Retrospective:
On this day, March 19, back in 1962 Bob Dylan released his self-titled debut album. First thing I want to say is that at this point any critic that still refuses to give thisi masterpiece a highest rating possible five out of five stars is frankly putting his ignorance on display.
This album is no less than a musical revolution.
In order to be fully revolutionary the music has to transcend what had already been done by the delta blues masters and Woody and Lead Belly. All of that was also revolutionary so I’m not equating transcendence with besting. There’s a certain level of artistic genius that cannot be topped. It’s the Schrödinger equation of music. Coltrane made the best music ever made and Dylan made music just as good. It’s an inexplicable paradox we just have to accept. Even better music isn’t better. That’s how good it is. It’s beyond criticism. Some will say it’s wrong to deify art. That’s only because they can’t see God. Let yourself be saved.
So where’s the separation from Lead Belly and the gang? Aggressive presentation. If that’s not what comes to mind when you think about Dylan listen again and keep thinking. This album can correctly be described with the adjectives we typically save for Slayer. In your face. Violent. Skull crushing.
Dylan lays it out on the debut. Just him. Guitar harmonica and voice. It’s man against nature and the stronghold of death. The greatest message by the greatest messenger.
Warmth Highest 