CD Review: Bob Dylan

Published on Friday 24 April 2009 16:13

Together Through Life COLUMBIA 88697438932, £12.72 ***

He is one of the 20th century's musical greats, hugely influential and slavishly respected. This album's predecessor Modern Times confirmed that Dylan was enjoying something of a creative and commercial Indian summer, achieving platinum sales and garnering glowing reviews. His 33rd studio record has the same spirit, and the opener 'Beyond Here Lies Nothin' has a purpose far removed from the song's title.

Bob, aka producer Jack Frost, has styled the sound on the great 1950s rock and roll records coming out of Ace and Chess; clean and simple with no little warmth. The vocal is like Tom Waits after clearing his throat, a lyric about boulevards of broken cars reinforcing the image. 'Life Is Hard' was the gestation point for the album, written for the upcoming film from French director Olivier Dahan.

It is strangely incidental, with Dylan sounding detached from proceedings. 'Shake Shake Mama' and 'If You Ever Go To Houston' are listened to more out of a sense of duty than one of wonder. 'Forgetful Heart' tests even that dutiful urge.

'I Feel A Change Comin' On' was always going to suffer by comparison with his classic song with a similar theme.

As Dylan records go it is good, but some way short of great.

Download this: Beyond Here Lies Nothing, It's All Good