I was doing a paper route at 5 am on a Tuesday morning in December 2003 when it suddenly struck me that Love and Theft, the 2001 Bob Dylan album was now my favorite. It has remained ever since.
I’m a huge Dylan fan. Believe it or not, my favorite is “Oh Mercy,” largely due to its context in my life. But also because there are some fantastic songs on it. I think “Most of the Time” is about Sara.
I actually love Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack Of Hearts. I think it is one of Dylan’s best narrative songs, I think the song does a great job helping the listener visualize the characters and setting.
No one liked or commented? I will. I love lily rosemary and the jack of hearts as well. It’s a great narrative piece. Arguably one of the best of his works
Think you have to carefully listen to the lyrics ( story ) for it to "click" it's not a song that you can just listen to as it is so fast and furious it's hard to understand the story first time listening, I love it too
Bob always wanted to make a western that was somewhere between John Ford and Sergio Leone. And how many times have they tried to make a movie out of this song? It just hasn't ever happened
Wow! You are so good! How in heaven's name has this brilliant analysis only had 15k views? Your incredible good taste in the albums you choose to discuss is also remarkable. Thank you.
Damn Abby, sounds like this record really said something to you! " Dylan always wore the blues well" Incredible comment there! Excellent review of an excellent record!
Hi Abby! Great job. Your presentations get better each week. You have such a natural charisma. I always look forward to Vinyl Monday. I listened to this album this morning so it would be fresh in my memory before hearing what you thought. This is actually my very favorite Dylan album. Has been since it came out (yes, I have an original release - and of "Desire" too). Love your insights on this and all of the records you talk about. Please keep up the great work you do - it makes Mondays not bearable, but something to look forward to!!
i saw Bob Dylan in 2001 @ Memphis in May. a 3 day festival with over 100 bands and Dylan was the finale. his bus arrived a couple minutes after they were supposed to start - drove along the river bank and the band mooned the crowd through the windows. they parked behind the stage and were on stage and playing in like 2 minutes. no warm-up since they were late and as if they need practice. needless to say it was a great show 🤠
Highway 61 is my favorite but Blonde on Blonde, Desire, and Blood on the Tracks are close behind. Hard to pick just one. Thanks for doing this one Abby!
I've always liked the Desire album a little better than Blood On The Tracks. But really, it's hard to go wrong. One of Dylan's Bootleg series releases is this album with all alternate takes. Thanks for another great video!
In my life only 2 times I've heard an album and immediately wanted to hear it again: "Blood on the Tracks" and "For the Roses" by Joni Mitchell. This is my #1 favorite album of all time. Nice summing up of his journey to this point. He lost his muse for a while in the early '70s (I think the eclectic "New Morning" is underrated though). This is peak Dylan, he's in fine voice and the live performances are excellent. The version of 'Idiot Wind' on "Hard Rain" is devastating. That's a great album to play in the car. I love the outtakes too, 'Up to Me' and 'Call Letter Blues' (a.k.a. 'Shelter from the Storm' and 'Meet Me in the Morning').
Bravo! Man, you were killer in this insight and interpretation! A lifelong Dylan fan, I gotta say, I never saw the importance of this album, never got the hype around it, even after I experienced heavy breakups and a divorce, still didn’t connect(other than buckets of rain), but now that I’m older and calmer, Shelter From The Storm is hitting me like I just crashed me truck into a wall, the nuance of love and cuteness, the fragile intimacy and then having it all slip away, wishing it wouldn’t, it’s so beautifully heartbreaking. Instant sub, you are outstanding.
Excellent review, Abby. It’s almost as you were there. My wife and I were there. I gave my girl this album on her birthday in January of ‘75 after a brief breakup. We’ve been together ever since. I think we will re-live this music tonight. Thanks so much!
