This Weekend in the Vault

Bob Dylan.  I just learned what a ‘lede’ is a few weeks ago (the Merriam-Webster dictionary says, “the introductory section of a news story that is intended to entice the reader to read the full story”). Did it work? Or did you already leave me for Bob Dylan? It’s OK, I’d leave me for Dylan as well. But in case you’re still following along, here’s what’s up: we’ve added the Dylan tracks to the formerly incomplete version of this Rolling Thunder Revue show. He is spot-on, audibly enjoying the re-arrangements of some of his most classic tunes. And before he even gets on stage there are performances by T-Bone Burnett, Joni Mitchell, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. It’s incredible.

Bobby D on the Rolling Thunder tour

That’s not all, though. Our $4 Download for the weekend is a live-in-studio session from Ry Cooder in 1974. It’s mostly a solo acoustic show with Ry showing off his incredible guitar-work and smooth vocals, but he is eventually accompanied by a bassist, drummer, and some amazing backing vocalists who create a beautiful mix of blues and gospel. We’re also unveiling a truly historic show from Kaleidoscope playing at the 1968 Newport Folk Festival. These guys never got the attention they deserved for their unique and mind-expanding mix of folk, rock, and Eastern music (long before most had heard of Ravi Shankar), but now you can hear them in all their esoteric glory with this rare live recording.

Lastly, we’re pleased to announce that the San Francisco-based band Train has made its Vault debut this week with a concert recorded in 1998. This show captures the band before they were a mainstream, Grammy-winning success story and proves that they were a tight, soulful band from the beginning. Pat Monahan was also kind enough to compile a playlist of songs from some of his favorite artists and biggest influences in the Vault; the dude is talented and has great taste. Give a listen here and please check out tour dates to see if they’re stopping by your town soon.