Good Ol' Bob

So, I have been a little negligent lately posting, so I'm adding another album today. Bob Dylan has been on a roll recently in exploring the traditional blues-based sound (these “rolls” have included stints in traditional folk, pop rock, country, and gospel). “Love and Theft” was released in September 2001 and is another in this line of works that started years back. Similar in sound to Time Out of Mind and Modern Times, “Love and Theft” contains 12 tracks of pure Bob Dylan. This is his 31st studio record.

#9 – Bob Dylan, “Love and Theft” (Metascore = 93)

This is Dylan’s highest scored album on my list. He has always been the consummate storyteller and songwriter. He mixes in comedy, tragedy, and all of the emotions in between: heartbreak, love, murder, life, etc. His singing continues to progress (it should after over 40 years in the business), but it’s almost as if the clarity is much better than it has ever been. This album is a tour de force through many different styles of music. His rockabilly songs are probably the best of the bunch.

“Mississippi” has to be one of my favorite Dylan songs. He presents several versions on his Tell Tale Signs bootleg release, but this is the best of the bunch. The story within the song is what really brings this song together; that’s not to take away from the music itself, but the story is truly a fine song. “Summer Days” is a rockabilly number with a lot of life and also a very fun story.

“High Water (for Charley Patton)” is one of the high marks of the albums (amongst many) and is the story of a man that moved to Kansas City and the troubles he endured. “Po’ Boy” tells about a guy down on his luck, paying more for something than needed, Othello drinks poison unknowingly, etc. There really aren’t any bad songs on this album. The mix of styles gives something to everyone.

If you ask me, “Love and Theft” being as high rated as it is, I think it fully deserves it. Not having listened to the other albums above it quite yet, this record is definitely one of the best I have heard. If you can get over Dylan’s original persona and singing style, you’ll enjoy this record.