November 14, 2006

The Golden Road To Unlimited Procrastination

Hope you're not busy for the next couple of days. We hadn't been to Wolfgang's Vault in awhile, but thanks to RS, we discovered Wolfgang's behemoth concert archive, 300 shows deep with streams from performances by everyone from The Beach Boys in '71 (after Brian's performing days), to Clapton in '76, to The Cure in '84 (how good does Robert Smith sound?!), to Jimi Hendrix (in '68). And so many more you could choke.

Worth checking is a recording from Elton John at Fillmore West in SF in '70, before he was a household name, but ready to take over with his trademark vox, and piano comps and chops. He sounds young and Disney free! Also, listen to this set from Stevie Wonder in his prime at Winterland in SF ("Signed, Sealed, Delivered" rocks) and remember why he's hailed as the genius he is. And, of course, there's lots and lots of Grateful Dead.

But a funny highlight comes from this show at Kezar Stadium in SF 3/23/75, featuring Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and backed by members of The Stray Gators and The Band. It's a loose and relaxed performance -- so much so that Dylan took a little liberty with one refrain: "Knockin' On Dragon's Door."

"Dragon's Door"? WTF? Whaddaya suppose he was talking about? Or better yet, whaddaya suppose inspired that improv? Remember, it was 1975.

UPDATE: And it just gets better! Wolfgang's Vault plans to update the archive with five new shows a week. That's one for each weekday. Just give up; you're never getting that TPS report filed.

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12 Comments

I can't get the file to play, but maybe he was talking about Daryl Dragon (aka The Captain, from Captain & Tennille), who was an L.A. staple and also still - I think - a member of the Beach Boys touring band at the time. Or maybe he was just talking about smack.

Posted by: Thierry at 11/14/06 3:28 PM | Reply
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Oh Dear God. This site...is awesome.

Posted by: wayne at 11/14/06 3:41 PM | Reply
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entertainment, yay!

Posted by: allison at 11/14/06 3:50 PM | Reply
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I though the coolest thing was elvis costello covering the byrds. Considering that a year later neil young played at the band's last waltz w/ cocaine in his nose, I'm going to assume drugs played a role, and who is this bob dylay you speak of? I thought seeing neil young and led zeppelin on youtube was the epitome of greatness on the internet, but this site might prove me wrong. Also, listening to stevie now, and I have to say that it is beyond words.

Posted by: ian at 11/14/06 4:23 PM | Reply
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This is the most interesting information i've seen on Stereogum...thanks guys.

Posted by: j at 11/14/06 4:48 PM | Reply
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if you want free concert recordings check out archive.org or bt.etree.org the later is mostly jammy bands.

Posted by: dannygutters at 11/14/06 5:07 PM | Reply
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You actually forgot to say - Thanks to Rachelandthecity!

Posted by: Rachelandthecity at 11/14/06 5:30 PM | Reply
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Thank you, Rachel and the City. Memphis REPRAZENT! :D

I am already wasting a LOT of time here. A LOT! And you're right. That Cure concert is suweet!

Posted by: Abby at 11/14/06 6:05 PM | Reply
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Lady Cutie Trouble Maker! How's Boston?

Heard you was leavin', comin' back down south to be with the real people.