I used to be a guitarist, and learned my chops in the sixties, so there’s something I noticed about “Buckets of Rain” that no critic seems to have caught, at least as far as I know. Dylan is always congratulated for his awareness of the folk roots, and on this one the guitar style is a near carbon copy of Mississippi John Hurt. John’s music combines a childlike simplicity and joy with infinite wisdom and a wry humor; it’s as if John’s spirit is whispering in Dylan’s ear “Don’t worry, kid, you’ll get through this. When you’re as old as me you’ll realize that none of this matters.” What a beautiful way to end the album!
first listened to this album on a walk at sunset when I was 17 or so, I’m 24 now and still cherish those memories - this album is what made me realize how powerful lyrics can be and really catapulted me into getting interested in songwriting. probably my favorite songwriting on any album, especially “idiot wind” - the song is impossible to cover imo because dylan is basically yelling the song instead of singing, emphasizing weird syllables in this haunting cadence that I’ve never, ever heard replicated. idiot wind to me feels like more of an enraged piece of spoken word performance art. still get chills hearing the line “I’ve been double crossed now, for the very last time, and now I’m finally free . . . I kiss goodbye the howling beast on the borderline that separated you from me . . .” simply amazing stuff
hey i'm 24 too! didn't hear this one until i was 20. i strongly favored angry young 60s dylan back then, but this album only makes more sense with time i totally agree that idiot wind is damn near uncoverable. who else could capture how harrowing it is?
great review abby ,, played this awesome record to death ,, love the original acoustic cuts ,, but for me ,, bob got the final cut of the album bang on ,, my favorite bob album ,, just pips highway 61/ bringing it all back home :)))
As someone who has read more books on Dylan than just about anyone, this is one of the best analyses of this album I've ever heard (your Blonde on Blonde video is great, as well). And you made me chuckle more than a few times. Subscribed, fantastic work, and keep collecting! :).
Great episode on a ridiculously wonderful album Abby! "Buckets of Rain" was performed live only once, in Detroit in 1990 as the set opener! Go figure . . .
I love the retro apparel. One of his sons says the songs are 'his parents talking'. My dad was a thriller writer and his books are him talking, which is weird for me. My favourite song - at the moment - is Blind Willie McTell.
Thanks for another great video. Dylan was one of the ones that didn't make it through from the elder siblings' influence. That might only be that those who might have advocated strongly were no longer around. Towards the end of high school there was another kid who was a devotee. He'd permed his hair curly and he'd once given the story of Dylan running away from home as a defence of his own young absconder efforts earlier. His name was Daniel and he took it well when I'd grab the guitar from the music room and do loud and clunking Dylan sendups at school. One morning the local station played what was then an oldie and it snagged me completely. I reported to Daniel that Tangled Up in Blue was sensational and got a nod out of him. He cassetted me a copy of Bringing it all Back Home. I already liked Hurricane which had been a current hit song gave the tape some time. Had to admit I liked it and while I've never quite got into the Big Bob since despite the pleas of about half of my musically minded friends who'd had passionate Dylan shill brothers or sisters, I'll always listen to a recommendation. And I still love Tangled.
To call your videos “reviews” would be a gross understatement. They are first-rate analyses, for which you do not rely solely on second-hand information. When I see “My Thoughts” pop up on the screen, I know they’re gonna be YOUR thoughts. I love the way you built up a discussion on the terrible cycle of grief by mentioning first the album’s sequencing - especially the “come here/get away” dichotomy. Man, am I glad that there are artists in the world who have to obsessively understand every nuance of every emotional process and can broadcast it all with such mastery. Breakup albums are near and dear to me (don’t ask why 🤣), and this one certainly has a place of honor. I used to sing and play both “Sara” and “You’re a Big Girl Now,” with a big ol’ lump in my throat. “Idiot Wind” is my favorite song on this album. I love vitriolic Dylan songs about women he feels scorned by (“Positively 4th Street” [maybe], “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” “Dirge,” etc) but “Idiot Wind” is a freaking force of nature. I kinda see Planet Waves and BOTT as part one and part two. There are songs on Planet Waves that extol the virtues of love and marriage (and then there’s “Dirge”). The story goes that the execs at Columbia were so pissed off Dylan signed to Asylum that they put out the abysmal “Dylan” just for spite. Another fascinating analysis, Abby. By the way, I just checked, and no one has yet written a 331/3 about “Blood on the Tracks.” 😉
you are so right about dylan possessing a certain otherworldly power when he writes about women he feels have wronged him. see his greatest hit: if you ask me, "like a rolling stone" was partially inspired by edie sedgwick; who he may or may not have had a thing with post-joan, pre-sara. it's interesting you pitch planet waves and BOTT as 2 halves of 1 whole: i've always seen BOTT and desire that way! and yeah, that's pretty much what happened with dylan 73. it's not nicknamed "columbia's revenge" for no reason!
