Search - Bob Dylan :: Desire (Reis)

Dylan's last "great" album?

ewomack | MN USA | 11/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following the string of absolute classics Dylan put out in the 1960s he slowly retreated from the scene into personal seclusion. The early 1970s left some fans scratching their heads. What was "Self Portrait" all about? And "New Morning"? Then he did a movie soundtrack for a Sam Peckinpaw film, and "Planet Waves" still seems to divide fans (some love it and some hate it). By this time he had completely shed any question of his desired role in the folk/protest scene of the 1960s. But he didn't go away, like many expected (and some really wanted). So what was up with Bob? Then suddenly, the mid 1970s saw Dylan releasing two albums that many fans rank amongst his best (and some called them "comeback" albums, though nearly every Dylan album has been called this by someone). In very early 1975 "Blood On The Tracks" apppeared like a miracle with its intimate and lush acoustic arrangements and sound. It even spurred a hit with "Tangled Up in Blue". Most critics and fans heralded Dylan's triumphant return. Dylan then outdid himself by releasing "Desire" in very early 1976.



This album contrasts with "Blood on the Tracks" to such an extent that some fans become polarized about which album stands as Dylan's true 1970s "classic". But the albums contain such disparate material that a definitive comparison and ranking between them remains difficult. They both have their respective strengths and flaws, and both doubtlessly stand amongst some of Dylan's best material.



"Desire" doesn't have the personal feel of "Blood on the Tracks" (with the salient exception of "Sara"). And Dylan introduced three items that make this album really stick out: a running violin, a lyrical collaboration with the late Jacques Levy, and a consistent backup singer in the form of Emmylou Harris. Surprsingly, Harris' voice blends with Dylan's beautifully. She apparently completed her tracks in just one or two whirlwind takes (in inimitable Dylan style). But she doesn't appear on "Hurricane", "Isis", or "Sara". She did record backing vocals for "Hurricane", but the track was scrapped due to "libelous lyrics" and Harris couldn't return to re-record the song (various bootlegs supposedly contain the original version with Harris along with other outtakes from this session, including "Golden Loom").



"Hurricane" tells the story of boxer Rubin Carter who found himself jailed for triple murder (also the subject of the 1999 movie "Hurricane" starring Denzel Washington). It portrays Carter as an innocent man trapped in a game of justice. This remains very controversial. Carter apparently was never found innocent by a court, and the hot debate over his innocence continues. Add to that, the 10 minute opus "Joey", with an amazing chorus, tells the story of the murder of mafioso Joey Gallo. Some hailed these songs as Dylan's return to "protest music" while others decried Dylan's new "irresponsible" political stance. Dylan always seems to invite controversy (which makes him so intruiging).



Other songs contain folky aspects, helped along by the nearly ubiqitous and soaring violin. "Mozambique" rhapsodizes about the paradise that is... Mozambique! "Romance in Durango" and "Black Diamond Bay" also use location to tell a story. The former even features Dylan singing in español. The latter includes extremely evocative imagery of a troubled journey. These songs, along with "One More Cup of Coffee" (with its mythological death imagery) and "Oh, Sister" lend the album a slightly western feel (in synch with Dylan's accoutrements on photos from the time).



Lastly, the very emotionally naked and autobiographical closer "Sara" really stands out in Dylan's repertoire. This song and "One More Cup of Coffee" are the only songs on the album credited to Dylan alone. "Sara" tells the story of Dylan's then failing and soon to fail marriage. She apparently witnessed the one-take recording. Dylan supposedly took her completely off guard. But the marriage dissolved regardless. Nonetheless, "Sara" represents Dylan in a rare raw emotional state. He tells it like it is with nothing held back.



Some call this album "Dylan's last great album". Obvioulsy some will agree and others will disagree with this statement. Still, "Desire" does contain some great music. And it inspired the now legendary Rolling Thunder Review tour (captured on the "Bob Dylan Live 1975" CD set released in 2002). Soon after, though, Dylan's reputation took a nosedive in the late 1970s with the ill-fated "Street Legal" and the outspoken religious views on his albums of the early 1980s. Those who hated Dylan's later direction of this period probably harkened back to "Desire" as "the good old days". But, as always, Dylan redeemed himself to many fans later on. In the end, one thing remains very true about Dylan: he's never boring."

Underrated Dylan classic

Dave | Philly | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this album, perhaps more than any other, Dylan shows off his true power as a storyteller. This album is more or less a collection of stories, each one incredibly rich, vivid, and imaginative. The songs on this album could each be made into a movie, and this cinematic quality is how these songs play out in your mind as you listen to them. Dylan uses such incredible and detailed imagery that you really feel like you are in these beautiful and sometimes haunting scenes that he is describing.



Highly recommended!"

On Rolling Thunder, Dylan Cries

Antonio Apodaca | Casa Grande, AZ USA | 01/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Depsite some popular belief, the band Rolling Thunder sits well enough behind Bob Dylan's lyrics to be considered his best-suited band. Not to forget the other groups he's played with, Rolling Thunder is joyous and momentous, sparking motivations to sit and listen to them jam all on thier own.



Desire is great, especially at high volumes, and I recommend it to any Dylan fan. Plus, Sara's on it . . . come on."