Such a wonderful and heartfelt review of an album that was a bit over my head! I'm toggling back and forth between your review, each cut of the album, and the written lyrics--it's been quite an experience on many levels. Being a woman of a "certain age" I feel that Dylan's music reveals his process in ways that are non-judgemental. By the way, I'll be seeing him in LA in June--my first Dylan concert (and bringing--well, kind of dragging--my adult daughter with me). In preparation, I am doing my homework so I can enjoy the experience on a deep level. I send much gratitude to Dylan for sharing his journey with the world, and to you for illuminating the gift he has given us. I've now finished listening to all of his studio albums at least two or three times (not enough, I know), along with your outstanding, insightful reviews of them. As you have shown me, his is not a casual exploration of life, but rather the introspection of a creative genius who offers his brilliant insights through his art--just like the muses. Thank goodness for him, for you, and for the internet!!
Wow, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments, Sherrie! This made my day! Believe me, other than the joy of just being able to share my enthusiasm for Dylan and a few other artists on this channel, by FAR the best thing about doing so is receiving such great comments as yours. I hope you enjoy the Dylan show. He is 80 now of course and is not dancing all over the stage, but I never miss a chance to see him because he loves his art as much as we all do, and it shows. He views his songs as dynamic templates on which to vary his expression with each tour, and I appreciate that. Be ready for your daughter to not share your enthusiasm for the show, perhaps, but hopefully she will. He performs for his fans and for himself, guided by his muse to which he shows respect and gratitude. I love the guy. Again, thanks for your great comment, Sherrie - I really REALLY appreciate it. Cheers! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver Hi Jeff, Thank you for your quick and thoughtful reply. You are not only an expert on Dylan and lots of other songwriters and genres of music, you are also a great host--I have read several of your replies to others and I always smile at the exchange! Re. the concert: I am going to send my daughter an email with links to the Unplugged (?? I think this is the one) album that you said has a lot of Dylan's work from over the years, since I don't think she knows much about his work. In addition, I'm sending her the links to your reviews of both R&RWs and Unplugged, as well as the lyrics. I think knowing what the words are and getting the context will help her make sense of what the context is. BTW, your cool background in classical music gives you insights that you generously share with your readers. I plan to continue to study Dylan and his work and to replay his offerings, with your videos as a guide. Another resource that I have been studying is "The Nightengale's Code," by John Gibbens. It's an old (2001) book so it doesn't cover newer material, but it is filled with wonderful insights, and he, himself is an amazing writer. I'm in my '70s but this feels like a fresh start in my education about life and the arts. Wish my husband liked Dylan...but he doesn't like his voice. Maybe I'll start with people who covered him, like PP&M! Have a great day, and thanks again for all you do to enrich my life and that of others! All the best, Sherrie (ps I live in the DC area but have relatives in LA so this trip is a big deal for me).
@@sherrievavrichek9604 "Unplugged" is indeed a good "recent" (as in no more than 40 years ago, haha) live album. I saw Dylan last month in Asheville, NC and posted a review of the concert on my channels if you are interested. Thanks for the John Gibbens book recommendation! Hope you enjoy your trip to LA and the show. Cheers! Jeff
Thanks Scott. It only took me nearly 4 months to prepare for this video! As Dylan sang on the album, "it just takes me a while to realize things". Haha, so true. Cheers. Jeff
Wonderful commentary on this great album. I will now listen to this abum with new ears! I also love the production, especially on Dylans vocals. Well you outdone yourself on this one Jeff. Brill. Cheers again
Thanks! Yeah, I agree that the production is superb on this album. I didn't even say anything about the sound or the music (well, not much of anything anyway), but focused on the lyrics. I wish now that I'd've said more about the production, yes, because it is quite amazing. So peaceful, transparent, crisp, etc..
Thanks. Over the decades, Dylan has moved SO FAR past the pundits and critics that they don't even know what to say about him any more. As a matter of fact, Dylan was even moving past the pundits and critics back in 1964 (or earlier) and they've never caught up with him since! Haha. Thanks again. Jeff
Man, UA-cam stopped recommending your videos or sending me notifications of them and I forgot about you! Some weeks later I remembered, came back, and found many awesome videos! And this one is, of course, the highlight of those! Your reviews are really great. This album will always have a special space in my heart, because I´m 14 years old, so this is the first Bob Dylan release that I experienced as a Bob Dylan fan! Wake up at 5am on July 19 and listened to it. Totally blown away! And this added very much to my thoughts. Thanks. Also, I love like you wait to review the album, listens to it many times, and does a great "late" review, even though that means getting less views. I did a review in my UA-cam channel too, but it´s in Brazilian Portuguese!
It took me almost two months to be able to organize my thoughts and feelings about this album to put them in a review and even today I feel like everytime I listen the album again there are new things appearing in front of my eyes. Thank you man, not only for putting one after another very knowledgeable review but also for sharing your process about them. All my respect.
Hi David. You've just described Bob Dylan's songs in a nutshell: "everytime I listen to the album there are new things appearing in front of my eyes". That is what truly great transcendent poetry does...it is dynamically pregnant with ideas, interpretive opportunities, and enjoyable and rewarding to anyone willing to embrace it. Thanks for your very kind and appreciated comments, David. Cheers. Jeff
Thanks so much for this heartfelt, insightful and ernest review Jeff...l can't understand why you don't have thousands more listening to you... Thank you.
Mick, they "can't handle the truth!" Haha. But seriously, I don't do any social media stuff or anything to advertise this channel. It just grows on its own. Also, even among serious Dylan fans, not many want to watch an old dude yak on for 30 minutes about an album! Haha. But anyway, thanks for your kind words. Cheers. Jeff
@@marcopiquini2686 Thanks Marco! "Analyzing" these albums has really increased my already-great appreciation of them, so this project was very much worthwhile, even for myself! Thanks again. Cheers. Jeff
An epic study of this album..I think it is Dylan’s best since Modern Times..It is deep, dirge like, spacious, mysterious and thought provoking..really appreciate your thoughts...👍👍👍👍glen kellaway
Thankya, thankyaverymuch, Glen! I don't see myself listening to this album nearly as often as I have listened to most of his other albums, but I sure do see the genius in it now. Thanks for your comment. Cheers, Jeff
Hi Jeff, based on your review, this might be one of the most important albums Dylan made, almost a retrospective, where he's not only doing the usual references to Bible and other symbolism, but to his repertoire. I have listened to it twice and it does strike me as a farewell album, though the body doesn't seem to give up just yet.
Yes I do also consider it to be one of, if not the, most important albums he ever released. It pretty much encapsulates Dylan’s entire story and philosophy. Or maybe I am completely wrong. Ha!
well Jeff another great detailed review.Ive managed the long journey of listening to every Dylan album review and would like to thank you for all your work on this major task. Well this is a album that has been getting great reviews I must admit to liking a lot of the songs but struggle to listen to it all in one sitting .Maybe because musically some of it sounds a little one paced lacking variety tempo wise. I have grown to really like Murder Most Foul despite the length and the lack of melody. Some how the more ive listened to it the more it has drawn me in and musically it creates a real atmosphere of wheres Dylans voice wonderfully sits.Your analysis will motivate me to listen to some of the other songs that havent made the same impact. Once again real appreciation and thanks for the Dylan journey cheers Trev
Thank you so much, Trevor. I really appreciate your kind words and am happy that you enjoyed the videos. As for Rough And Rowdy Ways, it took me a long time to appreciate it and for awhile there it seemed like I was going to actually post a negative review of a Dylan album for the first time because I really disliked it at first. But once I saw what I think is a powerful thread of a story going through the album, I recognized its genius. And now I think I understand the unusual musical dynamic (or relative lack thereof) that was chosen for this particular album. Anyway, thanks again. Jeff
Thanks, Darin. I am very happy that the album finally spoke to me.....for a while there I was beginning to think I'd encountered the first Dylan album I might not actually end up liking....but I was very wrong, thank goodness. Jeff
I haven't picked this album up yet Jeff but after listening to your excellent review I definitely will! Sounds like it will take a few listens but in my experience these are often the most rewarding In the long run. Appreciate your efforts!
