Bob Dylan 'Modern Times'

I took a chance and downloaded his latest set today out of curiosity. This is great collection of well-constructed songs with poignant lyrics, pleasing melodies and excellent arrangements. Like the late Billie Holliday, Dylan's singing voice has always been an acquired taste but it fits the music perfectly. This is the first time in my life that I've bought a Dylan record. I highly recommend it if you like me wax nostalgic at times for recorded music with simpler melodies, smoother arrangements and lyrics that are both easygoing in nature and topical. His set is a welcome departure from most of the beats on steroids and nursery school rhymes that permeate the airwaves today, not that I'm questioning anyone else's taste.

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Updated On: 9/7/06 at 04:55 PM

Dylan is back near the very top of his game, and to misinterpet that as egotism belies an extremely limited sensibility.
The most effective part of Dylan's persona these days is his accesiblity and humor. His radio show and Chronicles display an extreme openess.

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It has always been the case with Dylan that those who "aren't fans" find it very hard to get in.
I will say that this album seems much more "accesible" than most of Dylan's albums, certainly it is easier to get into than TIME OUT OF MIND. (although that is a great album)

I would think it would be very hard for anyone who doesn't revel in BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME or BLOOD ON THE TRACKS to start loving Dylan now.

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Don't get me wrong though. I have heard someof his older stuff and though it was really great music (especially considering how average his voice is) but this stuff I just thought was very ordinary, like when the, what was it called, I can't remember, i was something like 'when the deal comes through' or something, and it wasn't good.

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