Posted on 05/26/2014 5:21:04 AM PDT by don-o
Somehow, after over 40 years of evidence to the contrary, much of the world seems to continue to expect the man who is arguably America's greatest songwriter to sign on to left/liberal causes at the first opportunity. If nothing else, it is proof that in attempting to kidnap Dylan's songs (in Dylan's own words, his songs were "subverted into polemics" in the 1960s), the left succeeded in convincing the average person that both the work and the man did, indeed, belong to them.
In the summer run-up to the 2004 presidential campaign, a concert tour of anti-Bush musicians was being organized, led by Bruce Springsteen. They would perform in swing states in support of John Kerry. The advance press regarding the tour always prominently mentioned Bob Dylan as one of the musicians being talked about for the lineup. There was no surprise about this expressed in the stories; after all, campaigning against Republican presidents is what Bob Dylan has always done, isn't it? But when dates and lineups were finally announced for the "Vote for Change" tour, one name was prominently missing: that of Bob Dylan. And indeed, any scrutiny of the record would show that he has never endorsed a political candidate (although some political candidates have endorsed him). The closest he has ever come would be the statement in his memoir, Chronicles, that his "favorite politician" circa 1961 was Barry Goldwater.
(Excerpt) Read more at weeklystandard.com ...
I actually think his recent work (post 1990) are better than most of his 1960s albums.
I like how he always snubbed the dirty, smelly hippies and yet like a jilted woman, they keep coming back for more abuse.
Tangled up in Blue is one alltime favorites. I also love the Mountain Dew version with Johhny Cash. And many, many more...
this was a take on Subterranean homesick blues...some would say, in the early 60s, that Dylan was sophomoric.
http://www.myplay.com/videos/bob-dylan/subterranean-homesick-blues
watch the video.... (Homo pedophile and marxist Alan Ginsberg is in the background....weird Al used a look alike Ginsberg ) not a big fan of Yankovich...but this and a few takes on rap, are pretty good.
Tangled is A+ but I love love love Dylan - there’s a great song for every topic, every issue. I seem to always go to Hattie Carroll and Masters of War.....with a good dose of Davey Moore thrown in too....
I travel Highway 61 in Minnesota weekly and every time I’m on that road “Desolation Row” begins playing in my head. I guess you could say it’s become my theme song.
Although, I wouldn’t buy a GM or Dodge car, I admire his ad. Was this during the super bowl?
Yep
Which was several times longer than my post of his songs.
Again...whatever.
A co-worker and I used to exchange verses of that song for laughs during work hours. “They’re selling postcards of the hanging....”
Which really goes to show above all else that the less you know about any artist the better.
I used to like Ed Asner and even Jane Fonda’s work until I learned of their politics, now I wouldn’t walk across the street to see their work.
I try to not listen to the liberal ramblings of Harrison Ford and GEorge Clooney, esp the latter, because I like their movies, but it gets harder every year. Ford is turning into the poster child for exlax in the elderly.
I think Dylan tries not to be identified with anyone, and by that is embraced by every one. Kinda like the current Pope.
Dylan’s recent album is really great, I think it’s just about all New Orleans sounding. Genius, absolute genius.
BTW how successful was the Vote for CHange tour?
I have heard a few clips from his most recent tour in Japan. Elegant ensemble, restrained instrumental work, does have a somewhat jazz vibe - yet another presentation of his art.
What has pisses the lefties off most is Dylan’s deeply pro Israel position.
I added two names to that list: Giant Sand and Buddy Miller.
I can't conceive any other voice doing "Desolation Row".
http://www.last.fm/music/Bob+Dylan/_/Desolation+Row
Maybe he will do a song on Jerusalem sometime as part of his continual spiritual journey between the Jewish / Christian he has traveled throughout his lifetime.
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