Bob Dylan released Modern Times on August 29, 2006 and it became his first number one album since 1976’s Desire. At the time, he was the oldest artist to reach the top position on the National charts. Neil Diamond has since surpassed that record.
Dylan borrows heavily from traditional blues tunes of the 1920s and 30s and adapts some interpretations of those songs to his unique style. While he does not credit some of these performances, the folk and blues traditions in the USA are filled with copying and interpretation of songs. Dylan received some criticism for this tactic but people have been copying him for years. The other often forgotten point is that all the songs were in the public domain. However he came to these songs, the updated versions would give the release a sound rooted in Americana by way of a modernization of pre-rock ‘n’ roll blues. The result was an accessible and brilliant release that was one of the best of his career.
"Thunder On The Mountain" is the first track and is a call to the faithful. Whether you interpret the song as revelation or a love song, it just rocks along. The precise phrasing of Dylan’s vocals would set the tone for the rest of the performances.
"Rollin’ and Tumblin’" has appeared under a number of titles throughout its history. Dylan’s version comes closest to that of Muddy Waters although Robert Johnson would provide a raw and sparse version. Other modern interpretations would include Johnny Winter, Cream, and Canned Heat. Dylan strips the lyrics back and adds two new original verses.
"Someday Baby" is based on the old Muddy Waters tune “Trouble No More.” It would win the Grammy Award as the best rock performance of the year and deservedly so.
Dylan takes the old Memphis Minnie blues tune, “When The Levee Breaks” and changes it to “The Levee’s Gonna Break.” He fills in the sound which pushes it toward rock ‘n’ roll and also adds new lyrics which moves it from a natural disaster theme to more apocalyptic in nature.
"Workingman Blues #2" is presented as an easy flowing blues tune. Political, spiritual, and love themes are all mixed together.
"Ain’t Talkin’" is a somber song that borders on depressing yet was a fitting conclusion to the album.
Bob Dylan is now 67 and it remains to be seen if he will issue another studio album. If not, the quality of Modern Times would be a fitting conclusion to his recording career.
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Article comments
1 - Dude Skoodle
I think its amusing that when Dylan does "Spirit on the Water" live, the crowds all over the world yell "No Bob no!" when he sings "You think I'm over the hill, you think I'm past my prime" as if he is necessarilly talking about himself. This is ironic coz in the next line he sings "I killed a man back there"... but nobody takes that line literally. It tells me people are sheep in that fans the world over yell denials about that other line because they know that they are doing what they are supposed to do.
Dave is correct that the sources needn't be acknowleged. Its PD blues for God sake. Even if you acknowledge it, the bloke you pinched it off stole it from somewhere else in the first place... and yes "imitators steal me blind" as Bob complains on the alternate Idiot Wind. he is the most ripped off artist ever.
I think Thunder on the Mountain is another example of the throw away opening track syndrome Bob always uses. Its a very dull song in my humble opinion... but hey he will survive any criticism I might make. Why the hell would you exalt a capable but minor artist like Alicia Keyes? But spririt on the water is great except for the couple of cliches (over the hill!!!past my prime!!!! come on Bob you are better than that. Workingman's blues though it is a bit fanciful for Bob to think he is a working man standing every second night in front of thousands of adoring sycophantic fans. But it is a good song, as is Ain't Talking. "The last outback at the worlds end" is clearly about Australia, and Bob had visited several times around the time he would have written it.
Here is a theory- of course I don't know because I never take him literally- but if you listen carefully you might agree that I think he has married again and of course hasn't told anyone.
2 - P. Timothy Ervin
"Modern Times" is a "fitting conclusion to his recording career"?
Are you writing an obituary?
3 - Glen Boyd
"Modern Times" is a "fitting conclusion to his recording career"?
Are you writing an obituary?
I too found that line to be a bit odd. I've heard nothing at all about a Dylan retirement...in fact the man tours more than ever these days. And don't forget, he just released the latest "Bootleg series" which is so fresh sounding, its almost like a brand new album in and of itself.
-Glen
4 - David Bowling
At this point it is unknown if the 67 year old Dylan will record another studio album. The Bootleg Series, while great, are compilations. I have no doubt that Dylan will continue to tour but whether he returns to the recording studio remains to be seen. Thanks everyone. -David
5 - Pico
Hank Jones is still making records at 90 years old. McCoy Tyner has a new CD out that I reviewed last week...McCoy is about to turn 70. At 83 years old, BB King this year put out his best record in decades. Dylan's old flame of the same age Joan Baez released a record just last month.
Just sayin' ;-)
6 - El Bicho
Please do Springsteen next.
7 - David Bowling
Greetings. Next up is a short six review retrospective on Simon & Garfunkel. I will follow that one with Springsteen and then possibly The Who. Thanks, David
8 - Pico
Please put Kenny G on your list too, kthx
9 - David Bowling
Kenny G will appear somewhere after Miley Cyrus and Donny Osmond.
10 - Mark Saleski
Philip Glass, please.
11 - David Bowling
Anyone who describes themselves as a Jewish-taoist-hindu-toltec-buddist can't be all bad. Philip Glass has actually produced some excellent music.