It is a very transparent, sparse album on most of the songs, which took me back a bit at first, but once I (think I) got the message in the lyrics I understood why. A very unique album and very moving. Thanks for your great comment. Jeff
Wonderful sitting with you here Jeff and taking this all in. Again, not being that familiar with Bob overall, I'm much further intrigued now... really by his mind as much as anything. Much agreed, new music needs time to marinate in the heart and mind before one attempts to speak of it in a deeper way publicly especially. Any mention of Walt Whitman's works certainly draws me in further. :-) I have heard 'Key West' and remember liking it. Thanks much for sharing this. Was very well worth the time! -Carm
Whitman is marvelous, indeed. Having rarely lived in large urban areas myself, I tend to be drawn to more "pastoral" or "nature" poets like Wordsworth, but the urban Whitman still speaks to me very much also. (I seem to be drawn to "W" artists....William Wordsworth, Walt Whitman, Wim Wenders.....haha!)
Fantastic reveiw Jeff! Rough and Rowdy has become my favorite Dylan album by a wide margin (which is saying something given my love for almost everything that Dylan has produced.) I could go on and on about this album but I'll try to keep it short. When I first heard Murder Most Foul I cried because it meant something to me that I have feel very passionate about in regards to our country. I think that, yes the song is about Kennedy (on the surface) but I also think it's about what our country has become since 9/11. I think it's an elegy to a country that somehow died or at least began a slow decay since Kennedy's assassination. As for the the quote..."Son, the age of the antichrist has only begun." Well, I know what the phrase means to me but I'm sure that it means something quite different depending on where in the political spectrum you may stand. In closing, if Nostrodomus had made the prediction " I have seen the future American anti-christ and he is Orange!" I would have put a lot more credence in his predictions.
Hahaha! "and he is Orange"! Hahaha. Yeah, Tony, I agree that this album is probably Dylan's most powerful statement he has ever made (or....since he never likes the idea of 'making statements' that would purport to apply to anyone other than himself....the most powerful personal expression he has ever made). That is why I heard the "story" thread through the songs. And since Dylan uses so much biblical imagery through everything, whether that suggests he is a believer or not, I feel I have to always address that as well. But what a stunning album. Not necessarily musically so (very little of what he has produced has been musicially ingenious, and much of it borrowed, even), but lyrically and thematically. I may be completely full of BS (and probably am) but I always hear such strong threads in his lyrics. And yes, I am fully convinced that what Dylan has seen in this world over the past 60 years has saddened him, as it has saddened many of us. But he also sees much to smile about, and this album (as does all of his albums that address the evils of the world) exhibits that so well. At least that is what I hear in them. Mother Of Muses, for example....great song. Thanks, Tony. Jeff
Great review Jeff! I may or may not do a review of this on my channel, albeit not quite as in depth as this one haha! I also find your commentary on Murder Most Foul quite interesting. I’ve always thought it was about the cultural degradation of America after Kennedy had been assassinated, but considering how heralded he was as a president, your biblical interpretation makes a lot of sense. Glad I finally got through the entire studio discography of Dylan as well, nobody has had a more prosperous (and excellent) career as him.
Thanks, Nathaniel. Yes, Dylan stands alone IMHO. No one comes close. It would be hard to overestimate his genius. With that said, there are still a few projects he's engaged himself in that I shake my head at, hahaha! So even a fan like me is not so blind to think anyone, even Dylan, is perfect.
@@CalicoSilver I agree with you 100%. I may like the Beatles and Stevie Wonder musically more, but no one comes close when it comes to how many times he reinvented himself over time with so many great periods of his career, specifically the 60s, 70s and early 2000s. Speaking of the 70s, I was wondering if you’d like to contribute a list of albums again for our upcoming 70s series!
I missed this, but getting back to it now! I'm only 8 mins in so will come back later when I have more time and edit this. It's interesting that it hit you in the way it did. I love dark themes, so the contemplative, twilight Dylan I've just found fascinating.
Hi Jason. Well, be sure you are comfortable and ready for the intellectual rigor that will bombard you upon watching this treatise all the way through! Haha!! ;-) Cheers. Jeff
@@paulgalligan1916 Hi Paulie. I am just now seeing your comment about this Dylan Theme Time Radio link - I will look forward to listening to this tonight! Thanks. Jeff
Thanks for your kind comments, Isaac. I really disliked this album at first also, but after much thought about it I see it in a completely new light (as I detailed in the video). It will probably never be for me a most-often-played album from his discography, but I do have utmost respect and admiration for it. Thanks again for your comment. Jeff
I`m not sure if anyone commented on this subject yet in your reply`s. But in the song "My Own Version Of You" like you have stated, he mentions the Black Horse Tavern. I`m not sure if you are aware that there is a very old tavern in Greenwich Village called "The White Horse Tavern" that Bob Dylan frequented. The tavern also has a life size portrait of Dylan Thomas. I don`t know if there`s any connection between what he`s written in that song and the "White Horse Tavern".
