Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
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Free Music Notes for Together Through Life
Free Music Review: A Dialogue Concerning Bob Dylan's "Together Through Life"
Hit: 5 Stars
TweedleDee: "Have you heard of this guy Bob Dylan?"
TweedleDum: "Uh...yeah...he's a songwriter, right?"
TweedleDee: "I guess he writes the songs, I think his main duty is leading his band. Sort of a bluesy, rootsy sort of thing..."
TweedleDum: "Huh? I thought...I mean... wasn't Bob Dylan the guy that wrote all those protest songs, and was the voice of a generation, and then died?"
TweedleDee: "Well, I don't know about any of that, I know he's been around for a while, but he can't be dead because he just released a new album called "Together Through Life"...it doesn't sound like its protest music...and the only generation this Bob Dylan could be a spokesperson for is the grizzled old barflies generation."
TweedleDum: "So, you're saying that this guy named Bob Dylan just released a new album as an old man. What are the songs about...re-living the glory years?"
TweedleDee: "I have no idea what the songs are about! I don't really care. I think they are just renditions of old standards or something...to be honest I don't think the lyrics are what this guy is about, I think Mr. Dylan is really just trying to create a genuine mood with his music; it is almost as if the sound of the music is more important than the actual songs. Kind of like Brian Eno...do you know who that is?"
TweedleDum: "Yeah, he is the guy that made the music that makes going to airports more comfortable."
TweedleDee: "Thats true. He also made installation-art music...music created to match the atmosphere or feeling of an object or place, like a museum, or, like you just mentioned, an airport. He even created music to identify the feelings and impressions invoked by images of the moon."
TweedleDum: "So, what are you trying to say?"
TweedleDee: "Well, if you went into a dive bar at 3:00 in the afternoon on a hot and muggy day, as stale smoke filled your nostrils and flies buzzed in your eyes, what would you expect to hear coming from the jukebox?"
TweedleDum: "Music"
TweedleDee: "Right, but what kind?"
TweedleDum: "Whatever they had on the jukebox."
TweedleDee: "Oh, Dummy, you don't get it. Aesthetically, there is a certain kind of music that would be more befitting of that scene than any other kind. Something American, something bluesy, rootsy, unrefined, speaking of heartbreak, wandering, and times gone by."
TweedleDum: "So this guy, Bob Dylan, released an album thats supposed to, as you say, "match the atmosphere" of a dirty dive-bar?"
TweedleDee: "Well, not technically. I don't know if that is what Dylan set out to do. But what has been created is something that, rather than tell you the story, creates the mood, the atmosphere, the setting of the story, with subtle personifications of the story in the form of lyrics. But more important is the sound created by the band. I think the producer, Jack Frost, has a lot to do with that aspect. This Jack Frost guy really knows how to distance the instruments from one another...he knows when to turn something down, how to make something sound raw, and how to create ambience out of five minute songs. Frost also produced the last few Dylan albums, they all seem to have this Americana-ambience, but nowhere near as fluid as on this album."
TweedleDum: "I guess what I'm putting together is that Dylan's band plays regular blues/rock songs and then this Frost character tweeks them to make them sound like something else? Something atmospheric?"
TweedleDee: "Well, thats not what I'm saying is happening on "Together Through Life", I am saying that is what I hear. A recording that sounds like the embodiment of American grit. The music that naturally accompanies a lonely drive, a hot summers day spent alone, listening to an old man talk about his life."
TweedleDum: "But, is Bob Dylan still writing songs?"
TweedleDee: "No. He is painting audio pictures."
Amazon's description of a five-star rating is that five-stars represents "loving" the product as opposed to "liking" it (four-star rating). After a week of repeated listening I can honestly say that I love Bob Dylan's "Together Through Life".
Free Music Review: Bringin' It On Home One More Time For Us
Hit: 5 Stars
Was only going to get the regular CD of this - for 14.99 - then realized the vinyl version (at twice the price -29.99) - came with the CD. The only vinyl of this album they had was being held for someone. But then the clerk checked it - and he says "Oh their time limit expired. You can have it" - and I pounced.
It's now playing - we're on track 3: "My Wife's Hometown" - a Dylan/Dixon tune, that's Willie Dixon, as in "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "You Shook Me" Zeppelin blues classics - so let's get something straight right off the bat, shall we?
What we have here, regardless of whether some Amazon reviewers might claim otherwise, is brand spanking new classic Dylan in a vein we've not seen since, well -ever, really, and that's just one of the reasons this is a classic recording. What we're looking at here folks, besides an obviously matured gifted artist at a new prime in his amazing stride through life, is nothing less than Dylan embracing a post-Grateful Dead, Blues-based Heartbreaker slowburn jam whose presence to these ears completely makes up for the loss of such icons as Led Zeppelin, et al. I'd even go so far as to suggest such classic fare is beneath Dylan, he is so self-assured at his grand mastery of this fusion of post -blues -rock -jazz folk music that I'll be the first to step up to the plate and admit that atop the pyramid of established rock iconography such as Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, etc is comfortably seated none other than that old folkie and troubadour Bob Dylan himself, and this album is the proof in the pudding.
