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This is a multi-channel hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players.
Dylan's last pre-Christianity batch of tunes, STREET LEGAL achieves a comfortable balance between the staid professionalism of the same year's live recording AT BUDOKAN and the rough-and-ready aesthetic of previous albums like DESIRE. As was often the case in his post-BLOOD ON THE TRACKS records, some of the most effective tunes on STREET LEGAL are those that he seems to have labored over least. A good example is the way the simple 12-bar blues of "New Pony" eclipses the more elaborately constructed opener "Changing of the Guards."
Naturally, that's not to say Dylan's vaunted wordplay had hit a valley on STREET LEGAL. Anyone who can rhyme "where we're headin'" with "Armageddon," as he does on "Senor (Tales of Yankee Power)," plainly has more than a few lyrical tricks left up his sleeve. Those searching for subtext in the tunes here may note the evidence of a spiritual turmoil that would soon lead to Dylan's theological metamorphosis.
Originally released in 1978, this reissue is a hybrid CD consisting of remastered regular version playable on all players and a super audio CD version for players equipped with the format. 9 tracks. Digpak. Sony.
Recorded at Rundown Studios, Santa Monica, California.
Personnel: Bob Dylan (vocals, electric guitar); Steven Soles (guitar, background vocals); Billy Cross (guitar); David Mansfield (mandolin, violin); Steve Douglas (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Steve Madaio (trumpet); Alan Pasqua (keyboards); Jerry Scheff (bass guitar); Ian Wallace (drums); Bobbye Hall (percussion); Jo Ann Harris, Helena Springs, Carolyn Dennis (background vocals).
Recording information: Rundown Studios, Santa Monica, CA.
Photographers: Howard Alk; Joel Bernstein.
Unknown Contributor Role: Ava Megna.
Personnel: Bob Dylan (vocals, guitar); Steven Soles (guitar, background vocals); Billy Cross (guitar); David Mansfield (mandolin, violin); Steve Douglas (soprano & tenor saxophones); Steve Madaio (trumpet); Alan Pasqua (keyboards); Jerry Scheff (bass); Jan Wallace (drums); Bobbye Hall (percussion); Carolyn Dennis, Jo Ann Harris, Helena Springs (background vocals).
Q (7/95, p.141) - 5 Stars (out of 5) - "...the songs are brilliant and the preoccupations that fuel them only add to the slightly fevered atmosphere..."
Dirty Linen (10-11/99, p.81) - "...[producer, Don DeVito] remastered the tapes to give them an added punch....not without its charms, and certainly worth it just under $10 list price."
**Super Audio CD (SACD)**
A Super Audio CD player is required to play this CD.
This item will not play on standard CD players.
Bob Dylan - Street-Legal Songs
Street-Legal Music Review
Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)   9 of the Best
You don’t hear much good about this album but for me it’s one of Bobby’s best.
The songs are mostly about disappointment and strife in relationships, after his divorce from Sara, not exactly surprising or uplifting, but for me the musical and lyrical phrasing are second to none. This is a very melodic collection with great hooks. ‘New Pony’, trading in for a new model, is a particular favourite with sly/bitter lyrics and no-nonsense, straight through guitar riff. ‘Senor’, do you know where we’re headin’, Lincoln County Road or Armageddon; what a start, and it get’s better. ‘Where are you tonight’, relentless, always a good tactic for Dylan, sucks you in and won’t let you go, great backing vocals too. ‘True love tends to forget’, understated words for universal truths. All the songs are good on this album and a lot of them are great. The musicianship and production are first class though I suspect a little over the top or theatrical for some devotees. Perhaps it’s ‘commercial’; that’s why we don’t hear good about it; not worthy; I don’t know; but I have to say again, for me it’s a great listen even after more than two decades. If you’re a Dylan fan you know all about this work and have your own opinion I’m sure; if you’re not and you’re looking for an excuse to buy it then go right ahead; you can not, will not, be disappointed.
Submitted by Mark (Wales and England, UK)
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