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Bob Dylan -
Guitar, Harmonica
THE BAND
Robbie Robertson - Guitar
Rick Danko - Bass
Levon Helm - Drums
Garth Hudson - Organ
Richard Manual - Drums, Piano
Recorded November 5, 6 & 9
Village Recorder, 1616 Butler, West LA
Engineer - Bob Fraboni
Assisted - Nat Jeffery
Special Assistance - Robbie Robertson
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The cover of
PLANET WAVES bears the inscription "cast-iron songs
and torch ballads," proving that Dylan was a skilled
assessor of his own work. "There are those who
worship loneliness/But I'm not one of them," he sings
on "Dirge," a disclaimer for the harrowing
emotional landscape he describes. Backed by the members of
the Band, Dylan explores both sides of the romantic coin
on this album.
"You
Angel You" and "On a Night Like This" (a
tune that proved jubilant enough to be covered by
Buckwheat Zydeco) represent the up side. The
aforementioned "Dirge" brings us into the belly
of the beast, as Dylan faces up to his loneliness and pain
with customary aplomb; "I payed the price of
solitude/But at least I'm out of debt." Throughout,
the Band alternately supply verve and poignancy as
required. A little-known standout on PLANET WAVES is the
solo acoustic ballad "Wedding Song," where Bob
wears his heart proudly on his sleeve over a haunting
minor-key melody.
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