Blonde On Blonde the super classic. The year was 1966, a time when the scene had shifted towards psychedelic music experimentation, Dylan took a trailblazing step ahead and pulls out a bluesy Americana double LP. I wonder how this one fit in with your collection of that year's releases such as
Pet Sounds and
Revolver, maybe even some 60's psych punk, and then we have this pure American Rock 'n' Roll record. Zimmy's contemporaries only started playing this style of music by 1968, as a sorta, "forget that psychedelic crap," type of protest, I guess Dylan had that in mind from its early conception.
I do like this album, but there's an aspect about it that I can't stand. The sound, lyrics and music give off a head inflated rockstar vibe and Dylan's voice sounds like he's parodying himself. I found the first two sides kinda weak, although
Visions Of Johanna did provide some interesting elements especially with the drum beat. The third side redeems itself, it hits the mark just like his previous efforts ... back to back juxtaposing tracks closing the third side,
4th Time Around a lush relaxed mooder and
Obviously 5 Believers a loud Stonesy rocker, steal the whole show! I almost thought wow maybe I judged this record too soon, but then the harsh, long, droningly boring fourth side, 11 minute track
Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands reminded and exaggerated everything I hated about the two first sides ... I remembered that I usually turn this track off or not play it at all, maybe this could have been my first sit through this entire number, I'm not entirely sure.
It might not sound like it, but I still think Blonde On Blonde is a great album, but do I play it as much as
Highway 61 ... f*ck no ... but I do love the fact that Dylan always has surprises up his sleeve, the industry goes one way, Dylan goes the other, maybe he was parodying himself after all?? Having a joke to all the groups he influenced, they start to keep up, he banks left, now they all have to follow the leader all over again!