Thanks for this information, Ralph. I was not aware of The White Horse Tavern, but I'm sure it may have been in Dylan's mind when he wrote about a Black Horse Tavern. Thanks! Jeff
Hello Jeff, just watched your video (I know, three years too late). I guess, I missed your original review of the song - but I guess it is one of the videos that you do delete afterwards. :) So, to "out" myself as "one of those JFK assassination guys", I thought I just post a list of all the lyrical references to the more immediate aspects of Kennedy's murder. Although I probably missed some. But I feel very good about the fact that Mr. Dylan doesn't buy into the Warren Report malarkey. - "Slide down the banister" = Guy Banister (Ex-FBI), Oswald's New Orleans connection - "Ferry 'cross the Mersey" = David Ferrie (gun runner, pilot, CIA contractor), Oswald's New Orleans connection - "Pick up the pieces" = Jackie climbing on the rear trunk, picking up a part of JFK brain - "We've already got someone here to take your place" = reference to LBJ - "There's three bums comin' all dressed in rags" = photographs of unidentified three hobos in clean clothing (conspiracy lore) - "There's a party going on behind the Grassy Knoll" = obvious - "Don't say Dallas don't love you, Mr. President" = Nellie Connally - "Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas" = The shots came in the last seconds of the motorcade. Police chief Jesse Curry and Secret Service agent William Greer (who drove the blue limo) would have actually "stepped on it" only a moment later, since the crowd was over at this point. - "Try to make it to the triple underpass" = the underpass where Commerce, Main and Elm Street run together was only seconds away. - "When you're down in Deep Ellum" = Reference to Jack Ruby's "Carousel Club" in 1312 Commerce Street - "Dealey Plaza, make a left-hand turn" = the turn from Houston to Elm Street is over 110°, forcing the huge cars to slow down significantly. Curves like that were usually not accepted by the Secret Service. - "They mutilated his body, and they took out his brain" = the autopsy was giant clusterf**k, doctors still write books about it. The brain is missing from the archives for decades now. - "Parkland hospital, only six more miles" = It's actually less then four from Dealey Plaza to Parkland - "That magic bullet of yours" = the famous bullet, that went through JFK and three times through Connally, while remaining pristine. Had to be "invented" because James Tague went on record that he was hit in the face by a concrete fragment from a bullet that missed. - "I'm just a patsy like Patsy Cline" = Oswald reference. - "I've blood in my eye, got blood in my ear" = probably reference to how beat-up Oswald looks after his arrest. - "Zapruder's film I seen night before" = Abraham Zapruder - "Air Force One coming in through the gate, Johnson sworn in at 2:38" = LBJ insisted that he'll be sworn in AF One and not in "his" AF Two, which was in bad taste, since Jackie was there with the coffin and the whole thing felt out of place. - "And that it's 36 hours past Judgment Day" = probably Oswald's killing by Jack Ruby - "Wolfman Jack, he's speaking in tongues, he's going on and on at the top of his lungs" = Jack Ruby making threats from jail and wanting to be taken to Washington, where he can come clean and then die. - "Love Field is where his plane touched down" = Love Field Dallas
Thanks for this detailed and informative comment, Ales! I really appreciate it, and I plan to re-listen to the song with this comment at hand. I hope you are doing well. I may be reaching the end of my channel’s lifetime. My urge to make videos doesn’t seem to surpass the required activation energy to do so lately. I have just been really enjoying listening to lots of music without feeling the need to “say something” about it, haha!! But I am very happy to have befriended people like you here on UA-cam. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver Hello Jeff, same here. A while a go I too ran out of energy or motivation, to make daily videos, where I hold some records or CDs in my hand, while talking about them. So I kinda stopped. But of course, I didn't stop listening to music. Things like UA-cam have a tendency to turn into a chore after a while. And while social media indeed has some great advantages, like people meeting that otherwise wouldn't, there is also something rather sticky about it. It is set up in a way, that you never stop. Well, at least, if you are driven by "likes" and "subscriptions". So I think it is always a good thing, if someone is able to break the circle. Thankfully, we are both old enough to know that this is not the real life.
Third listen. I think you pretty much nailed it. He may also reference how the music industry forced him to tone it down ("needle stuck"). Scott Marshall has documented some of the shocking abuse he suffered.
@@CalicoSilver Very well documented with abundant first-hand interviews. He had to shop the manuscript for more than a decade before he found a publisher. Amazing when one considers the amount of utter nonsense out there. I suppose that these days speculation beats documentation.
I also thought , at first listen, this was the "Religious" album he wanted to make, but didn't have enough material. Bob expresses his love for God, (Jesus) throughout the whole theme of Rough and Rowdy Ways.
Glad others saw the same thread/theme in this album that I did. It is really quite a stunning achievement by Dylan, and very moving. Thanks for the comment. Jeff
I knew about it a few years ago but am not interested. Nothing bores me more than academics trying to academicize (?) great art. Ten times out of ten they’re wrong about everything they say when it comes to Dylan…..that is, when they say anything at all through all of the academibabble. Haha! Total waste of time.
Can't find your reaction to I contain multitudes (maybe my favorite song on this album). I love this album and play it all the time, but I always skip the 4th, 5th, and 7th songs. I just can't get into those songs (Black Rider is OK). That also makes it the perfect length for a record.
I made a separate video about this song when it was released on its own prior to the album. But when I made it, I was not aware of what I strongly believe to be the thematic arc that goes through the album, so I had a change of opinion about the song. So I must have taken the original video down, since I can't find it either.
Took me a bit to enjoy the album. His voice has changed im assuming due to his age. I feel it to be a very personal album, of reflection. I think when he passes away this particular recording will cause me to reflect on bob dylans amazing talents and how appreciative iam to have his music at hand.
Hey great review as always!!!!!! Just wondering if you have any idea on what the ''36 hours past judgement day'' reference in 'Murder Most Foul' relates to??
Good question, Mark. I am not 100%sure about that 36 hours thing (or anything else, haha), but the line right before the "36 hours past judgement day" line is the following: "the soul of a nation's been torn away and it's beginning to go into a slow decay". I think that a body's decomposition, at least the internal portions of the body, is occurring in significant initial process at around 36 hours (more or less). Maybe that has something to do with it.....the nation's been judged, and the result is that the soul of the nation is torn away from it, leaving the body of the nation to decay from the inside out. Jeff
The 36 hours are most likely referring to Jack Ruby shooting Oswald in the parking garage of the DPD station on Sunday. JFK died Friday around noon, Oswald Sunday in der morning. It is followed by the line about "Wolfman Jack, he's speaking in tongues". Of course Wolfman Jack was a famous talkative DJ, but since Dylan uses here all kind of name-games (Oswald's "I'm a patsy" against "Patsy Cline", etc.), I think Wolfman Jack is still referring to Jack Ruby, who became very chatty, while sitting in jail, making all kind of remarks, about how he wants to be transferred to Washington, where he will finally open up and spill the beans. Which of course didn't do him much good.
I'm just a few years younger than Dylan, and I was wondering what I should sing to my grandkids as a lullaby? Should it be "Who Killed Davey Moore?", "Desolation Row", "Joey", or "Murder Most Foul"??
@@CalicoSilver Yes, if we can pass anything to our progeny, our music collections are a start. To teach them to "swim", I always thought throwing em in the deep end (Dylan, Zappa, Lou Reed ["Cheap... Cheap ... Cheap Uptown Dirt"] is the best.
@@michaelbrinkers1145 Haha, yes my "poor" daughter has had to endure Dylan and Reed and Beefheart and even "worse" while growing up. Hopefully some appreciation (at least) rubbed off on her. I think it did.
there are so many levels to dylan...but it is true...like leonard cohen had his 'you want it darker' and 'thanks for the dance', as well as bowie with his 'blackstar'...this may indeed be dylan's waterloo....we shall see together...peace always my friend...rocky
Thanks, Rocky. I'd hate to think this was the end of the road for Dylan (and I think such a thought was part of the reason this album initially had a depressing effect on me), but like I said in the video, if it is the end of his recording career, I can't think of any better way than this ingenious album to end it. What a life fully-lived indeed.
Hey Jeff, I was listening to Rough and Ready while I tried to catch up on some paperwork and the song "My own version of you. In the song he references Julius Caesar ..."I'll pick a number between a-one and two And I ask myself, "What would Julius Caesar do?" Dylan also said that "Crossing the Rubicon" had nothing to do with Julius Caesar. My response is "yeah, sure Bob. Whatever you say.". Yet, if he said that the song was indeed about Caesar, he'd be opening up a whole can of worms that (I am sure and don't blame him) he rather not deal with. Of course, "Crossing the Rubicons" also has a myriad of meanings apart from a simple song about history. We've all crossed our own personal Rubicon at one time or another. Also, Is it just coincidence that Dylan has a song about Julius Caesar and a song about John Kennedy on the same album? Both were leaders that were murdered by their own country men and both America and The Roman Republic seemed to have lost their compass ( I'm doing my damnedest not to be political) in terms of who they were and where they were headed. And with much great art, the artist uses stories about events of the past as a vehicle to make a grander statement about the the Zeitgeist of the present (i.e. The Crucible). Now the statement that I feel Dylan is making fits my own personal opinion of the current state of the country beautifully as I am sure that it also fits the opinion of someone that is exactly the opposite of my political leanings because that's what great art does. It doesn't give you the answer, it gives you something much more important which is the question. A favorite writer of mine once said, "'If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers.'
