It’s not a classic alright, but it’s worth several whiskey-soaked visits. Together Through Life, the 33rd studio album from Mr. Bob Dylan once again displays his poetic genius. Its beauty, depth and the range of emotions grows on each hearing.Musically, it has the same flavour as the last few albums (Modern Times, Time Out Of Mind), that of urban American blues. And his voice, gruffer than ever, adding the right character to the lyrics. Put some great guitar fills by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and soulful accordion sighs of David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) and the album surely has a very long ‘CD tray value’.
Poetically, the album is wry, caustic, sentimental, rich, wicked and very American . My favourites are, the sentimental ‘Life is Hard’, the conversational, ‘Forgetful Heart’, the violin laced (like the 'Desire' days), 'This Dream Of You' and the wickedly satirical final track, ‘It’s All Good’.
These last lines from ‘Forgetful Heart’ conveys the feeling of the ultimate defeat.
“All night long I lay awake and listen to the sound of pain
The door has closed through ever more
If indeed there ever was a door”
Or, feel the pain in the beautifully sung ‘Life Is Hard’.
“The sun is sinking low
I guess it's time to go
I feel a chilly breeze
In place of memories
My dreams are locked and barred
Admitting life is hard
Without you near me”
At 68, the man continues to be the greatest songwriter of our time.
If indeed there ever was a door”
Or, feel the pain in the beautifully sung ‘Life Is Hard’.
“The sun is sinking low
I guess it's time to go
I feel a chilly breeze
In place of memories
My dreams are locked and barred
Admitting life is hard
Without you near me”
At 68, the man continues to be the greatest songwriter of our time.
10 comments:
The review of this album i just read on MOJO mag was one of the ravest reviews of anything i've ever read - ..strange how i just cant seem to touch anything after Oh Mercy (and come to that , not more than a couple of tracks from his 80's stuff either...) still havent heard modern times ..! must get down to hearing the album then..
Hey Dude
Got Dylan’s latest album coz the music reminded me of Goa.
Will really blast it out loud when i go there – early July.
What a lovely piece...Dylan first Cohen second
He is a king...
Bhaskar,
both Modern Times and this one are similar except for the fact that this one is more lighthearted.
Tony,
yes it does start on a very Goan note...sets the mood.
I read this one is rock-ier / edge-ier ?
yes, it is...
Dude , did you just disallow my comment ? :-)
no sir! all 3 comments of yours are there :)
also, me likes the latest one more than 'Modern Times'
still trip on the album every now and then. current favorite is, 'A Changes Comin On'
Post a Comment