Posted on 09/11/2006 5:21:15 PM PDT by pissant
At a time when the majority of those his age are drifting into retirement, 65-year-old Bob Dylan has put the capper on a three-record run that ranks with the best in his storied, 44-album career. Like Time Out of Mind and Love and Theft before it, Modern Times is a rootsy, blues-soaked pool of the purest form of Americana--skipping the progressive bells or whistles for an understated backing by his touring band. Dylan's voice, which cracks, rasps and moans from the pop singer's pulpit, hasn't been this rich and emotive since 1976's Desire. And while his lyrics prolong his steadfast allusions to a higher power and his own immortality, they are not without the Dylan mirth, as when he sings of tracking pop queen Alicia Keys from Hell's Kitchen to Tennessee in "Thunder on the Mountain," the album's opener, which teams with "Someday Baby" and "Rollin' and Tumblin'" (for which Dylan misguidedly claims writing credit) as the record's most fiery numbers. Still, it's the Dylan that tells of a slave-loving owner ("Nettie Moore"), brings New Orleans to the front burner ("The Levee's Gonna Break") and plays the part of an eloquent lounge singer ("Spirit on the Water," "When the Deal Goes Down" and "Beyond the Horizon") that makes Modern Times sound just like old times. --Scott Holter
(Excerpt) Read more at amazon.com ...
Impressive that he is beating Beyonce. Not the case on the iTunes Music Store.
Ping!
Beating Beyonce. That has a ring to it. ;o)
Not bad for an old fart. :o)
I am hearing from friends that it is very good.
It's simple musically. It goes back and forth between standard rockabilly and odd lilting cowboy croons. Nothing new musically, but after several listens it grows on you. It has a raw feel and Dylans lyrics are typically odd and funny.
Thanks, Scott.
I think it's a terrific album. His voice is clear and I can actually understand every word. While it must have cost all of six dollars to produce, it's worth a lot more.
To listen to "When the Deal Goes Down" is to know that Dylan still understands who's running the show.
"Well, the moon gives light and it shines by night
When I scarcely feel the glow
We learn to live and then we forgive
O'r the road we're bound to go
More frailer than the flowers, these precious hours
That keep us so tightly bound
You come to my eyes like a vision from the skies
And I'll be with you when the deal goes down
Well, I picked up a rose and it poked through my clothes
I followed the winding stream
I heard the deafening noise, I felt transient joys
I know they're not what they seem
In this earthly domain, full of disappointment and pain
You'll never see me frown
I owe my heart to you, and that's sayin' it true
And I'll be with you when the deal goes down."
And "Beyond the Horizon" is lovely...
"It's dark and it's dreary
I've been pleading in vain
I'm wounded, I'm weary
My repentance is plain
Beyond the horizon o'r the treacherous sea
I still can't believe that you have set aside your love for me
Beyond the horizon, 'neath crimson skies
In the soft light of morning I'll follow you with my eyes
Through countries and kingdoms and temples of stone
Beyond the horizon right down to the bone
It's the right time of the season
Somebody there always cared
There's always a reason
Why someone's life has been spared
Beyond the horizon, the sky is so blue
I've got more than a lifetime to live lovin' you "
but I've listened to his music..... it's weird.... I like what I hear. Not in the sing a long kinda way, or to run or work out.... but in that listening to his words and just thinking about "stuff"...
I guess that's what "artist" or "poets" go for.... of course that's only my opinion, and I could be wrong.
Well, the moon gives light and it shines by nightIt immediately made me think of Genesis and John, and his Gospel of darkness and light.
Ain't Bobby so cool...
I've always thought that the word "lovely" sounded so feminine and maybe too weak for a man to use when describing anything. Now, with your using it to describe this song I realize you chose the perfect word to summarize an amazing piece that's become my favorite cut on this CD.
Indeed, it is lovely.
Thanks for the ping. The album is in heavy rotation at my house.
...an amazing piece that's become my favorite cut on this CD.
When I first heard "Beyond the Horizon" I thought the melody was almost too simple. But since then, it's the one song I keep humming at odd times throughout the day.
Maybe Dylan made the music uncomplicated in these songs to highlight the lyrics.
Well, I was referring more to myself than you and being you use the title "Dr." I almost fell into the trap of assuming you're a male. I don't make that mistake anymore since Archie Bunker proved that we males too often assume.
There was a video on the net that had a Charlie Chaplin film playing with "Beyond the Horizon" as it's score. It's gone now and maybe because some attorney made a vague threat. I hope you got to see it.
I found another video that someone did and you might enjoy it. Not quite as good as the Chaplin/Dylan one, but it's worth watching.
Maybe Dylan made the music uncomplicated in these songs to highlight the lyrics.
He'll never say, but I think you're on to something.
I wonder when someone will invent something that permits the camera to remain steady?
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