Excellent comments, Tony! Thanks. I love that quote about getting people to ask the wrong questions.....so true about the world, especially today. Everything is a distraction, always a distraction. Meanwhile REAL things continue un-questioned. Excellent point. I also like the point about Caesar and Kennedy - I didn't catch that. Good call! As for Dylan never wanting to talk about his lyrics, and often even denying seemingly obvious references therein, I fully understand why he does this also. His lyrics are so rich with references and metaphors and such, if he were to engage with anyone about why this or that thing was in his lyric, he knows full well that doing so would cause more confusion in the minds of most people....so why even bother? Haha! Just let listeners hear what they hear. We all have our own poetic capabilities and sensibilities and we all hear and read into lyrics as sophisticated as these that which we will hear and read, based on who we are and what we've read, etc.. For me, Dylan's lyrics are about a relatively narrow range of repeated themes and thoughts that are approached in such poetic and varied ways.....either that, or I am guilty of superimposing my own themes and thoughts onto the lyrics....in either case, this is how great art works, I think. Art is complete when it is not only created but also received and engaged with. Anyway, enough from me.....thanks again for your always great comments! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver new phrases always catch my attention or take on a different meaning with Dylan. I think he may have composed this song in the late 2000 teens. " So I have a specific person and group in mind when I hear the remark 'Son, the age of the antichrist has only just begun' or "the soul of a nation been torn away and it's beginning to go into a slow decay" It also struck me as curious when he sings "they killed him twice like a human sacrifice" and mentions just prior that he watched Zapruder's film 33 times. The song becomes more of a paradox every time that I listen it. And don't even get me started on his phrase "What is the truth and where did it go."
And one last idea about Dylan's genius in general. We had to read Moby Dick for our English class. And I despised the book. 800 pages about a whale chase. So my teacher asked the class, if you enjoyed the novel raise your hand. And not one hand went up. And then he asked the class, "what is Moby Dick about?" One kid says "It's about a one legged sea captain that wants revenge on the whale that attacked him." The teacher say "yes it is. But, is it about anything else" - well, it's about insanity said one kid Another, "it's about the fight of good and evil." - It's about man's need to control his destiny. And on and on. Then the teacher smiles like the Cheshire cat. "I've taught this novel for 25 yrs. I read it about once every two to three years and I'm sure it will surprise everyone when I say that I don't have the foggiest idea what it's about. It's a a bottomless hole. And that is what makes it a masterpiece. Is it possible to write an 800 page novel about the hunt for a whale yet at the same time I think we can all agree that the story of Moby Dick isn't even close to the meaning of Moby Dick."
@@Slothrop67 Sounds like you just saved me a lot of time reading Moby Dick, Tony! Haha. I've never read it, mainly because I can't think of many things I care less about then hunting a whale. But I get your teacher's point about a story meaning much more than just the narrative of the story. Dylan definitely knows about that too. Thanks. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver 🤣 you made an excellent point Jeff. Moby Dick is a pretty lousy comparison to Dylan's talent. Regardless that Moby Dick is a masterpiece, I read it once and that was enough for me while I'll be listening to Dylan for the rest of my life.
I didn't like Key West (the song) much either when I first heard it.....it suprised me to hear Dylan singing so fondly about a place I had no idea he'd ever even visited, haha! But after figuring out what I think the album is about (at least to my ears and heart), it makes perfect sense that he would have chosen Key West as that "end of the road" place of "immortality". If you've ever driven to Key West, it certain feels like a place separate from the rest of the world....well, I should say, it did so back in the '70s and '80s.....not so sure today. Cheers. Jeff
CalicoSilver I’ll stick with it. Could be a grower. Your take on the concept of the album makes perfect sense. I think it’s the use of the line “ Down in Key West” throughout the song that puts me off. Sounds a bit cliched for a Dylan lyric. Just my personal gripe. I do love the music to the song. Reminds me a bit of Nick Cave.
@@sherrievavrichek9604 The only song I know called "Lands End" is by Jimmy Webb (a favorite songwriter) but it is instrumental (and the title of one of his albums). But yes, Lands End would have been a good name for the Key West song, I agree.
Excellent review, Jeff. I played the album once and thought, like you, that it was a total dirge. I filed it away because I have a huge backlog of bluegrass stacked up. "Flatt & Scruggs At Carnegie Hall" and stuff like that ... but this review has given me cause to reconsider. Thanks, mate. I appreciate all of your hard work here. BTW, when I first saw the title "Philosopher Pirate" I thought Bob was going to take a swipe at Jimmy Buffett. Strange how my brain (brain?) works.
Thanks, John. Yeah, this album was quite like oil-and-water with me upon first listens.....it was quite a weird thing, given the universally rapt reception it was receiving upon its release. Glad I finally woke up to it over time. Hey, I need to listen to some good ol' upbeat bluegrass music now, after months of swimming in this heavy (as I initially deemd it) album. Haha! (the album IS a very joyous affair, actually, and not a dirge at all, upon understanding it.....that is, unless I have absolutely NO understanding of it, which is perfectly possible! hahaha) Jeff
It seems to me that in the marvellous Mother of Muses Bob Dylan pays tribute to the late Leonard Cohen in the last line of the song, namechecking three songs on three different recent Cohen's albums Travelin' light Slow Goin' home (Dylan says "comin' home") The songs itself is very cohenish in mood and themes
I think you are right there, Gian Luca! I am quite sure that Cohen was one of Dylan's fellow muses for whom he had great respect and appreciation. (Hey, by the way, I noticed you subscribed to my channel so I went to listen to some of your music videos - very good and rewarding music, Gian Luca. Thank you for introducing yourself to me. Jeff)
@@gianlucamondomusic Great taste!! It is hard to beat Bob and Lou. I am preparing my Berlin review and hope to post it in a few days or so. What a weird one-of-a-kind album.
Such a wonderful and heartfelt review of an album that was a bit over my head! I'm toggling back and forth between your review, each cut of the album, and the written lyrics--it's been quite an experience on many levels. Being a woman of a "certain age" I feel that Dylan's music reveals his process in ways that are non-judgemental.
By the way, I'll be seeing him in LA in June--my first Dylan concert (and bringing--well, kind of dragging--my adult daughter with me). In preparation, I am doing my homework so I can enjoy the experience on a deep level. I send much gratitude to Dylan for sharing his journey with the world, and to you for illuminating the gift he has given us. I've now finished listening to all of his studio albums at least two or three times (not enough, I know), along with your outstanding, insightful reviews of them. As you have shown me, his is not a casual exploration of life, but rather the introspection of a creative genius who offers his brilliant insights through his art--just like the muses.
Thank goodness for him, for you, and for the internet!!
