November 20, 2006

Well, the old master has done it again. At the ripe old age of 65, Bob Dylan has created another pearl out of the grit of modern times. And all times are considered modern, are they not, whilst we are experiencing them? On August 29, 2006, Dylan released an outstanding collection of musical mirrors, reflecting - in his own hypnotic, existential way - the faces of life and love, in these present Modern Times. Even the album cover is part of it. I mean, doesn't it all just seem like a blur sometimes?

1. Thunder on the Mountain - A fast flowing river that comes out of nowhere, picks you up and sweeps you away downstream, and there's nothing you can do about it. This song will grab you and carry you with it, no matter who you are and what you are doing at the time. This is the kind of song that gives soulless recording company executives wet dreams. If you don't like this song, there is something wrong with you. I suggest you go off by yourself somewhere and quit bothering people.

The song is also a warning, and introduces a recurring theme, opening the album with this verse:

2. Spirit on the Water - A bit more subtle, and has a delightfully descending guitar riff that weaves its way in and out of the main melody like a cool breeze on a summer day. You will find yourself humming it hours later. It is a love song, with just a touch of pain thrown in to keep you awake.

3. Rollin' and Tumblin' - Also a love song, but with a heap more pain. Dylan is obviously no stranger to unrequited love, and not afraid to tell an all-too-often male bashing world that women can be mean and nasty too.

4. When the Deal Goes Down - A different kind of love song. A love song to everyone. To all of his women, and all of his fans. To all his fellow humans, and to God. It is a momentous song, that reminds us no matter how crazy it all gets, we are all in this together.

5. Someday Baby - My personal favourite. A funky rolling rhythm that just won't quit.

7. Beyond the Horizon - A prayer, and the more you listen to it, the more you like it. At Dylan's age he's allowed to start thinking about the end of life, and what that means. You start out wondering if he's talking about spiritual love or mortal love, and you end up wondering if they're not both the same thing.

8. Nettie Moore - Another beautiful love song. There is a somewhat annoying (to me, at least) bass drum thumping through the verses, but just as it is about to become too much, the song drops down into a sublimely soft, emotionally moving chorus, that stirs your soul, and makes your heart want to swell and burst.

10. Ain't Talkin' - Summing up the entire album, this song has it all. The duality of Man. The regrets, and the hopes, and the frustrations.