I agree that late Dylan work doesn't get as much credit as it should, even if I've never quite understood why people are so excited about Not Dark Yet. (I think there are several songs on that album that are better - I agree though that it's one of his best albums.)
But mostly I just wanted to stick up for the pollsters in one respect. The one post-1976 song is off the Bootleg albums that ogged recommends - Blind Willie McTell.
And Talking Hava Negeiliah Blues is pretty funny and all, but to put it on a list with the Dylan greats is, well, preposterous. (To be fair, I'm the guy who voted for Motorpsycho Nitemare on this poll, so I can't complain too much about others liking lightweight Dylan songs.)
Sigh--agreed agreed, it's hard to keep being churlish. Talking Hava Negeilah Blues was just for fun; I couldn't resist.
I can tell you why I like Not Dark Yet so much, though I'm sure others have their own reasons:
She wrote me a letter and she wrote it so kind
She put down in writing what was in her mind
I just don't see why I should even care
seems to me the most succinct and devastatingly plain expression of emotional and intellectual bereavement of which I'm aware. And there are three more lines in that song that are just brilliant.
Hmm. Not sure what to say, Ben. Both those seem lyrically dense and interesting and beautiful to me. But I'll admit Sad Eyed Lady drags a bit for my taste.
I loathe Bob Dylan.
Posted by FL | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 11:42 AM
You're not serious?
Posted by ogged | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 11:44 AM
I agree that late Dylan work doesn't get as much credit as it should, even if I've never quite understood why people are so excited about Not Dark Yet. (I think there are several songs on that album that are better - I agree though that it's one of his best albums.)
But mostly I just wanted to stick up for the pollsters in one respect. The one post-1976 song is off the Bootleg albums that ogged recommends - Blind Willie McTell.
And Talking Hava Negeiliah Blues is pretty funny and all, but to put it on a list with the Dylan greats is, well, preposterous. (To be fair, I'm the guy who voted for Motorpsycho Nitemare on this poll, so I can't complain too much about others liking lightweight Dylan songs.)
Posted by Brian Weatherson | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 12:20 PM
Sigh--agreed agreed, it's hard to keep being churlish. Talking Hava Negeilah Blues was just for fun; I couldn't resist.
I can tell you why I like Not Dark Yet so much, though I'm sure others have their own reasons:
seems to me the most succinct and devastatingly plain expression of emotional and intellectual bereavement of which I'm aware. And there are three more lines in that song that are just brilliant.
I think it sounds good too. ;)
Posted by ogged | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 12:29 PM
Did I miss one or is there not a single track nominated from The Basement Tapes? 'Cause I might have to call bullshit on those grounds.
Posted by apostropher | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 12:42 PM
Well, Not Dark Yet almost made it. I don't see what people like so much about Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands or It's Alright, Ma, though.
Posted by ben wolfson | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 2:51 PM
Hmm. Not sure what to say, Ben. Both those seem lyrically dense and interesting and beautiful to me. But I'll admit Sad Eyed Lady drags a bit for my taste.
Posted by ogged | Link to this comment | 04- 6-04 4:54 PM