I heard Tangled Up In Blue on the radio as a youngster & I began my dive into Dylan. My Dad got me Blood On The Tracks & I liked the whole album. I didn't know anything about critical acclaim but I knew a bit about good music. This was good music ✌️
Abigail, thanks for a great take on a great Lp! I'm so glad the album speaks to you (And I'm just like that bird, singing just for you I hope you can hear me singing through these tears)! what a great song! You're a Big Girl Now. He also did a pretty good version of Buckets of Rain on a Bette Midler album as a duet with her (you might also like).
Got an advance copy of this album at WPLG, college radio station at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Illinois. Loved it then and love you now, Abigail! Thank you for all of your educational, edifying, entertaining, and excellent videos!
Oh my god I love this channel so much. This album never really clicked with me, but after hearing you explain the backstory so expressively, I’m really really excited to give it another go💕💕💕
WOW. Just watched this young ladies, review of 'Magical Mystery Tour", subscribed, and then this Bob Dylan review popped up. 'Blood On The Tracks'...is a Dylan masterpiece. (But then again, everything Dylan did was a masterpiece). So very refreshing to see someone from the younger generation, show some love for this era of music. 'Blood On The Tracks'...may very well be the best work Dylan ever accomplished, and that is saying a lot...because everything he did...was top shelf. I am sold on this young ladies channel. Bravo.
The hat really suits you! I remember not being that into Blood on the Tracks the first time I heard it, I just wanted another Highway 61 or Blonde on Blonde, but over time the songs on this album have resonated more and more with me. Maybe I've still got a lot of growing to do myself. Also - completely agree JUSTICE FOR DESIRE.
This is my favorite album. (Desire is up there) Amazingly durable album. How many times I let it take me on its emotional ride? Seems perhaps odd to have a favorite which expresses so much emotion and pain But I think the torture and pain and emotion are obviously seated in the depth of love and passion expressed throughout >>She might think that I've forgotten her, >> don't tell her it isn't so> If you see her, say hello, she might be in Tangier She left here last early Spring, is livin' there, I hear Say for me that I'm all right, though things get kind of slow She might think that I've forgotten her, don't tell her it isn't so > don't
Abby you have a good way of getting to the heart of the matter. The good thing about having brothers is, different musical tastes. Back in the day, when I heard my brother playing this album...I thought "oh dear, he's going to need therapy". It only took me 40 years to realize that some of the most boring music still has a worthwhile message. Dylan is a SURVIVOR, he made it through the 60's & 70's. All the rest is icing on the cake. He writes from his soul. I was extremely lucky to find a vinyl copy of "Dylan's 30th Anniversary Concert" from 1992.
"Blood on the Tracks PT 1 - WPTV" - fantastic stories and details about Bob and the musicians for the Minnesota recordings. I have always had trouble with Tangled Up and Blue, though I did like it. I had trouble with understanding the story; the man and woman1, 2 or n . Much snapped in place for me when I listened to two minutes of the following "reaction." "Old man reacts to Bob Dylan's "Tangled up in blue" (1975)" time: 14min - 16min Buckets of Rain - you got that just right. You sure know a lot about Dylan. Keep up you great work.
This is in my top five all time favourite albums, and like all my favourite albums it's impossible to pick any favourite tracks. It's brilliant from beginning to end ( yes, even Lily, Rosemary, And The Jack Of Hearts ). Never new that about the album cover picture, thanks Abigail.
