dylan's coat buttons rattle on his guitar, again on the first track. But loose as the playing is, I'd like to see the sound touched up in places.
But the music is haunting, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," though covered my many, never sounded this good. I've owned maybe six copies of this album & they all disappeared (to New Mexico). The film (Pechinpah) is finally beginning to get serious attention amongst the DVD bunch & the music fits most any element. when I loaned 'em out in late-party generosity. So I again bought a copy & will not loan this'un. A must for any Dylan collection. Great price, too.
This is a Bob Dylan soundtrack album. I already did a review for the previous edition--1989. Check it out. Same album--new edition.
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