How many of us can claim 50 years in the music business, to have sold 58 million albums, or even to have released 35 studio albums, as well as various live albums and compilations? While the majority of Bob Dylan's '60s peers have fallen by the wayside as their music became irrelevant, their physical and mental health failed them, or others simply took their place in the mainstream, we can be thankful that the same cannot be said for Dylan. His latest album, 'Tempest', was released on the 10th of September this year, just over 50 years since his eponymous debut.
All songs are written exclusively by Dylan, bar the opening track and lead single 'Duquesne Whistle', which he co-wrote with Robert Hunter (of Grateful Dead fame). 'Tempest' shows that Dylan is still on top of his game, matching quirky tunes like 'Duquesne Whistle' with nostalgia, such as 'Roll On John', and ballads, namely the album's title track, a fourteen minute epic, where Dylan tells the story of the sinking of the Titanic.
Bob Dylan's music will always be characterised by his deep, gritty vocals, and these are at their best, or worst, on 'Tempest', depending on your point of view. Dylan sounds aged and ravaged by time, which, at 71, he has every right to. Songs like 'It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)' and 'Gates of Eden' would never have been the same with out his signature rawness. Whether you love it or hate it, Dylan's is truly one of the most distinctive voices in music.
'Soon After Midnight', the albums second track, follows the western feel of 'Duquesne Whistle', with a sweet electric guitar intro, joined by a full band, which Dylan almost croons over. 'Narrow Way' is upbeat, distinguished by a repeated electric guitar riff. By now, 'Tempest' is firmly categorised as a country album in the listener's mind. The album then takes a dynamic downturn at 'Long and Wasted Years', which lasts until 'Early Roman Kings', a blues-shuffle reminiscent of Bo Diddley or Muddy Waters. Album closer 'Roll On John' is Dylan's tribute to John Lennon, the legendary front-man of the Beatles. Reminiscent and beautiful, this is my favourite song on the album. Definitely one to check out.
Dylan has already cemented himself as one of the greatest song-writers of all time in many people's minds. I give this album 8/10, as I feel it stands alongside classics such as 'Blonde on Blonde' and 'Bringing It All Back Home'. Dylan is still on top form, and we have to hope that this is not the last great album we will hear from him.
Check out- 'Soon After Midnight', 'Roll On John'
For fans of- Neil Young, Leonard Cohen
If you liked this review, be sure to like my Facebook page-www.facebook.com/GoodMusicPress and comment/feedback here.
Saturday 29 September 2012
Monday 24 September 2012
Album Review: Babel, Mumford and Sons
When Mumford and Sons released their debut album 'Sigh No More' in 2009, no one was in any doubt that this folk rock quartet were ones to watch. Coupling catchy melodies with genuine lyrics, stand out tracks such as 'Winter Winds' and 'The Cave' are still festival anthems today.
Given the success of their debut album, it was always going to be difficult for the band to live up to their reputation. I'm pleased to say that they didn't disappoint- 'Babel' is just as infectious and easy to sing along to as its predecessor.
The first single released from this album is 'I Will Wait'. This is your typical indie folk song, not dissimilar to 'Roll Away Your Stone', a single from the previous album. Nonetheless, this is a fun tune. One thing that can be said about Mumford and Sons is that despite the simplicity of their songs they certainly manage to keep them dynamically interesting- a loud intro, quiet verse and various lifts and falls from there, this song has no problem being played on repeat. My main criticism on this song is the rhythm of the verse. It didn't sit right with me upon first listen; it felt like the timing was out. However, after a few listens it has grown on me and I actually quite like it.
The first track on the album which truly stood out to me was 'Lover of the Light'. From the sparse intro, to the energetic verses and chorus, this is surely a future single and festival anthem. One of my favourite things about Mumford and Sons is they can use a banjo extensively without it becoming gimmicky, and the lead at 3.24 is no exception. Repetitive without being boring, a perfect build up to the final set of choruses.
'Below My Feet' is probably my favourite track on the album. Beautiful, simple, peaceful. This is one of those rainy-night songs, and I have to say it's quite brilliant. There's not much to say about this song, but it's definitely worth checking out. Mumford is a brilliant lyricist (You were cold as the blood through your bones/And the light which led us from our chosen homes/Well I was lost) As I say, check this song out; you won't regret it.
I rate this album 7/10. I would have liked to have seen the band move on from 'Sigh No More', as great as it was, and explore other areas of their music. I also felt that 'Sigh No More' was an album in which every song was as good as the last. On 'Babel', although no song is a disappointment as such, some songs have clearly had more thought put into them than others, and it shows.
Check out- 'Below My Feet', bonus track 'The Boxer'
For fans of- Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling
If you liked this review, be sure to like my Facebook page- www.facebook.com/GoodMusicPress and comment/feedback here.
The first single released from this album is 'I Will Wait'. This is your typical indie folk song, not dissimilar to 'Roll Away Your Stone', a single from the previous album. Nonetheless, this is a fun tune. One thing that can be said about Mumford and Sons is that despite the simplicity of their songs they certainly manage to keep them dynamically interesting- a loud intro, quiet verse and various lifts and falls from there, this song has no problem being played on repeat. My main criticism on this song is the rhythm of the verse. It didn't sit right with me upon first listen; it felt like the timing was out. However, after a few listens it has grown on me and I actually quite like it.
The first track on the album which truly stood out to me was 'Lover of the Light'. From the sparse intro, to the energetic verses and chorus, this is surely a future single and festival anthem. One of my favourite things about Mumford and Sons is they can use a banjo extensively without it becoming gimmicky, and the lead at 3.24 is no exception. Repetitive without being boring, a perfect build up to the final set of choruses.
'Below My Feet' is probably my favourite track on the album. Beautiful, simple, peaceful. This is one of those rainy-night songs, and I have to say it's quite brilliant. There's not much to say about this song, but it's definitely worth checking out. Mumford is a brilliant lyricist (You were cold as the blood through your bones/And the light which led us from our chosen homes/Well I was lost) As I say, check this song out; you won't regret it.
I rate this album 7/10. I would have liked to have seen the band move on from 'Sigh No More', as great as it was, and explore other areas of their music. I also felt that 'Sigh No More' was an album in which every song was as good as the last. On 'Babel', although no song is a disappointment as such, some songs have clearly had more thought put into them than others, and it shows.
Check out- 'Below My Feet', bonus track 'The Boxer'
For fans of- Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling
If you liked this review, be sure to like my Facebook page- www.facebook.com/GoodMusicPress and comment/feedback here.
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