Revisiting Bob Dylan's Empire Burlesque: Uncovering the Influence of Arthur Baker and the Evolution of Dylan's Sound
Bob Dylan's album, Empire Burlesque, released in 1985, followed the somewhat disappointing Infidels. The album was initially recorded with good intentions but was marred by questionable decisions made by Dylan himself. The mechanical production by Arthur Baker on the album obscured the individual personalities of the musicians, leading to a lack of authenticity in the sound. The recent release of The Bootleg Series Volume 16 showcases a stripped-down version of the tracks, highlighting the difference in sound without Baker's disco-oriented mix.
The influence of Arthur Baker's production style, popular in the era, can be heard in Empire Burlesque. However, tracks like "When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky," without the effects, offer a more genuine and engaging listening experience. The contributions of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers on songs like "Seeing The Real You At Last" and "Emotionally Yours" bring out the blues and gospel roots in Dylan's music, showcasing his sentimental and irascible sides.
During the recording sessions, Dylan revisited and reworked songs from the Infidels sessions, resulting in tracks like "Tight Connection to My Heart." The album features a diverse range of material, from romantic ballads like "I'll Remember You" to tongue-in-cheek honky-tonk songs like "Clean-Cut Kid." The closing track, "Dark Eyes," stands out as a highlight with its sparse arrangement and Dylan's emotive vocals, devoid of the 80s aesthetic prevalent in the rest of the album.
Empire Burlesque marked a significant step in Dylan's discography, leading to his later acclaimed albums like 'Love And Theft' and 'Rough And Rowdy Ways.' Despite the challenges faced during the recording process, the album's standout tracks and Dylan's evolving production style make it a worthwhile listen in his extensive catalog.