1001 Albums Summary

I'm not that familiar with Bod Dylan, that I mainly know from covers (notably French-translated ones). And I'm not sure that album was the best way to get to know him and his work better, because it overall wasn't that pleasant to listen to. I already knew Dylan wasn't that great of a singer, and I don't think it's necessary a bad thing for a singer-songwriter with engaging lyrics. But this selection of songs was not the most interesting one on that side, with very few political or engaged songs. And if I found the voice-guitare combo compelling as a folk fan, I have to say ; there is a problem with the recording of that harmonica. The problem isn't in the instrument itself, but how strident it is, how loud compared to the rest. And I wasn't that convinced by the rock side of things. It doesn't match his voice and overall style that well, and more importantly the sound recording was once more a bit weird, and agressive to the ears. I didn't quite enjoyed it. Sorry Bob, but listening to this live wasn't a great experience. It was one I don't plan to reproduce any time soon. I'm sure we'll meet again on a studio album, and the ratings will be far better, but I genuinely don't understand why they put this album on this list.

Subtlety zero, but it is very fun to listen to. Energy wise, it's a hell of an album. Not my favorite flavour of (hard) rock, but I can definitely picture myself listening it very loudly while driving. On the down side, lyrics leave some things to be desire, and the style become slightly boring and repetitive once you've reached the end of the album. I had never listened to ZZ Top before, and it was a rather nice discovery, even if I'm not completely sold as of now.

I was in the mood for psychedelic rock, so this album was quite perfect. I had never heard of the man, even if I'm of course familiar with his uncle. But it was a very pleasant if slightly strange listening session. When closing my eyes, I could just picture the spirit of the hippie 70s in my head. This album has a massive potential as background music to set the mood, and I'll probably use it like that. (Really liked the sitar, and that cover of Jumping Jack Flash).