I am amused, charmed, intrigued, fascinated, and favourably impressed. And the review of the record is pretty good, too. As Dylan albums go, it is definitely one of his best. I still have my original copy from the 1970s.
Thanks for your amazing ways, your commentary is always deep and specific, this album is of course awesome in the Dylan catalog, I especially enjoyed your mini bio using his early album covers. I look forward to Mondays!
Nice you discovered this as a relative youngster ;) Dylan had so many strong landmark phases and comebacks with me. To me This is the greatest come back of all because I was in my junior high years and full of learning about heartbreak and uncertainty. Many had kinda lost faith in him and coming from depression and sadness on his relationships came perhaps greatest and most personal album.. and the Nashville , buddy cage etc . I did not know Phil ramone had a hand in it.
This was a slow burner for me. Rediscovered it after a few years then would play it on a regular basis ...growing on me to this day. It just pips Desire as a favourite IMV. Love 'If you see her say hello'. What a beautiful love song and those amazing guitar sounds running around your head in stereo.
My second favourite album of all time (the 1st being the White Album). Blood on the Tracks was the first album I heard that made me pay close attention to the lyrics. It was a life changer of an album for me.
How serendipitous of you to pick this LP! I've never been a huge Bob Dylan fan, but I got this album when it first came out and "Tangled Up in Blue" was all over the radio, and it's still my favorite album of his. I even got the sheet music book and learned all the songs on guitar. My favorite songs are "Buckets of Rain," "Shelter From the Storm," and "Idiot Wind," but I like them all. BTW, I saw Dylan live once, and it was one of the few concerts I've ever walked out on. But it wasn't his fault. There was something wrong with the sound system that caused a painful whistling feedback I just couldn't take. Run Bob's harmonica through that, and it should've been banned by the Geneva Convention.
30:47 to 31:32 hits the nail on the head. Growing up I Had train tracks on both sides of my neighborhood "smoke pouring out of a boxcar door" resonated.
Bob Dylan's 1963 album "The Freewheelin' " is his first great album (definitely not his last). I'd say that it might not have timed as well as his others but it's a masterpiece.
Nice insightful analysis Abby. Hadn't previously considered the theme being Bob's admission that he still had a lot of growing to do, but that theme does sum it up the lyrical content really well and makes a lot of sense.👍 This is easily my favorite of his 70s albums. His 60's albums include my three favorites (Freewheelin, Bringin' it All Back Hone, and Highway 61 Revisited).
In the past seven years I have been lucky to see in concert The Rolling Stones for the fifth time, Bob Dylan for the fifth time, The Who for the second time, Tom Petty for the second time, Bruce Springsteen for the second time, Jeff Lynn’s ELO, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, the Eagles, and Steely Dan. And I’m going to see Neil Young for the second time next month. I have watched all your reviews so I’m sending you mine.
Well hey, I'm late but Blood on the Tracks has a special place in my heart. First of all, it's Dylan's best album and I'll fight anyone who wants to disagree. Yes, 61 revisited is a masterpiece but I didn't listen to that on repeat when my highschool sweetheart went to a different uni to me.
I was selling vinyl in a record store in 1974 when Blood On The Tracks was released. It was a very memorable moment and the album remains in my top three Dylan albums. But . . . you seem to have listened to it more than me. What's with that? It's time for me to revisit the music. Thanks you for sharing you passionate knowledge about it.
What a perfect album!!!!! "If You See Her..." has gotten me through every breakup ever. I currently live in Louisiana. I once knew someone who was "Married when we first met...", and I'm still looking for my "Shelter From the Storm." Excellent review Abby.
I am flabbergasted by how insightful and accurate your breakdown was on this album. I especially liked the part where you picked up the chronology of his albums and gave the general themes. This is my first video I have seen by you, but do you know this much and go this much in depth about other musicians? I detected zero bs in this video.
thank you so much! i go this in-depth on other artists about once a week. but dylan records do get special treatment when i cover them, he's one of my all-time favorites. while i don't always get it 100% right, the heart is always there
one observation I've always made about this record is that cover. It's easily 10 years ahead of it's time as it would have looked completely at home in the mid-80s
A beautiful woman talkin' about a beautiful album. When i started buying cd's this was joint first i picked up blood with my right sgt pepper with my left (multi tasking at it's best). from hearing the first song to last it's a blast. Great review great to listen to as well.