Wow, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments, Sherrie! This made my day! Believe me, other than the joy of just being able to share my enthusiasm for Dylan and a few other artists on this channel, by FAR the best thing about doing so is receiving such great comments as yours. I hope you enjoy the Dylan show. He is 80 now of course and is not dancing all over the stage, but I never miss a chance to see him because he loves his art as much as we all do, and it shows. He views his songs as dynamic templates on which to vary his expression with each tour, and I appreciate that. Be ready for your daughter to not share your enthusiasm for the show, perhaps, but hopefully she will. He performs for his fans and for himself, guided by his muse to which he shows respect and gratitude. I love the guy. Again, thanks for your great comment, Sherrie - I really REALLY appreciate it. Cheers! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver
Hi Jeff, Thank you for your quick and thoughtful reply. You are not only an expert on Dylan and lots of other songwriters and genres of music, you are also a great host--I have read several of your replies to others and I always smile at the exchange! Re. the concert: I am going to send my daughter an email with links to the Unplugged (?? I think this is the one) album that you said has a lot of Dylan's work from over the years, since I don't think she knows much about his work. In addition, I'm sending her the links to your reviews of both R&RWs and Unplugged, as well as the lyrics. I think knowing what the words are and getting the context will help her make sense of what the context is. BTW, your cool background in classical music gives you insights that you generously share with your readers. I plan to continue to study Dylan and his work and to replay his offerings, with your videos as a guide. Another resource that I have been studying is "The Nightengale's Code," by John Gibbens. It's an old (2001) book so it doesn't cover newer material, but it is filled with wonderful insights, and he, himself is an amazing writer. I'm in my '70s but this feels like a fresh start in my education about life and the arts. Wish my husband liked Dylan...but he doesn't like his voice. Maybe I'll start with people who covered him, like PP&M! Have a great day, and thanks again for all you do to enrich my life and that of others!
All the best, Sherrie (ps I live in the DC area but have relatives in LA so this trip is a big deal for me).
@@sherrievavrichek9604 "Unplugged" is indeed a good "recent" (as in no more than 40 years ago, haha) live album. I saw Dylan last month in Asheville, NC and posted a review of the concert on my channels if you are interested. Thanks for the John Gibbens book recommendation! Hope you enjoy your trip to LA and the show. Cheers! Jeff
I can’t find a better review of this album anywhere. Nice job.
Thanks Scott. It only took me nearly 4 months to prepare for this video! As Dylan sang on the album, "it just takes me a while to realize things". Haha, so true. Cheers. Jeff
Wonderful commentary on this great album. I will now listen to this abum with new ears! I also love the production, especially on Dylans vocals. Well you outdone yourself on this one Jeff. Brill. Cheers again
Thanks! Yeah, I agree that the production is superb on this album. I didn't even say anything about the sound or the music (well, not much of anything anyway), but focused on the lyrics. I wish now that I'd've said more about the production, yes, because it is quite amazing. So peaceful, transparent, crisp, etc..
Thank you for this. There's not enough emphasis on Dylan's later work amongst pundits and critics.
Thanks. Over the decades, Dylan has moved SO FAR past the pundits and critics that they don't even know what to say about him any more. As a matter of fact, Dylan was even moving past the pundits and critics back in 1964 (or earlier) and they've never caught up with him since! Haha. Thanks again. Jeff
Man, UA-cam stopped recommending your videos or sending me notifications of them and I forgot about you! Some weeks later I remembered, came back, and found many awesome videos! And this one is, of course, the highlight of those! Your reviews are really great. This album will always have a special space in my heart, because I´m 14 years old, so this is the first Bob Dylan release that I experienced as a Bob Dylan fan! Wake up at 5am on July 19 and listened to it. Totally blown away! And this added very much to my thoughts. Thanks. Also, I love like you wait to review the album, listens to it many times, and does a great "late" review, even though that means getting less views. I did a review in my UA-cam channel too, but it´s in Brazilian Portuguese!
Nice hearing from you! Thanks for taking the time to comment and watch these videos of mine. Cheers! Jeff
It took me almost two months to be able to organize my thoughts and feelings about this album to put them in a review and even today I feel like everytime I listen the album again there are new things appearing in front of my eyes. Thank you man, not only for putting one after another very knowledgeable review but also for sharing your process about them. All my respect.
Hi David. You've just described Bob Dylan's songs in a nutshell: "everytime I listen to the album there are new things appearing in front of my eyes". That is what truly great transcendent poetry does...it is dynamically pregnant with ideas, interpretive opportunities, and enjoyable and rewarding to anyone willing to embrace it. Thanks for your very kind and appreciated comments, David. Cheers. Jeff
Thanks so much for this heartfelt, insightful and ernest review Jeff...l can't understand why you don't have thousands more listening to you...
Thank you.
Mick, they "can't handle the truth!" Haha. But seriously, I don't do any social media stuff or anything to advertise this channel. It just grows on its own. Also, even among serious Dylan fans, not many want to watch an old dude yak on for 30 minutes about an album! Haha. But anyway, thanks for your kind words. Cheers. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver you certainly deserve a better and qualified audience. This review is astonishing.
@@marcopiquini2686 Thanks Marco! "Analyzing" these albums has really increased my already-great appreciation of them, so this project was very much worthwhile, even for myself! Thanks again. Cheers. Jeff
An epic study of this album..I think it is Dylan’s best since Modern Times..It is deep, dirge like, spacious, mysterious and thought provoking..really appreciate your thoughts...👍👍👍👍glen kellaway
Thankya, thankyaverymuch, Glen! I don't see myself listening to this album nearly as often as I have listened to most of his other albums, but I sure do see the genius in it now. Thanks for your comment. Cheers, Jeff
Out of all the dylan reviews on youtube your the most genuine I feel good man jeff
Thanks, Lee. I appreciate that. Jeff
Brilliant Review 💥😉
WOW, Thanks Jeff for a FANTASTIC Review! Well worth the wait. GREAT!
Thanks, Kurt. It only took me nearly 4 months to prepare for it! ;-)
Hi Jeff, based on your review, this might be one of the most important albums Dylan made, almost a retrospective, where he's not only doing the usual references to Bible and other symbolism, but to his repertoire. I have listened to it twice and it does strike me as a farewell album, though the body doesn't seem to give up just yet.
Yes I do also consider it to be one of, if not the, most important albums he ever released. It pretty much encapsulates Dylan’s entire story and philosophy. Or maybe I am completely wrong. Ha!
well Jeff another great detailed review.Ive managed the long journey of listening to every Dylan album review and would like to thank you for all your work on this major task.
Well this is a album that has been getting great reviews I must admit to liking a lot of the songs but struggle to listen to it all in one sitting .Maybe because musically some of it sounds a little one paced lacking variety tempo wise.
I have grown to really like Murder Most Foul despite the length and the lack of melody.
Some how the more ive listened to it the more it has drawn me in and musically it creates a real atmosphere of wheres Dylans voice wonderfully sits.Your analysis will motivate me to listen to some of the other songs that havent made the same impact. Once again real appreciation and thanks for the Dylan journey cheers Trev
Thank you so much, Trevor. I really appreciate your kind words and am happy that you enjoyed the videos. As for Rough And Rowdy Ways, it took me a long time to appreciate it and for awhile there it seemed like I was going to actually post a negative review of a Dylan album for the first time because I really disliked it at first. But once I saw what I think is a powerful thread of a story going through the album, I recognized its genius. And now I think I understand the unusual musical dynamic (or relative lack thereof) that was chosen for this particular album. Anyway, thanks again. Jeff
A masterpiece, the culmination of Dylan's art.
Absolutely! So much so, I kinda hope it is the last album he releases, because it brings it all together. Thanks.