"Jolene" is playing right now and it is an easygoing serving of Bo Diddly blues flambeauxed over a spicey cajun rhythm that anyone should find irresistable. David Hidalgo of Los Lobos fame and Mike Cambell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers contribute excellent musicianship to this easy masterpiece of blues fusion. The return of Robert Hunter collaborating with Dylan for the lyrics is a welcome addition ("Down In The Groove" was the last time they collaborated on lyrics together). The only critical review of Together Through Life that really hits it on the nail is Blender, they gave it 5 out of 5 stars and called it "unbelievably good". That's right on -this album doesn't miss a beat, it is flawless from beginning to end. Of course, like any masterfully rendered music from seasoned professionals, that may not occur to the listener upon the first spin or two. Just keep this record spinning on your turntable, and it won't be long until you recognize Bob is back in the groove again, and its a wonderful thing indeed.
The ten songs on Together Through Life complement each other in an easygoing way. I have to admit I wasn't that impressed hearing this album for the first time, but I wasn't able to lend it my full attention. On the second listen, while paying it better attention, its subtle rewarding complexities became immediately more evident. After three spins, I'm sailing towards comfortable oblivion with a smile on my face every time I hear this lovely, rollicking, alternately hopeful and set with only a slightly-grim resolve, album. This artist has lived it all, and it is obvious from hanging out with these songs for a spell. He ain't got time to bleed these days - but he done that already ("It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding"). Now is his time to shine, once again. The medley of down home american roots influences on this record is a treasure trove and a delight to behold. Some people tell him he has the blood of the land in his voice. I can feel a change coming on too, Bob. I am grateful you've taken the helm on this new direction, to steer us through the oncoming darkness with your new songs, laid-back, confident beacons of reassurance we can all use in these uncertain times. Damm straight "It's all good".
Free Music Review: Dylan's on a Roll!
Hit: 5 Stars
I wanted to be patient in reviewing this album so my review doesn't seem like an immediate praise of an album possibly undeserving simply because of my deep appreciation of the artist and all of his work from the past.So yes I am a huge Dylan fan anyway,but gave "Together through Life" a few months to grow on me before jumping to any drastic conclusions.And I must say I believe it to be a classic every bit as deserving as "Modern Times" or any other album for that matter.I do know that this album is quite a left turn from the last, and the last one was without a doubt a late career masterpiece by Bob.I also believe that because of this a lot of people are saying that it is a solid effort,but not quite as good as the last one.Though they are entitled to their opinion too I disagree strongly and think they might be having a little "Stage Fright itis".(the third album by "The Band" notoriously underrated)Maybe this is not a better album,but it is certainly as good as the last one.And having given it a few months to grow on me it sounds to me like Dylan is on a musical roll.His vocals have a punch to them that I have not heard for a while and other people have noted that his delivery of the lyrics is an art in itself.You know it's funny people never give Dylan credit for being a good singer yet the man does things with rhythm and emotion that a thousand "good singers" could not dream of."Beyond here lies Nothin" is as good of a start as "Thunder on the Mountain" was for "Modern Times".The instrumentation rocks,but is subtle at the same time and the way he sings "Nothin but the moon and Stars" is worth a million bucks.Another thing about this album that I have noticed is that the song's are shorter in length."Beyond here" is about 3 and a half minutes and many others are around that length too."Life is Hard" is a gorgeous ballad with a very emotional voacal that can easily get stuck in your head."My wife's home town" is a cool bluesy song with neat guitar and accordian.The accordian is featured throughout the album yet never overwhelms the song and nothing can grab my attention more than when Dylan sings "She's got stuff more potent than a gypsies curse!"I don't want to go into detail over every song on the album,but I will say their all classic's."Jolene","Shake Mama Shake","I Feel a Change Comin On",every song will grow on you if you let them.I always listen to music before I go to work and I am very picky over what I hear while sipping coffee before a day at work.I've listened to this album almost every day before work and always seem to have them stuck in my head while i'm there.I am not praising this album simply because the man is a legend,it is full of poetry and musicianship of the highest order and above all sincerity.Bob Dylan's heart goes into his work and I do believe he is on a roll right now.If you doubt it you should check out some of the live footage of him from the Rothbury festival."Together through Life" is an inspired album by an inspired artist.Their are now rumours of a Bob Dylan Christmas album.Don't know if their true,but I do know BOB DYLAN IS ON A ROLL,WATCH OUT!Free Music Review: Strengthen the things that remain ...
