Where do you even start with the amazing Bob Dylan? Chances are, if you didn't like Dylan before, you won't start now. But for those of us who have grown up appreciating his music (which spans decades, and includes fans both young and old), listening to a new offering from Dylan is like listening to Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, or Brian Wilson. You just know you're in for something wonderful.Upon hearing "Modern Times", a friend told me, "Man, Dylan is breaking my heart". He didn't mean Dylan was selling him short, but quite the contrary. Dylan's raspy, recognizable vocals suck you into a trance-like state, along with song structures that lock you into the songs, and hold you transfixed from start to finish. It certainly helps that manning the studio tracks with Dylan was his road band from the Never Ending Tour. Listening to them interact musically as a band, it is obvious that they are totally comfortable with each other, and they weave in and out of the songs with ease.
Dylan doesn't skimp on song times either. With his shortest track clocking in at just under 5 minutes, and his longest track coming in at 8:48, it's just another obvious reason why the listener gets sucked into and becomes a part of each song.
While it is apparent that "Modern Times" is a natural continuation of 2001's "Love and Theft", one can't easily hold that against an artist who's 45 year career has included this, his 31st studio release. Do yourself a favor-go out, pick up "Modern Times", sit back, and lose yourself in the wonder that is Bob Dylan. This release is not to be missed.