Absolutely brilliant stuff Jeff what a review! I loved this album from first listen reminds me of modern times
Thanks, Darin. I am very happy that the album finally spoke to me.....for a while there I was beginning to think I'd encountered the first Dylan album I might not actually end up liking....but I was very wrong, thank goodness. Jeff
I haven't picked this album up yet Jeff but after listening to your excellent review I definitely will! Sounds like it will take a few listens but in my experience these are often the most rewarding In the long run. Appreciate your efforts!
It is a very transparent, sparse album on most of the songs, which took me back a bit at first, but once I (think I) got the message in the lyrics I understood why. A very unique album and very moving. Thanks for your great comment. Jeff
Wonderful sitting with you here Jeff and taking this all in. Again, not being that familiar with Bob overall, I'm much further intrigued now... really by his mind as much as anything. Much agreed, new music needs time to marinate in the heart and mind before one attempts to speak of it in a deeper way publicly especially.
Any mention of Walt Whitman's works certainly draws me in further. :-)
I have heard 'Key West' and remember liking it. Thanks much for sharing this. Was very well worth the time! -Carm
Whitman is marvelous, indeed. Having rarely lived in large urban areas myself, I tend to be drawn to more "pastoral" or "nature" poets like Wordsworth, but the urban Whitman still speaks to me very much also. (I seem to be drawn to "W" artists....William Wordsworth, Walt Whitman, Wim Wenders.....haha!)
Well worth me hangin' in there. Stunning review 😘
Thanks Kevin
Fantastic reveiw Jeff! Rough and Rowdy has become my favorite Dylan album by a wide margin (which is saying something given my love for almost everything that Dylan has produced.) I could go on and on about this album but I'll try to keep it short. When I first heard Murder Most Foul I cried because it meant something to me that I have feel very passionate about in regards to our country. I think that, yes the song is about Kennedy (on the surface) but I also think it's about what our country has become since 9/11. I think it's an elegy to a country that somehow died or at least began a slow decay since Kennedy's assassination. As for the the quote..."Son, the age of the antichrist has only begun." Well, I know what the phrase means to me but I'm sure that it means something quite different depending on where in the political spectrum you may stand. In closing, if Nostrodomus had made the prediction " I have seen the future American anti-christ and he is Orange!" I would have put a lot more credence in his predictions.
Hahaha! "and he is Orange"! Hahaha.
Yeah, Tony, I agree that this album is probably Dylan's most powerful statement he has ever made (or....since he never likes the idea of 'making statements' that would purport to apply to anyone other than himself....the most powerful personal expression he has ever made). That is why I heard the "story" thread through the songs. And since Dylan uses so much biblical imagery through everything, whether that suggests he is a believer or not, I feel I have to always address that as well. But what a stunning album. Not necessarily musically so (very little of what he has produced has been musicially ingenious, and much of it borrowed, even), but lyrically and thematically. I may be completely full of BS (and probably am) but I always hear such strong threads in his lyrics. And yes, I am fully convinced that what Dylan has seen in this world over the past 60 years has saddened him, as it has saddened many of us. But he also sees much to smile about, and this album (as does all of his albums that address the evils of the world) exhibits that so well. At least that is what I hear in them. Mother Of Muses, for example....great song. Thanks, Tony. Jeff
Great review Jeff! I may or may not do a review of this on my channel, albeit not quite as in depth as this one haha! I also find your commentary on Murder Most Foul quite interesting. I’ve always thought it was about the cultural degradation of America after Kennedy had been assassinated, but considering how heralded he was as a president, your biblical interpretation makes a lot of sense. Glad I finally got through the entire studio discography of Dylan as well, nobody has had a more prosperous (and excellent) career as him.
Thanks, Nathaniel. Yes, Dylan stands alone IMHO. No one comes close. It would be hard to overestimate his genius. With that said, there are still a few projects he's engaged himself in that I shake my head at, hahaha! So even a fan like me is not so blind to think anyone, even Dylan, is perfect.
@@CalicoSilver I agree with you 100%. I may like the Beatles and Stevie Wonder musically more, but no one comes close when it comes to how many times he reinvented himself over time with so many great periods of his career, specifically the 60s, 70s and early 2000s. Speaking of the 70s, I was wondering if you’d like to contribute a list of albums again for our upcoming 70s series!
I missed this, but getting back to it now! I'm only 8 mins in so will come back later when I have more time and edit this. It's interesting that it hit you in the way it did. I love dark themes, so the contemplative, twilight Dylan I've just found fascinating.
Hi Jason. Well, be sure you are comfortable and ready for the intellectual rigor that will bombard you upon watching this treatise all the way through! Haha!! ;-) Cheers. Jeff
Was waiting for this one.. an like you jeff im gonna take my time an learn...
Thanks man 👍🤝👏🏻🍀
Time spent with Dylan is usually time well spent, indeed! ;-)
@@CalicoSilver hey Jeff have you listened to this
ua-cam.com/video/6mtOPFYovrA/v-deo.html
@@paulgalligan1916 Hi Paulie. I am just now seeing your comment about this Dylan Theme Time Radio link - I will look forward to listening to this tonight! Thanks. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver
I love it jeff
Never really liked it but I’ll give it a second chance. You are a great reviewer. Glad I found you.
Thanks for your kind comments, Isaac. I really disliked this album at first also, but after much thought about it I see it in a completely new light (as I detailed in the video). It will probably never be for me a most-often-played album from his discography, but I do have utmost respect and admiration for it. Thanks again for your comment. Jeff
I`m not sure if anyone commented on this subject yet in your reply`s. But in the song "My Own Version Of You" like you have stated, he mentions the Black Horse Tavern. I`m not sure if you are aware that there is a very old tavern in Greenwich Village called "The White Horse Tavern" that Bob Dylan frequented. The tavern also has a life size portrait of Dylan Thomas. I don`t know if there`s any connection between what he`s written in that song and the "White Horse Tavern".
Thanks for this information, Ralph. I was not aware of The White Horse Tavern, but I'm sure it may have been in Dylan's mind when he wrote about a Black Horse Tavern. Thanks! Jeff
Ah yes, the day has finally come 😳😳😳
Thank you
Hello Jeff, just watched your video (I know, three years too late). I guess, I missed your original review of the song - but I guess it is one of the videos that you do delete afterwards. :)
So, to "out" myself as "one of those JFK assassination guys", I thought I just post a list of all the lyrical references to the more immediate aspects of Kennedy's murder. Although I probably missed some. But I feel very good about the fact that Mr. Dylan doesn't buy into the Warren Report malarkey.
- "Slide down the banister" = Guy Banister (Ex-FBI), Oswald's New Orleans connection
- "Ferry 'cross the Mersey" = David Ferrie (gun runner, pilot, CIA contractor), Oswald's New Orleans connection
- "Pick up the pieces" = Jackie climbing on the rear trunk, picking up a part of JFK brain
- "We've already got someone here to take your place" = reference to LBJ
- "There's three bums comin' all dressed in rags" = photographs of unidentified three hobos in clean clothing (conspiracy lore)
- "There's a party going on behind the Grassy Knoll" = obvious
- "Don't say Dallas don't love you, Mr. President" = Nellie Connally
- "Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas" = The shots came in the last seconds of the motorcade. Police chief Jesse Curry and Secret Service agent William Greer (who drove the blue limo) would have actually "stepped on it" only a moment later, since the crowd was over at this point.
- "Try to make it to the triple underpass" = the underpass where Commerce, Main and Elm Street run together was only seconds away.
