I have always enjoyed, if not completely understood, the trilogy of songs that form the beginning of the second side of the original vinyl release. “Queen Jane Approximately” was a song about a fall from grace based on the story of Lady Jane Grey who was the uncrowned Queen of England for nine days. “Highway 61 Revisited” is a protest song with a beat. “Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues” is Dylan doing what he does best and that is providing layers of imagery that require the listeners total involvement.Highway 61 Revisited would find Dylan consolidating his musical vision. Dylan would also continue his journey as a master of words and imagery. If Dylan really did sell his soul to the devil on Highway 61, on this album at least, he got the better of the deal.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
1 - JC Mosquito
The best of the classic original Dylan studio releases, with Blonde running a close second.
2 - Dave
Surely the song "Highway 61 Revisited" is not a protest song with a beat. It is just very funny. Dylan does have a sense of humour. I always thought that the last line of "Chimes of Freedom" (dedicating the song to every hung-up person in the whole wide universe) was hilarious but everybody else seems to take it so so seriously. Dylan fans and critics should lighten up and applaud the Jester.
3 - Christy
This is one of the best albums by Bob Dylan! The two songs on this album I am addicted to would have to be It Takes Alot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry and From A Buick Six. However, what makes this brilliant is the fact that he got Mike Bloomfield to play lead guitar! In my opinion, one of the best blues guitarists, ever!