Bringing It All Back Home

Now, I know what you're thinking. Jason, you seem to favor traditional bands over electronic acts, and like clever lyrics and songs that veer towards poetry. Why don't you listen to more Bob Dylan? I think I probably will. So, today's Music That Kicks Ass is Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home.

This is a simple album, recorded years before I was born, featuring Bob on guitar, vocals, and harmonica. The songs are great, a mix of folk and old-school storytelling country, with lyrics to make any teenage poet get a haircut and apply for business school. Dylan's voice, while not 'good' in the traditional sense, is something that I believe adds to the rustic and honest quality of his music. So in short, this album may not be for you, if you aren't into poetry set to guitar. But if you like singer-songwriters, and Dylan's voice doesn't completely put you off, then this is album is something to be kept close to your heart. I wish there was more to say about the music, or that I could pick a favorite song, but I don't know if I can, really. "Subterranean Homesick Blues" is wonderful, "Maggie's Farm" is great, everyone likes "Love Minus Zero / No Limit". I am particularly fond of "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" and "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue". See, that's five of ten or eleven songs that are excellent, and I just named them off the top of my head.

In other news:
I guess there is some kind of foot-ball contest this weekend. I plan to support whoever opposes your favorite team, naturally.