The release of a Bob Dylan album with a slew of familiar song titles may not seem all that exciting to the veteran fan. But Dylan's latest release, No Direction Home, is not your ordinary "best of" CD. This double-disc treasure is the soundtrack to Martin Scorcese's upcoming documentary about Dylan and is a creative variation on the typical compilation. While the songs are familiar, 26 of the 28 tracks on this album are previously unreleased versions.
Thus seasoned fans and novices alike are given a true gift. The album starts off with the scratchy "When I Got Troubles" (1959), likely Dylan's first recording ever. Listeners are then led chronologically through Dylan's career, a journey spotted with priceless home recordings, demos and live versions of such favorites as "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall." Dylan's commentary accompanies many of the live tracks, providing us with precious insights into his background and motivations. Another special treat is a duet version of the classic "Mr. Tambourine Man" -- folk sensation Jack Elliot joins Dylan on the live recording from the 1964 Newport Folk Festival.
Bob Dylan's music originally served as the voice of a generation, poeticizing and publicizing the angst of anti-war and anti-racism sentiments during the turbulent 1960s. Sadly, these lyrics once again hit close to home as our country battles in the international arena and as the University community struggles with continued violence and racism.
Dylan and his music bridged the racial gap in many ways during the '60s. His earliest influences include Little Richard and Leadbelly, and the bluesy style of early African-American music emerges consistently in Dylan's work. Dylan also participated actively in the Civil Rights Movement, performing the classic "When the Ship Comes In" with Joan Baez at the infamous March on Washington. Dylan's lyrics are true poetry, articulating anger and frustration at a world he saw to be satiated with hatred. As the difficult issues of war and racism once again plague us, the timely release of this incredible compilation proves extremely appropriate.
For those old-school Dylan fans looking for a fresh take on his music, this album is no tired regurgitation. His young, strong voice will invigorate; his slight tweaks of lyric and melody will refresh and his harmonica riffs will pierce through you as though you've never heard him play. And for those of you who don't listen to him yet, this album is a thrilling, satisfying and intriguing place to start.
So if you're hoping to learn a little something more from your music than how to spell "bananas," look no further. No Direction Home is political, historical, poetic and passionate -- a journey through the work of Bob Dylan's legendary genius. And, just to clarify, it's b-a-n-a-n-a-s. Holla back.
Scorcese's documentary will air Sept. 26 and 27 on PBS.
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