Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinking Indian
Or the marine who went to war
1. Lily of the West [traditional] (3:48)
2. Can't Help Falling in Love [Weiss/Peretti/Creatore] (4:20)
3. Sarah Jane [traditional] (2:51)
4. The Ballad of Ira Hayes [Peter LaFarge] (5:10)
5. Mr. Bojangles [Jerry Jeff Walker] (5:35)
6. Mary Ann [traditional] (2:44)
7. Big Yellow Taxi [Joni Mitchell] (2:13)
8. A Fool Such as I [Bill Trader] (2:45)
9. Spanish is the Loving Tongue [Charles Badger Clark] (4:13)
Review: Bob Dylan's 1962 debut album was simply named 'Bob Dylan.' Then he released an album called 'Self Portrait' in 1970. Thus, the release of 'Dylan' in 1973 completes a trilogy of sorts: three albums named or quasi-named after the man himself (that the albums are three of his very worst from this otherwise extremely fruitful and productive phase of his career is a different story...). But whereas the first two albums were Bob's own doing, 'Dylan' was a release by Columbia Records with no input from Bob. In fact, Columbia released the album knowing that Bob would disapprove - the material is entirely outtakes from his prior two releases - as an act of revenge against Bob for leaving Columbia for Asylum Records. The album is notorious for being one of the worst released of Dylan's career.
The album starts promisingly enough. 'Lily of the West' is a traditional love-gone-wrong old west ballad, full of revenge and murder. Dylan does it justice here, It is a sign of many of the great traditional songs he would cover in acoustic fashion during his Never Ending Tour, especially the early years. The female choir in the background is a bit much, but overall, a strong start. Well, only one way to go from here...
'Can't Help Falling in Love' is a song made famous by Elvis Presley. But Bob Dylan is not Elvis. This might be a likable goofy sort of take had it remained unreleased. But it is pretty much a disaster as released. Bob never quite finds the key throughout the whole song, try as he might. The female choir doesn't do much to help, nor does the shaky harmonica that leads off the song. I am not the biggest fan of Elvis, but take it from me: stick to The King here. Bob's crooning here brings to mind his recent releases of 'Shadows in the Night' and 'Fallen Angels', where he covers tunes made famous by Sinatra. He does it better in his 70s, with a voice torn to shreds, than he did here.
'Sarah Jane' is more immediately catchy and soundly within Bob's vocal range. Sounding very "New Morningish," having fun, and even singing about his family, the song would not have been out of place on that release. 2 out of 3 ain't bad, right?
'The Ballad of Ira Hayes.' I can't help but think of Johnny Cash's version every time I hear this. I'm sure Bob got the idea from Johnny too. Bob speaks the verse and only sings the chorus, straining to reach the notes. Still, this is not a 'Can't Help Falling in Love' situation where Bob sounds wildly off key. Here, his straining lends itself well to the bitter, melancholy words about a drunken Indian who fought at war for the United States but was betrayed by the government he protected.
'Mr. Bojangles.' Seems more fit for the Grateful Dead crowd. I don't have anything nice to say about this song, so I won't say anything at all. Unless you are on drugs. Then you might like this thing. Otherwise its a 5 minute and a half train wreck.
'Mary Ann' features Bob off key again, but its not a bad song. I think this is the rare instance on the album where the female choir helps the song, at least during the chorus. Still, there is just not much here to be interested about.
'Big Yellow Taxi' is a song we all know. If not from Joni Mitchell, then from Janet Jackson or Counting Crows. Certainly an odd choice - Bob would never have released this on his own - Bob gives it a good go here.
'A Fool Such as I' is another un-Bob-like song. There's so much going on between the production, the drums, the lead guitar and that constant choir of background singers, it is kind of a mess. At its best it recalls some of the sillier 'Basement Tapes' numbers, but mostly its just a cacophony. Again, its obvious why Bob didn't want to release this stuff.
'Spanish is the Loving Tongue.' Well, we opened on a strong note, perhaps we can end on one too. Eh ... Decent song, Bob gives it his best, works out not great but OK. What I find most notable is that this is the one song from the album that Bob played live, during the Rolling Thunder Tour on 1976. I find those versions superior to this one. Bob kind of loses the melody, and doesn't quite sing with enough force.
I'm just proud of myself for finishing this thing. Lets not dwell on the past but look forward to good things to come: Bob's 1974 through 1976 renaissance, including what in my opinion is his best album of them all! Stay tuned ... and if you are still wondering, skip this release.
Rating: 1 / 10 * / **********
Best 3 song run: The first 3.
Song I am most likely to skip: Mr. Bojangles and A Fool Such as I (BOTH)