- "When you're down in Deep Ellum" = Reference to Jack Ruby's "Carousel Club" in 1312 Commerce Street
- "Dealey Plaza, make a left-hand turn" = the turn from Houston to Elm Street is over 110°, forcing the huge cars to slow down significantly. Curves like that were usually not accepted by the Secret Service.
- "They mutilated his body, and they took out his brain" = the autopsy was giant clusterf**k, doctors still write books about it. The brain is missing from the archives for decades now.
- "Parkland hospital, only six more miles" = It's actually less then four from Dealey Plaza to Parkland
- "That magic bullet of yours" = the famous bullet, that went through JFK and three times through Connally, while remaining pristine. Had to be "invented" because James Tague went on record that he was hit in the face by a concrete fragment from a bullet that missed.
- "I'm just a patsy like Patsy Cline" = Oswald reference.
- "I've blood in my eye, got blood in my ear" = probably reference to how beat-up Oswald looks after his arrest.
- "Zapruder's film I seen night before" = Abraham Zapruder
- "Air Force One coming in through the gate, Johnson sworn in at 2:38" = LBJ insisted that he'll be sworn in AF One and not in "his" AF Two, which was in bad taste, since Jackie was there with the coffin and the whole thing felt out of place.
- "And that it's 36 hours past Judgment Day" = probably Oswald's killing by Jack Ruby
- "Wolfman Jack, he's speaking in tongues, he's going on and on at the top of his lungs" = Jack Ruby making threats from jail and wanting to be taken to Washington, where he can come clean and then die.
- "Love Field is where his plane touched down" = Love Field Dallas
Thanks for this detailed and informative comment, Ales! I really appreciate it, and I plan to re-listen to the song with this comment at hand. I hope you are doing well. I may be reaching the end of my channel’s lifetime. My urge to make videos doesn’t seem to surpass the required activation energy to do so lately. I have just been really enjoying listening to lots of music without feeling the need to “say something” about it, haha!! But I am very happy to have befriended people like you here on UA-cam. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver Hello Jeff, same here. A while a go I too ran out of energy or motivation, to make daily videos, where I hold some records or CDs in my hand, while talking about them. So I kinda stopped. But of course, I didn't stop listening to music. Things like UA-cam have a tendency to turn into a chore after a while. And while social media indeed has some great advantages, like people meeting that otherwise wouldn't, there is also something rather sticky about it. It is set up in a way, that you never stop. Well, at least, if you are driven by "likes" and "subscriptions". So I think it is always a good thing, if someone is able to break the circle. Thankfully, we are both old enough to know that this is not the real life.
Third listen. I think you pretty much nailed it. He may also reference how the music industry forced him to tone it down ("needle stuck"). Scott Marshall has documented some of the shocking abuse he suffered.
Thanks - I haven't read Scott Marshall's book but maybe I should.
@@CalicoSilver Very well documented with abundant first-hand interviews. He had to shop the manuscript for more than a decade before he found a publisher. Amazing when one considers the amount of utter nonsense out there. I suppose that these days speculation beats documentation.
I also thought , at first listen, this was the "Religious" album he wanted to make, but didn't have enough material. Bob expresses his love for God, (Jesus) throughout the whole theme of Rough and Rowdy Ways.
Glad others saw the same thread/theme in this album that I did. It is really quite a stunning achievement by Dylan, and very moving. Thanks for the comment. Jeff
I love it! It's what I would refer to as music noir......
A masterpiece.
Reminds me of Tempest
Jeff, was I the last to hear of The World of Bob Dylan in Tulsa, OK?
I knew about it a few years ago but am not interested. Nothing bores me more than academics trying to academicize (?) great art. Ten times out of ten they’re wrong about everything they say when it comes to Dylan…..that is, when they say anything at all through all of the academibabble. Haha! Total waste of time.
Can't find your reaction to I contain multitudes (maybe my favorite song on this album). I love this album and play it all the time, but I always skip the 4th, 5th, and 7th songs. I just can't get into those songs (Black Rider is OK). That also makes it the perfect length for a record.
I made a separate video about this song when it was released on its own prior to the album. But when I made it, I was not aware of what I strongly believe to be the thematic arc that goes through the album, so I had a change of opinion about the song. So I must have taken the original video down, since I can't find it either.
Took me a bit to enjoy the album. His voice has changed im assuming due to his age. I feel it to be a very personal album, of reflection. I think when he passes away this particular recording will cause me to reflect on bob dylans amazing talents and how appreciative iam to have his music at hand.
I agree 100%, Jason. I can't think of a better way to make a summation of one's career/life than this album.
Hey great review as always!!!!!! Just wondering if you have any idea on what the ''36 hours past judgement day'' reference in 'Murder Most Foul' relates to??
Good question, Mark. I am not 100%sure about that 36 hours thing (or anything else, haha), but the line right before the "36 hours past judgement day" line is the following: "the soul of a nation's been torn away and it's beginning to go into a slow decay". I think that a body's decomposition, at least the internal portions of the body, is occurring in significant initial process at around 36 hours (more or less). Maybe that has something to do with it.....the nation's been judged, and the result is that the soul of the nation is torn away from it, leaving the body of the nation to decay from the inside out. Jeff
The 36 hours are most likely referring to Jack Ruby shooting Oswald in the parking garage of the DPD station on Sunday. JFK died Friday around noon, Oswald Sunday in der morning. It is followed by the line about "Wolfman Jack, he's speaking in tongues". Of course Wolfman Jack was a famous talkative DJ, but since Dylan uses here all kind of name-games (Oswald's "I'm a patsy" against "Patsy Cline", etc.), I think Wolfman Jack is still referring to Jack Ruby, who became very chatty, while sitting in jail, making all kind of remarks, about how he wants to be transferred to Washington, where he will finally open up and spill the beans. Which of course didn't do him much good.
I'm just a few years younger than Dylan, and I was wondering what I should sing to my grandkids as a lullaby? Should it be "Who Killed Davey Moore?", "Desolation Row", "Joey", or "Murder Most Foul"??
Haha! Well, I'd suggest "Forever Young" for sure. Or "Mother Of Muses" even, if the grandkids are a bit older enough to appreciate it.
@@CalicoSilver Yes, if we can pass anything to our progeny, our music collections are a start. To teach them to "swim", I always thought throwing em in the deep end (Dylan, Zappa, Lou Reed ["Cheap... Cheap ... Cheap Uptown Dirt"] is the best.
@@michaelbrinkers1145 Haha, yes my "poor" daughter has had to endure Dylan and Reed and Beefheart and even "worse" while growing up. Hopefully some appreciation (at least) rubbed off on her. I think it did.
there are so many levels to dylan...but it is true...like leonard cohen had his 'you want it darker' and 'thanks for the dance', as well as bowie with his 'blackstar'...this may indeed be dylan's waterloo....we shall see together...peace always my friend...rocky
Thanks, Rocky. I'd hate to think this was the end of the road for Dylan (and I think such a thought was part of the reason this album initially had a depressing effect on me), but like I said in the video, if it is the end of his recording career, I can't think of any better way than this ingenious album to end it. What a life fully-lived indeed.
Hey Jeff, I was listening to Rough and Ready while I tried to catch up on some paperwork and the song "My own version of you. In the song he references Julius Caesar ..."I'll pick a number between a-one and two
And I ask myself, "What would Julius Caesar do?"