She does, a lot. She’s got her rock n roll history too, saw Cream at Carnegie Hall, concert for Bangladesh, big Dylan fan, George is her favorite Beatle, so she knows her stuff
Abbie you have to know the album Time Out Of Mind by Bob. It has a lot of different attitudes and feelings on the album. BTW see Lily Rosemary & Jack as escapism, it's just fun. No spite, no self pity no beseeching no romancing. A bar with gambling and a siren muse, a play in a song.
So thorough. Great job! Buckets of rain was played live once… in 1990… sort of hah…. You don’t need to track it down though, It’s likely not going to be what you hope… what is worth looking up is his duet of it with Bette midler (purely for the strangeness of it)
For specifc reasons, I never fully committed to this album as a body of work… Background - first Dylan album maybe in 1983, age 15-17, I don’t remember. I think it was Another Side Presenting some of my old and somewhat silly rules… - For a while, I specifically stuck to a philosophy that was something like “rock artists do better when they start out and they seldom get past five albums” - Police, REM, my examples - “Really old people like Jagger, Dylan, Floyd, just were not relevant by the mid-to-late-70s, much less the 80s.” The term “classic rock” was not a thing I knew, I just read my drawerful of Creem mags and the blue Rolling Stone record guide cover to cover. So for Zimmy, it was the first four albums for me. By the first college days, I expanded that to include up to JWH. So by 1990, I was kind of stuck with these ideas. - also, I bought Biograph in 1986 and it slowly started to change my mind but when that first Bootleg box came out, I really got into the outtakes and Blood was finally in my collection. But the one day I sold all my records! Goodbye blood. Hopefully this is enough to convey my sad Tracks story…
Verrry difficult to dispassionately discuss much less analyze and then summarize a Dylan album of this magnitude Abby…prob your best Vinyl Monday my friend!
Justice for Desire! 🙌🏽 Although i own and appreciate Blood On The Tracks, it's probably my least favorite Dylan album. That said though, your review on it may spark some reinvestigating of it. Great job as always. And i was dying cracking up with your nickel joke. 😂
My Favorite Bob Dylan Album, DESIRE ! My Favorite Bob Dylan Song , BLACK DIAMOND BAY ! BECAUSE it had the Best Chord Progression , Really Snappy Tune . I could Play all of His Songs and Knew all the Words . Some of EM Pretty Long . 🐯🤠
I was never into Dylan..a lot of people thought he couldn't sing...I like him more now than back when the albums were new....I liked other bands like the Byrds doing his songs.
The three best albums of all time are Blonde on Blonde, the White Album, and Exile on Main Street. And thank you for revisiting an overlooked gem, Goat’s Head Soup. My other favorites are Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever, Who’s Next, Neil Young’s Freedom, and Bruce Springsteen’s Greetings from Asbury Park.
wow. this was intense. these songs make my soul bleed, and I can see it does a trip on You too. I dig Your look at Bob. You being so young, seem to be able to absorb/express how important and culturally visited this Bob comeback was. I was at the Rolling Thunder Review in TO. Bob had about an inch of white powder on his face with his hat on and Gord Lightfoot, the Band, Judy Collins, Joan Baez, et cetera. I'd love te gab with ya bout my record selection over a bowl, which has been replaced with my own music. Dig yer vibe. Ola
I saw him on the Rolling Thunder Review tour on a cold winter night at the Plymouth, MA town hall. I went with the biggest Dylan fan ever, a close friend of my brother who was away in the army at the time. The friend took his own life not too long after. I remember him coming to my place one night and me not being able to help him and I have always felt guilty for that. I hope taking him to see Bobby can somehow make up for that. RIP, Charlie.
