Mark wrote: " It really struck a chord with me and I recognized her attitude as very close to my own about Dylan and other artists. Rickie Lee Jones, for one. Maybe I wasn't ready to appreciate Rickie Lee back when 'Pirates' came out and maybe it's the same thing with Dylan. I was in our local Costco yesterday and found a 3 cd package of 'Blonde on Blonde', 'Blood on the Tracks' and 'Time Out of Mind'. I debated about buying it as I've never been a huge Dylan fan. But I do know that these are 3 of his classics and I do have a tape of 'Time Out of Mind' and actually have enjoyed listening to that. The price was right - really a steal for these 3 cds - so I bought it. Maybe I'll become a convert!"
I believe this is very true. For years, I just could not get past Dylan's voice and I felt like something was wrong with me. Last year, I went to a panel discussion at a local bookstore because my brother-in-law was involved in it. There were about 6 Dylan "experts" and/or local celebreties who shared their impressions of Dylan's music and answered questions. Their passion for Dylan sounded exactly like a group a JMDL'ers talking about Joni and I became very intrigued. The issue of his voice came up and they explained that it's the way he uses it and changes it that just works for his music. They recommended "Blood on the Tracks" and "Highway 61 Revisited," so I took a deep breath, went over to the music section and bought them. For some reason, I suddenly "got it"!!! I even bought his new CD and can't stop listening to it (and his voice is very gravelly on this one). The time was just right for me, I guess! Kerry NP - Shona Laing - "Thief to Silver"
