Bob Dylan released "Love and Theft" on the memorable date of September 11, 2001. The quotation marks are an official part of the title. It was his first album since 1997’s Time Out Of Mind. While that album would be dark and even fearful at times; Dylan would return to his blues and folk roots in a positive manner. Though far different from each other, both were successful in their own way. It would be Dylan’s highest charting album in years reaching number 3 on the National charts. Rolling Stone Magazine would place it at 467 on their 500 greatest albums of all time.
I can’t help but think that Dylan had fun writing and recording the songs for this album. There is an old time feel to it, especially on the blues numbers. The lyrics were strong and the song structures tight. The music itself has a beauty. Dylan was also wise enough to use his touring band in the studio rather than assembling different combinations for each track. The fact that they had been playing together regularly shows. The only problem I have with the album is his voice. It has a gruffness and sounds lower than in the past, but he manages to get by.
This is not as personal or as thoughtful as many of his past efforts. Instead the focus is upon the songs themselves and this was a wise decision. Dylan, who was now forty years into his career, had decided to just create some music with no hidden agenda or at least very little.
It is the blues songs that dominate the album. “High Water (For Charley Patton)” is Dylan paying homage to a man who influenced not only his music but American music in general. Also known as Charlie Patton, he was one of the originators of The Delta Blues sound. The song looks at southern racial history as well.
Article comments
1 - Dude Skoodle
"The only problem I have with the album is his voice. It has a gruffness and sounds lower than in the past, but he manages to get by."
Dave you keep repeating this. My grandparents and assorted squares said this stuff in 1968 and ever since.
He's a blues folk vernacular down home singer. Its part of the genre. If he sung like Perry Como he wouldn't be Dylan and nobody would have heard of him.
Dave quit repeating this mindless claptrap- no offence... I mean you are a fellow Dylan fan.
Oh yeah Robert Johnson is a good guitar player but I wish he played like Segovia. Oh why doesn't he play like Mark Knofler.
It is so unoriginal to whine about his voice. He has been singing rough for 40 years. Will you ever get it old chap?
No offence though Dave. He is only a musician I suppose. I know people who play the guitar better than him... but then they are not Bob Dylan.
2 - David Bowling
I like your comment about something your grandparents would say. I bought my first Dylan album in 1965 so that makes me about your grandparents age and definately square. I appreciate your reading my reviews and all the comments. Thanks, David