Dylan at Number One in the album charts! The first time since New Morning in November 1970. His first Number One in the UK was Free Wheelin' in 1964. This was the first Dylan album that I bought. I was in my first year at Leeds University and I clearly remember being shown the album cover in the Mouart Jones Lounge (or MJ) in the students' union; I went out and bought it soon afterwards.
The title Together Through Life is utterly appropriate for an ageing Dylan fan like me because his music has been the soundtrack of my life. Music evokes both time and place so whenever I hear a Dylan track it trips one of my memories and since I've been listening to him for 45 years it covers most of my adult life.
So what about the album? Well, it's not his best. It's not even the best of his last four, but it is good. Once again it draws on American blues and 1950s popular music. It accommodates very well Dylan's current voice (which is great for the blues), contains some memorable lyrics (eg "got the blood of the lamb in my voice") and reflects his sense of humour. My favourite tracks are If You Ever Go To Houston, Forgetful Heart, I Feel a Change Comin' On, and It's All Good.
What a great six months for Dylan fans. First of all a wonderful set of alternate versions and concert performances in Tell Tale Signs, a concert (see below) and a new studio album!
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