This is a really great essay. Dylan is a gift that keeps on giving for anyone who likes to dive deep. There are so many layers to everything he does. Blood on the Tracks is the only post-1960s Dylan album I ever purchased, because so many insist it's one of his best, but I have to admit I've never really got into it compared to the earlier 1965/66 stuff.
Obviously this is all completely subjective, but the album is a bit too self-aware for me -- a bit too directly personal in a way that crosses into awkwardness at times. And I have enough of my own awkwardness, I don't need Bob's too. But the album contains a few great tracks: "Meet Me in the Morning" is probably my favourite, but it's also the least like the rest of the album.
Thank you, Gary! I understand what you mean about awkwardness. It’s uncomfortable listening in places. For my part, I’ve never quite appreciated Highway 61 and Blonde on Blonde to the extent I think I should. As you say, he’s the gift that keeps on giving…
Nicely done--and I also clicked the link to read your essay about musicians becoming novelists. "I'd rather read Leonard Cohen than Matt Haig" made me laugh.
Rob Stoner on bass, no? Dylans' poetic approach is brilliant. I've spoken with Rob on Facebook, he played on American Pie by Don McClean too. I play bass too, but he and I didn't have a great vibe, he's great though.
This is a really great essay. Dylan is a gift that keeps on giving for anyone who likes to dive deep. There are so many layers to everything he does. Blood on the Tracks is the only post-1960s Dylan album I ever purchased, because so many insist it's one of his best, but I have to admit I've never really got into it compared to the earlier 1965/66 stuff.
Obviously this is all completely subjective, but the album is a bit too self-aware for me -- a bit too directly personal in a way that crosses into awkwardness at times. And I have enough of my own awkwardness, I don't need Bob's too. But the album contains a few great tracks: "Meet Me in the Morning" is probably my favourite, but it's also the least like the rest of the album.
Thank you, Gary! I understand what you mean about awkwardness. It’s uncomfortable listening in places. For my part, I’ve never quite appreciated Highway 61 and Blonde on Blonde to the extent I think I should. As you say, he’s the gift that keeps on giving…
the Desire album is great too
Nicely done--and I also clicked the link to read your essay about musicians becoming novelists. "I'd rather read Leonard Cohen than Matt Haig" made me laugh.
Thanks, Daniel. Not sure what link you clicked – that essay sounds great but sadly it's not by me!
You still brought it, LOL.
Wow! So interesting. Thanks for a lovely piece, and brilliant untangling.
Thank you, Ann!
Rob Stoner on bass, no? Dylans' poetic approach is brilliant. I've spoken with Rob on Facebook, he played on American Pie by Don McClean too. I play bass too, but he and I didn't have a great vibe, he's great though.