Bob Dylan: Together Through Life
There are two types of people in life: those who love Bob Dylan, and complete fucking idiots.
Which one are you?
Since you’re here, reading this article, I’ll assume the former. But feel free to post in the comments section and correct me if you’d like to proclaim your status as a complete fucking idiot.
With that out of the way, let’s move on to Bob’s latest. Those who haven’t been keeping up and only know the Dylan of the 60s, that folk-poet-protest-song-singing icon is gone. Dylan is no longer trying to save the world; he’s aged and refined a mellow sound that’s very different than the sunglasses-wearing figure you see in all those rock docs. Since his “comeback” album Time Out of Mind reintroduced him to a whole new generation of music lovers, Bob’s been shaping his sound to something that is now very familiar, and if you enjoyed Love & Theft or Modern Times, Together Through Life will probably hit you in the exact same way.
Structurally, the songs are very simple with a blues and Americana approach that’s worked well for Dylan in recent years. But the influence seems to be more heavily rooted in early pre-rock n’ roll blues than anything from Modern Times. Though these are all new tunes, they sound almost antique and many would seem right at home on Dylan’s radio show “Theme Time Radio with Bob Dylan”. Incidentally, a special disc of Theme Time excerpts is included with the deluxe edition of this disc.
Lyrically, Dylan covers many familiar themes, offering a broad swipe of American culture all seen through his unique and twisted kaleidoscope. For example, take the rollicking closing track It’s All Good, a cheerful take on the ever-descending apocalyptic world around us. As usual, the musicianship is spectacular, with Tom Petty’s guitarist Mike Campbell stepping in as well as Los Lobos accordion player David Hidalgo. Strange as it may seem, Hidalgo’s contribution really makes this album something special; a surprising feat for an accordion player.
Together Through Life didn’t wow me immediately in the same way as Love & Theft or Modern Times. Perhaps it’s because the “old bluesman” sound has become expected. Despite this, it’s certainly a worthy entry into the Dylan catalog and an album I’ll be listening to over and over again for a long time to come.
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Tags: bob dylan, together through life
May 1st, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I guess I’ll have to accept my CFI status then, won’t I? Dylan sings like a basset-hound being repeatedly kicked in the nuts while howling. The only thing worse than his singing would be if he were to sing a Journey tune while backed up by the Eagles.
Sorry, but it had to be said.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:20 pm
The “his voice sucks” is always the first argument and the easiest… And unfortunately, if you dismiss the genius of Bob Dylan simply because you don’t like his voice, yes, you’re probably a “CFI”.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
You are right on that one. His music and writing are top notch. If only he could get a “ghost vocalist”…
May 1st, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Personally, I don’t mind his voice. Especially these days as it fits the “old man singin’ old music” thing he’s got going on. And back in the day, especially in the folk era, it fit perfectly. Would it have made a difference if a vocalist of greater capability sang Blowin’ in the Wind? I prefer Dylan’s version to Peter, Paul, and Mary’s.
To me, as long as a singer is in key, I’m fine. I’ll listen to any gravelly, nasally, twangy, shitty voice as long as the material is good. Give me Dylan, Tom Waits, Neil Young, and Joe Cocker over Celine Dion or Mariah Carey any day of the week.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:16 am
Seriously.
I’ll paraphrase Linda Thompson in saying, “Mariah Carey has a great voice, but can’t sing. Bob Dylan can sing, but doesn’t have a great voice”
That goes for all those fuckers who nay-say Springsteen as well.
There is more depth in music than some can understand. Great singing is not about having a beautiful voice.