Hi -
I'm in a deep Dylan exploration. I've always been a fan but became interested in his later work after I heard Modern Times. I never really was too interested in his 60's stuff as I didn't relate simply because it wasn't my time. But.....something clicked about 5 months ago and since I've been exploring Bob's catalog in depth.
I've listened to about 25 albums and am finishing up Chronicles.
Bob is so complex. What a genius! I wish I could express things the way he does!
Looking forward to hearing the thoughts of other fans. I feel like it's hard to find a Dylan fan out there!
Mike
I wonder how many other people are like you and I sometimes. We have always tried to center the Fan Club around the "now" Bob because that's what we are experiencing. I have never understood trying to go back in time to figure out what Bob used to be thinking, or what he meant back in 1965. What I relate to is what I see Bob do NOW, on the stage in front of me. Bob also made it very clear that seeing him live was the way he wanted to be experienced. Sure, I like all of the old songs, but when it really clicked for me was when I went to see him live the first time. I somehow made all the stuff that came out since then mean more-like I was a part of it. Part of what makes Bob so awesome is that he is saying things for all of us, in ways we wish we could say it. I often times find myself thinking: YES! That's the word for it, Bob! Why couldn't I think of that...
Standing in the Doorway
Trying to Get to Heaven
Summer Days
Dignity
Workingman's Blues # 2
Huck's Tune
Not Dark Yet
Lonesome Day Blues
Nettie Moore
If You Ever go to Houston
Ring them Bells
Sugar Baby I can go on and on with the great later Dylan material
"7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you." (Matthew 11: 7-10 NIV) Bob, like all of us should be, is a messenger. What he puts out is far deeper than the fluff and pretty voices of delivery that only last for a few moments and then is gone. The deeper things of life are the things that are more tangable, valuable and will survive the test of time. When you really love someone for who they are, the externals are so insignaficant.
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free