Hit: 5 Stars
Everyone is commenting how the latest Bob Dylan album has a Mexican bar feel - I would not know as I have never been to a Mexican bar.
Together Through Life - Dylan's 4th masterpiece in a row is a less polished more immediate endeavor than its predecessors - especially Modern Times, which had struck a chord with critics & listeners alike (and Alicia Keys I am sure) as an instant classic. This one is deliberately imperfect (made for an imperfect time in our history I guess), forcedly rushed & more Basement Tapes than any other Dylan record since or before. As if a citizen of a once powerful nation - who is saying he has had enough & just says what he wants to say. When I listened to Time Out of Mind, Love & Theft & Modern Times - they all had this aura of a classic - production compared to the best in the world - lyrics, music, craftsmanship, orchestration - all just came together. This one, on the first go, is more `live' - more in your face - as against studio. Lyrics are simpler (co-written with Hunter) - it is as if he is trying to reach the masses - devils & saints alike - and he is attempting to be more direct, both in delivery & use of words. It is like the old man of the family, at the head of the table, whispering words of wisdom to get better - and no one really cares about.
The singing, the uttering of words, the impeccable timing of the verses and the click-clack of the rhymes is all God's work - Dylan grabs you at the first go. It appears he has been thinking more about singing than ever before and the result is obvious - this is one of the best sung Dylan albums. For the sixties, everything Blonde & Blonde & before - that was sheer talent - the words, the voice, the feel, the urgency & the absolute & utter sense of timing .., this one the other hand is created carefully even with a feel of being urgent & immediate, a maestro in his golden years preserving his glory. I have not heard Dylan `sing' any better in a long time - this is as good as it gets.
Compact discs usually don't pronounce the same warmth as wax of the olden times for the most part & one thing that has really fascinated me is how much Jack Fate has converged the sounds of CD & Wax over the past three records - this one is perhaps the best - perhaps even better than Modern Times - this one sounds as warm as any Vinyl would do. This is just my first take - I will let my listener friends decide for themselves.
Thirty years after the year of the Slow Train, the man still stands alone in some deserted rail station, somewhere in Southern Texas, and murmurs, with more conviction & urge than ever before; listen to him sing again, `when you gonna wake up, & strengthen the things that remain,' albeit in different words.
Would there be another one? I do not know, & neither do you - one can only hope -
And if this is the last one, once again, from the bottom of my heart, Thanks Mr. Dylan - just for being there ..
Oakville: Toronto: April 28, 2009
Free Music Review: Undistinguished Drek
Hit: 5 Stars
Why then five stars?
Because it's Dylan's undistinguished drek, that's why. As a result it can't help but carry with it a certain greatness.
Dylan continues to reinvent himself. This time the cagey old trickster has morphed into an amalgam of equal parts Howlin Wolf and Leon Redbone.
Yikes!!
The lyrics on Together Through Life are the result of a collaboration between Dylan and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
Long ago Dylan wrote, "Louise holds a handful of rain tempting you to defy it".
Not quite as long ago but almost, Hunter wrote, "It's just a box of rain, I don't know who put it there. Believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare".
And today, here's what they come up with together:
Well I didn't come here dear with a doggone thing
I just came to hear the drummer's cymbal ring
There ain't no way you can put me down
I just want to say that hell's my wife's home town
How come?
Our song writing duo is quick to provide an answer:
Well there's reasons for that and there's reasons for this
I can't think of any now but I know they exist
I'm sittin in the sun till my skin turns brown
I just want to say that hell's my wife's home town
You know what? This ain't half bad...
Here's some examples of yet other memorable lyrics -
Well, I'm movin' after midnight
Down boulevards of broken cars
Don't know what I'd do without it
Without this love that we call ours
Beyond here lies nothin'
Nothin' but the moon and stars
If you see her sister Lucy
Say I'm sorry I'm not there
Tell her other sister Betsy
To pray the sinner's prayer
I must be losing my mind, you're the object of my desire
Brick by brick they tear you down
A teacup of water is enough to drown
And these are from the song I like best - Forgetful Heart.
Forgetful heart like a walking shadow in my brain
All night long I lay awake and listened to the sound of pain
The door has closed forevermore if indeed there ever was a door
You know, as I listen to this CD, I get the feeling that Dylan's really having fun. In a couple of places you even hear him chuckling in the background. These songs are some kind of easy going, post modern, existential Americana.
Yup, for sure - that's it...
And the sound is absolutely amazing. Producer Jack Frost is some kind of a genius. Wait, does this guy really exist? Who is he anyhow? Anyway, the music is tight, together, all at once happy and haunting. Especially David Hildago's accordion.
Actually the more I listen to this the more I conclude it's not really drek after all. I can't help it - as announced by the last number, "It's All Good".
No, really it's great.
Five stars.