"Another Side" is the first Dylan album I owned, somewhere around 12 or 13 years old, and if it's possible to pick a favorite from Bob's enormously rich catalog, this might be it for me. And right on, 'Chimes of Freedom' has certainly met its moment, and kept its relevance.
I'm surprised that you sort of passed over "Ballad In Plain D" though - obviously not a protest song, but imo a powerful example of his shift towards more personal writing, and a story told in a more or less linear fashion. I believe it was inspired by an incident involving Suze Rotolo and her sister, and within it are some of my favorite Dylan lines.
Thanks Hugh. I learned that it’s not essential to write about every song in an album review (or quote many lyrics!). And as stated am utterly uninterested in who people think a song is about. That’s People Magazine stuff, to me, and limits interpretation. But that’s just me grumpy. If he’s gonna call it “Ballad in Plain D” I’m gonna lend it an ear and walk on by.
Great writing as always, Wayne.
"Another Side" is the first Dylan album I owned, somewhere around 12 or 13 years old, and if it's possible to pick a favorite from Bob's enormously rich catalog, this might be it for me. And right on, 'Chimes of Freedom' has certainly met its moment, and kept its relevance.
I'm surprised that you sort of passed over "Ballad In Plain D" though - obviously not a protest song, but imo a powerful example of his shift towards more personal writing, and a story told in a more or less linear fashion. I believe it was inspired by an incident involving Suze Rotolo and her sister, and within it are some of my favorite Dylan lines.
"Are birds free from the chains of the skyway?"
Thanks Hugh. I learned that it’s not essential to write about every song in an album review (or quote many lyrics!). And as stated am utterly uninterested in who people think a song is about. That’s People Magazine stuff, to me, and limits interpretation. But that’s just me grumpy. If he’s gonna call it “Ballad in Plain D” I’m gonna lend it an ear and walk on by.
Fair enough! That’s what makes horse races, as they say. Do they still say that?
I found that song compelling long before I had any idea who it was about.
I think amphetamine injections make horse races today, Hugh. “They” might not say that, but we old guys do!
Good one, Wayne. Thank you.
Thanks, Lucian. I appreciate it.