It's exactly 7 days after the concert took place and DGP's first release of the 2005 Devils & Dust Tour rolls in. That's one of the great things of today's day and age and let's not forget technology.
The new Springsteen tour kicked off with 2 rehearsal shows in Asbury Park and both shows were recorded in excellent quality and are the sources for this volume two and the upcoming volume one (obviously of the first rehearsal show, no idea though why this one came out first)
Bruce already used new vocals styles on the album but the opening track Reason To Believe definitely breaks new grounds. A distorted delta blues version that's hardly recognisable and definitely one of the highlights of the set. Other highlights include the E-Street Band rendition of Youngstown but now in an acoustic version, the piano version of For You and Real World and the electrified solo performance of the rare Tunnel Of Love Tour staple Part Man Part Monkey! In some ways the tour is similar to the GOTJ tour but it's set to a lighter tone, in my opinion. It's less dark and more in the style of the legendary 1990 Christic Benefit shows at the Shrine in L.A. Here Bruce premiered some of his first post-E-Street material in a solo acoustic setting.
The quality of the recording is excellent. It's clear and the sound is upfront. Thanks to Bruce's public service announcements before the show there's hardly any audience participation or interruption. The acoustic strums and piano chords come out strong with a nice depth in the recording. My subwoofer is working overtime and often it's like I am in the audience just as back in 1996 when I felt Bruce's heavy beatings on the body of his guitar pound in my chest.
The CD's come with beautifull labels and high quality glossy artwork in a thick double CD box with appropiate artwork as usual.
These beautifull releases come in small runs, so if you want to have one, act fast! Or wait for a silver release on another label that will definitely see the light of day someday soon! But for those who, like me, can't wait be sure to pick up a copy!
