We read
Chronicles for one of my classes today and a freshman actually asked if Bob Dylan is dead. Clearly he doesn't look too good, but c'mon people. Someone else said they assumed (not having read) he was a shitty writer and that he's "just OK, I mean clearly he can kick out the jams, but he's not the greatest." Who are these kids?!
Bob Dylan: living legend, one of the greatest American poets ever, amazing singer-songwriter, hilarious heckler, musical genius. Dylan is still alive and well, see
Modern Times or any number of young and diverse acts who are drawing on his inspiration and reinterpreting his songs themselves. You don't need to go any farther than the music itself:
A few days ago the amazing
Roots came for our Spring Weekend shit-show extravaganza and did a cover of "Masters of War" that began in the tune/melody of the "Star Spangled Banner" and broke down "When the Saints Go Marching" in the middle. Absolutely crazy, moving and genius. And completely their own.
So there! Bobby D: still kicking.
I haven't done one of these in a while because I've been waiting for a good one and believe me, this is IT. The National's forthcoming album Boxer leaked a couple of weeks back and it is going to be a huge breakthrough for them. Their previous effort, Alligator, was also amazing and well received, but this new thing is all there. The gritty video for "Mistaken for Strangers" is at MTV (of all places) and there are some other really nice vids at their website here. Fake Empire, the haunting first track, is also up. Lead singer Matt Berniger's baritone is so timeless and weathered, it sounds like a softer, more even-keeled version of Tom Waits sometimes. 
Boxer is out 5/22 and The National are opening for The Arcade Fire, but not in Boston where I am seeing them THIS THURSDAY!
