Customer Reviews

Another Side of Bob Dylan (Hybr)

5 star:		(69)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I really don't know what Bob Dylan means to this generation of music lovers. I can only say that I came of age at a time when this music was indescribably, absolutely, magnificently, magically "what we wanted to say". No one could speak the truth so eloquently, succinctly, metaphorically, absolutely. To all people. I don't think he or I or anyone could explain so many of his songs. They just touch you so deeply in places that I really couldn't explain even if I tried. They have the same effect as when I heard them at 13; "my existence was led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow". Just listen to "Chimes of Freedom", My Back Pages", and if you're not moved, just find someone who moves you. I really have no idea what makes this music and these words take hold of your soul; I have no desire to talk anyone into anything. Bob Dylan's words and songs soothed me when I was despairing and maybe provided some way of grieving when I hated life and everyone in it and helped me understand some things in life. So many people hated the discrimination and injustice in the country but needed someone to help us put into words our feelings like "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll", "Masters of War", "When the Ship Comes In" and on and on. Dylan was our philosopher and poet whether he liked it or not. Knowingly or not, willingly or not, he led millions and we followed. It has only helped us; exposing the truth is often painful but, in our hearts, we know the truth and it really does set us free. Just put on "Only a Pawn In Their Game"; these themes are universal; they will come up again and again. And his love songs are great. We don't think he was Jesus Christ or anything. We respected his fabulous talent but didn't blindly idolize him; make up your own mind. I don't know any other songwriter I love to listen to more than Bob Dylan.

There are probably boat loads of people out there who will disagree with me, but I think the best song on this album is "To Ramona". It's stood the test of time, this I know, because I've got in on my favorite Dylan playlist in iTunes. It ain't just no silly lovesong, it's a portrait painted in words. Words that will take you in, move you and leave you wanting more. "I Don't Believe You" is another song like that and it's also one of the songs he chose to electrify during his 66 tour. A powerful song with our without the band. Of course, everybody is familiar with "It Ain't me Babe," a song done by a lot of people, but in the end Dylan's version is the best. And if you don't believe, like I do, that America is losing her way, give a listen to "Chime of Freedom", and just maybe you'll change your mind.

I just have to put in a good word or two for this magnificent piece ofwork. Chimes of Freedom-Can't just listen to it once. It means somuch to people, the best written song on the album.

I Shall Be Free No.10-I don't ever hear anyone talking about this song, but it cracks me up everytime I hear it. We all know he had a sense of humor, political and otherwise. (Motorpsycho Nitemare falls under this category as well)

My Back Pages-Incredible

I Don't Believe You-The song that has affected me the most. It's a good song to listen to you if you've just lost your girlfriend and you want to be looking up on things. At least it helped me.

Ballad In Plain D-another stunning song about love...who tells a story better than Bob? that's what I thought

It Ain't Me Babe-Classic.

That's all i have to say(thank God right?) and I hope some of you find it useful. END

This is my favorite of Dylan's early folk albums. I really don't like political writings, because as Dylan said in a 1984 interview "politics is the tool of the devil". I understand why he got the hell out of the political movements, and went on to record more poetic, personal, and mysterious stuff. As for the songs here, they're pretty much all brilliant, especially the caustic I Don't Believe You, the hilarious Motorpyscho Nitemare, the epic poetry of Chimes of Freedom, and the beautiful, poignant, precise My Back Pages. I feel like Bob did when he wrote that song. Politics can overwhelm you to the point that's all you think about, and you think you got all the answers. No one has all the answers, including Bob, but he knows that. Beware of those who will tell you they have all the answers, because many will, and none of them, regardless of their ideology, have all the answers. I love Dylan's music. It's almost always universal. It can be listened to at any time. I don't really like the title of this album (it was producer Tom Wilson's idea, and Dylan protested vigorously, saying it was overstating the obvious, something Dylan never does), but the music is superlative.

Let's face it: the majority of rock albums sound painstakingly prepared and preconceived. From repeated takes and overdubs, to the finally ready for public consumption polished sound, albums are rarely spontaneous.
And then there's Bob Dylan.
A Bob Dylan record is straight from the hip; there is no messing around and there is nothing hidden. The songs stand on their own, and Bob Dylan's songwriting was hitting it's stride with this album. From the lovingly poetic "To Ramona", to the playfully romantic "All I Really Want to Do", Bob Dylan rushes through all of his songs with an almost careless precision, creating some of the most enduring and original music of all time.
This album is a key addition to those interested in his early folk sound, and it stands along with "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" in terms of charm and overall brilliance. Don't miss out on this; it's like nothing you'll ever hear. Simple but effective melodies combined with some of the best examples of poetry in music, Another Side of Bob Dylan is a wonderful addition to any Bob Dylan collection, or any music collection for that matter (though for beginners I would recommend "Bringing it All Back Home" or "Highway 61 Revisited" to catch a first glimpse of Bob).
Bob Dylan dared to be himself, which is a truly rare and unique gift in music.

