Another Side of Bob Dylan. What does it really mean?
Clever title. Maybe. Truthful title. Maybe.
The first song 'All I Really Want to Do' answers this question.
I ain't lookin' to compete with you
Beat or cheat or mistreat you
Simplify you, classify you
Deny, defy or crucify you
All I really want to do
Is, baby, be friends with you
The answer:
Mr. Dylan isn't looking to do anything to you only to let you in through the door.
This other side of Bob Dylan that this album references to is the romantic side, the side that has its soul bared to the world, the side that wants to let you in and stay awhile, have some fun take off your shoes, and hang out.
Dylan is letting you in one at a time; you can see his soul here in its entirety.
This album isn't of the same type as "The Times They Are A-Changin'" or the songs aren't as pessimistic as "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" it's not cynical for the sake of being cynical.
It is more developed; the songs are more poetic, graceful and layered.
Both the lyrics and music have gotten deeper thus more heart wrenching and Dylan's trying more things -- this, in its construction and attitude, is hardly strictly folk, as it encompasses far more than that. To think of this album as mere folk, finite in every way, would make me have to admit you to a mental asylum.
This is the human spirit that everyone has except; Bob Dylan can put his human spirit, all his being, if you will, into his music. This music. This album especially.
This album will change you in a very deep way; only you have to listen to the music, all of it. If it doesn't change you, it is your loss, because to not be changed by this album is that person's own fault.
This is my favorite Dylan album. I give it a 5/5.
Thanks for your time.
ALBUM CREDITS
Performance Credits
Bob Dylan Primary Artist, Trumpet, Vocals
Technical Credits
Bob Dylan Poetry
Tom Wilson Producer
Steven Berkowitz Reissue Producer
Didier C. Deutsch Tape Research
Sandy Speiser Cover Photo
