Bob Dylan

Like all public figures, Bob Dylan is as much prisoner as master of his own persona. What
distinguishes Dylan is that he has recognized that paradox with more probity than anybody
else in rock. It's been central to his work since the day he arrived in Greenwich Village
imitating Woody Guthrie and emulating Elvis Presley. As Ellen Willis pointed out nine years
ago, celebrity is what Dylan's art is about. As pop's demigod, Dylan is not just the... More >

The only reason people are disgusted with this record is that they're sick of Dylan--which is understandable, but unfair to the record. The palookas who backed him on this tour sure ain't the Band, and the music and arrangements suffer accordingly--these guys are folkies whose idea of rock and roll is rock and roll clichés. But the material is excellent, and on a few occasions--I gravitate to "Oh Sister" and "Shelter From the Storm"--Dylan sings very well indeed. (Grade: B-)