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Walter Martin's avatar

I’ll read that - but funny you mention the bass on Visions of Johanna. I really wanted to talk about it in a Dylan episode but I forgot. It’s just fun to listen to the bass miss that change up the 5 chord so many times (going tot he 4 instead) and then it’s so glorious when he finally gets it. You wanna give him a big hug when he finally nails it. But apart from that, his groove is so good I love it. Funny and cool decision to make it funky like that.

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James Vincent's avatar

Yeah, it certainly gives an added tension to the song. Some people say those moments are intentional, some say mistakes - either way, it's a wonderful bassline.

My theory is that Joe realised early in the session that the song was a flawless masterpiece, and he felt he had to make it imperfect so as to not offend the gods.

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Matt Cascella's avatar

Walt, top notch episode. As a fellow Bob freak, I appreciated you emphasizing those two sneaky companion records from the 90s, World Gone Wrong and Good As I Been To You. What gems.

I'm not suggesting it (maybe I am!), but the "Jokerman" lore of him performing on Letterman with The Plugz is a fun one. Maybe you know all about this. But if not, worth investigating.

Thanks for the good listen. Excited for more Bobby chasing.

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Walter Martin's avatar

Thanks Matt! Yeah I’ve seen that plugz clip! I forget how he hooked up with them but I’m sure the story is appropriately weird. I’ll look it up!

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Sylvia's avatar

Love the goosechases

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Cam Jones's avatar

Can’t forget when Bob signed a copy of Self Portrait for Chumlee on pawn stars.

Also the solo he takes on Love Sick Soy Bomb Verizon is 🔥

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Walter Martin's avatar

Oh my gosh that’s right! I saw that. So weird

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James Vincent's avatar

Speaking of bass players adding in "jazz notes" to Dylan sessions, what's your opinion of Joe South's bass part on Visions of Johanna?

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/musical-mistakes-bob-dylan-song-triumph/

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Walter Martin's avatar

Above reply was to you fyi

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