“You’re A Big Girl Now” is a song of farewell reminiscent in a way of “Just Like A Woman.” On the seven minute “Idiot Wind,” the organ swells and Dylan's trademark harmonica are set against Dylan's abstract lyrics that move and meander in a lot of directions. This is one of those songs that Dylan would tinker with over the course of his career. Just check out the live version on Hard Rain.
Songs five and six are haunting love songs. “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome (When You Go)” is about love’s parting, yet the memories remain. “Meet Me In The Morning” concerns reconciliation that for Dylan would not happen.
“Lily, Rosemary and The Jack Of Hearts” is an almost nine minute novel set to music. Bank robbers, women and diamond mines all add to the imagery and mystery of the story. Joan Baez performed this song on her live album, From Every Stage, and her crystal clear interpretation helped me make some sense of it all.
“If You See Her, Say Hello” is a desolate lament of lost love. “Shelter From The Storm” is filled with imagery and ultimately beauty. It is one of those songs that dances just beyond your comprehension. “Buckets Of Rain” is Dylan talking to a lover. There is an odd tuning to the guitar, but the music is upbeat which serves to enhance the impact of the lyrics which are anything but.
Blood On The Tracks finds Dylan at his reflective and creative best. It is deservedly recognized as a masterpiece and as such is essential listening.
Article comments
1 - Dude Skoodle
bARACK oBAMA loves this album.
The outakes version is good- it is all acoustic.
2 - BigBoi
Ooooo, if Barack loves it, it MUST be good. PSYCHE!
3 - kevin cramsey
This review is pretty much spot-on. "Tangled" and "Simple Twist" make for one of the best 1-2 punches ever to lead off an album. Perfect songs, both of them. The only reservation I have toward this album is the inclusion of "Jack of Hearts." It is the one song which just doesn't seem to fit what is otherwise a concept album. Perhaps it was meant as an intermission of sorts, giving the listener a light-hearted respite from the business at hand. A great outtake is "Up to Me," a song which is often referred to as an early version of "Shelter from the Storm" a song with which it shares a melody. Of course, the all acoustic "Idiot Wind" available on the Bootleg series is also unbelievably great. I may be in the minority, but I prefer it to the rather angry version heard here. But why quibble? This is a great album.