Dylan also said that "Crossing the Rubicon" had nothing to do with Julius Caesar. My response is "yeah, sure Bob. Whatever you say.". Yet, if he said that the song was indeed about Caesar, he'd be opening up a whole can of worms that (I am sure and don't blame him) he rather not deal with. Of course, "Crossing the Rubicons" also has a myriad of meanings apart from a simple song about history. We've all crossed our own personal Rubicon at one time or another. Also, Is it just coincidence that Dylan has a song about Julius Caesar and a song about John Kennedy on the same album? Both were leaders that were murdered by their own country men and both America and The Roman Republic seemed to have lost their compass ( I'm doing my damnedest not to be political) in terms of who they were and where they were headed. And with much great art, the artist uses stories about events of the past as a vehicle to make a grander statement about the the Zeitgeist of the present (i.e. The Crucible). Now the statement that I feel Dylan is making fits my own personal opinion of the current state of the country beautifully as I am sure that it also fits the opinion of someone that is exactly the opposite of my political leanings because that's what great art does. It doesn't give you the answer, it gives you something much more important which is the question. A favorite writer of mine once said, "'If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers.'
Excellent comments, Tony! Thanks. I love that quote about getting people to ask the wrong questions.....so true about the world, especially today. Everything is a distraction, always a distraction. Meanwhile REAL things continue un-questioned. Excellent point. I also like the point about Caesar and Kennedy - I didn't catch that. Good call! As for Dylan never wanting to talk about his lyrics, and often even denying seemingly obvious references therein, I fully understand why he does this also. His lyrics are so rich with references and metaphors and such, if he were to engage with anyone about why this or that thing was in his lyric, he knows full well that doing so would cause more confusion in the minds of most people....so why even bother? Haha! Just let listeners hear what they hear. We all have our own poetic capabilities and sensibilities and we all hear and read into lyrics as sophisticated as these that which we will hear and read, based on who we are and what we've read, etc.. For me, Dylan's lyrics are about a relatively narrow range of repeated themes and thoughts that are approached in such poetic and varied ways.....either that, or I am guilty of superimposing my own themes and thoughts onto the lyrics....in either case, this is how great art works, I think. Art is complete when it is not only created but also received and engaged with. Anyway, enough from me.....thanks again for your always great comments! Jeff
@@CalicoSilver new phrases always catch my attention or take on a different meaning with Dylan. I think he may have composed this song in the late 2000 teens. " So I have a specific person and group in mind when I hear the remark 'Son, the age of the antichrist has only just begun' or "the soul of a nation been torn away and it's beginning to go into a slow decay"
It also struck me as curious when he sings "they killed him twice like a human sacrifice" and mentions just prior that he watched Zapruder's film 33 times. The song becomes more of a paradox every time that I listen it. And don't even get me started on his phrase "What is the truth and where did it go."
And one last idea about Dylan's genius in general.
We had to read Moby Dick for our English class. And I despised the book. 800 pages about a whale chase. So my teacher asked the class, if you enjoyed the novel raise your hand. And not one hand went up. And then he asked the class, "what is Moby Dick about?"
One kid says "It's about a one legged sea captain that wants revenge on the whale that attacked him."
The teacher say "yes it is. But, is it about anything else"
- well, it's about insanity said one kid
Another, "it's about the fight of good and evil."
- It's about man's need to control his destiny. And on and on.
Then the teacher smiles like the Cheshire cat. "I've taught this novel for 25 yrs. I read it about once every two to three years and I'm sure it will surprise everyone when I say that I don't have the foggiest idea what it's about. It's a a bottomless hole. And that is what makes it a masterpiece. Is it possible to write an 800 page novel about the hunt for a whale yet at the same time I think we can all agree that the story of Moby Dick isn't even close to the meaning of Moby Dick."
@@Slothrop67 Sounds like you just saved me a lot of time reading Moby Dick, Tony! Haha. I've never read it, mainly because I can't think of many things I care less about then hunting a whale. But I get your teacher's point about a story meaning much more than just the narrative of the story. Dylan definitely knows about that too. Thanks. Jeff
@@CalicoSilver 🤣 you made an excellent point Jeff. Moby Dick is a pretty lousy comparison to Dylan's talent. Regardless that Moby Dick is a masterpiece, I read it once and that was enough for me while I'll be listening to Dylan for the rest of my life.
Great review. I love the album. My favourite since Modern Times. The only song I still struggle with is Key West. Love the rest.
I didn't like Key West (the song) much either when I first heard it.....it suprised me to hear Dylan singing so fondly about a place I had no idea he'd ever even visited, haha! But after figuring out what I think the album is about (at least to my ears and heart), it makes perfect sense that he would have chosen Key West as that "end of the road" place of "immortality". If you've ever driven to Key West, it certain feels like a place separate from the rest of the world....well, I should say, it did so back in the '70s and '80s.....not so sure today. Cheers. Jeff
CalicoSilver I’ll stick with it. Could be a grower. Your take on the concept of the album makes perfect sense. I think it’s the use of the line “ Down in Key West” throughout the song that puts me off. Sounds a bit cliched for a Dylan lyric. Just my personal gripe. I do love the music to the song. Reminds me a bit of Nick Cave.
@@CalicoSilver
Interesting comments on both of your parts! I wonder what a song called "Lands End" would have sounded like!
@@sherrievavrichek9604 The only song I know called "Lands End" is by Jimmy Webb (a favorite songwriter) but it is instrumental (and the title of one of his albums). But yes, Lands End would have been a good name for the Key West song, I agree.
Excellent review, Jeff. I played the album once and thought, like you, that it was a total dirge. I filed it away because I have a huge backlog of bluegrass stacked up. "Flatt & Scruggs At Carnegie Hall" and stuff like that ... but this review has given me cause to reconsider. Thanks, mate. I appreciate all of your hard work here. BTW, when I first saw the title "Philosopher Pirate" I thought Bob was going to take a swipe at Jimmy Buffett. Strange how my brain (brain?) works.
Thanks, John. Yeah, this album was quite like oil-and-water with me upon first listens.....it was quite a weird thing, given the universally rapt reception it was receiving upon its release. Glad I finally woke up to it over time. Hey, I need to listen to some good ol' upbeat bluegrass music now, after months of swimming in this heavy (as I initially deemd it) album. Haha! (the album IS a very joyous affair, actually, and not a dirge at all, upon understanding it.....that is, unless I have absolutely NO understanding of it, which is perfectly possible! hahaha) Jeff
It seems to me that in the marvellous Mother of Muses Bob Dylan pays tribute to the late Leonard Cohen in the last line of the song, namechecking three songs on three different recent Cohen's albums
Travelin' light
Slow
Goin' home (Dylan says "comin' home")
The songs itself is very cohenish in mood and themes
I think you are right there, Gian Luca! I am quite sure that Cohen was one of Dylan's fellow muses for whom he had great respect and appreciation. (Hey, by the way, I noticed you subscribed to my channel so I went to listen to some of your music videos - very good and rewarding music, Gian Luca. Thank you for introducing yourself to me. Jeff)
@@CalicoSilver thanks a lot
I love Bob Dylan and Lou Reed among many others and I'm very interested in watching your past reviews about them.
@@gianlucamondomusic Great taste!! It is hard to beat Bob and Lou. I am preparing my Berlin review and hope to post it in a few days or so. What a weird one-of-a-kind album.
these lyrics are theology
Amen to that!!