The name of the album says it all. Dylan goes from the prophetic, and at times somber, The Times They are a Changin, to a lighter, quirkier, much more personal album. Although Dylan's early protest songs have profound depth and poignant social commentary, this album has a quality that the earlier albums lack, personality. Dylan finds a perfect medium between the comedian, and the romantic. The humor and social commentary of "I Shall be Free" had me rolling on the gound laughing, while the beauty of "Ballad in Plain D" causes my eyes to well up with tears every time i hear it. "To Romona" is one of my favorite Dylan songs, and "Motorpsycho Nightmare" is a riot. Furthermore, the giggles in "All I Really Want to Do" adds a whimsicality to his music that sustains throughout much the album. Ending with "It Ain't me Babe" serves as a brilliant buffer for the albums to come. This is a piece of art that shouldn't be passed up. Personally I enjoy listening to this "lost gem" much more than his later, more refined albums, such as Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61. This is a must for any Dylan fan.

I first heard Another Side of Bob Dylan about a year ago. It made me want to hear more. Now I have seven of his albums, but Another Side of Bob Dylan is my favorite. This album is more personal and less political, so it's not dated. The lyrics mean just as much now as when they were written.

This is just an overall great, personal, poetic album. None of the individual songs are as powerful-sounding as "Like a Rolling Stone" or have as beautifully melodic instrumentation as "Desolation Row" (both from Highway 61 Revisited). However, I think songs should be appreciated in their places in an album, the way the artist intended. (Don't skip around on cd's! Especially not on a cd as good as this.) I read in the liner notes to Another Side of Bob Dylan (or somewhere) that the whole thing was recorded within one 24-hour session. I think I remember reading that each track was even recorded in the order it appears on the album. This gives the album a raw sound. (You can even hear him laugh at himself in a few tracks.)

The real beauty of the album is in the way you get to hear what you've felt before. Bob Dylan makes it so personal to himself, anyone can relate to his feelings. But also, almost anyone listening will be able to relate to at least one of the songs with something very specific in mind from their own life. It's hard not to think about a particular person when you hear "It Ain't Me Babe". Anyone who has ever needed advice or given it to a friend dealing with personal tragedy can relate to "To Ramona". "Chimes of Freedom" and "I Shall Be Free No.10" are just plain good songs (although I don't expect everyone to fully appreciate "I Shall Be Free No.10"). "My Back Pages" is for anyone who has ever matured or done the opposite or ever changed without trying to and didn't realize it until later. (It sort of reminds me of A Catcher in the Rye.)

Like I mentioned earlier, the best part of any great album is not the individual songs, but the album itself. I especially like how this album progresses. It almost grows up and matures. The last few songs have a different feel than the first few (if you listen to them as part of the album, not just individually). Kind of like life - maturity through understanding through loss. Like in "My Back Pages" - loss of that raw, un-rationalized, un-economical, pure idealism that hasn't yet had to explain or defend or examine itself. "I Don't Believe You" and "Ballad in Plain D" - losing any idea that he might have it "figured out" and losing innocence, both through lost relationships. Then, to finish it all off, in "It Ain't Me Babe", he takes what he has lost and what he has learned and gains enough maturity to avoid being reckless with another person's feelings - to avoid risking that they might lose what he lost. It might take a few listens (to get familiar with the songs and hear all the words and know what is coming next) to fully appreciate this album. By the third listen, though, it's just beautiful. At the end of the album, the listener feels that just listening was a maturing experience. It makes your perspective a little more seasoned and experienced. Maybe it leaves you feeling a little sadder, maybe a little wiser. At the very least, I can say that anyone who REALLY listens to this album will feel a little bit different when it is finished.

After making his name as the author of "finger pointin' songs" critical of society and its injustices, Bob Dylan expanded his musical palate on his fourth album, and was roundly criticized for betraying the various political and social movements for which he was an unofficial spokesman.

Regarded by many as a sell-out, "Another Side of Bob Dylan" took thirty-five years to reach the half-million sales mark needed for gold certification. Listening to it now, one gets the impression that Dylan wasn't turning a blind eye to the troubles of the world, but fighting for his own artistic survival.

"Now, I'm liberal, but to a degree," he writes, "I want ev'rybody to be free."

With this album, Dylan claims his freedom by traveling wherever his inspiration takes him. If he doesn't tackle traditionally political matters as obviously as he did on "Freewheelin'" and "The Times They Are A Changing," he addresses them more obliquely in the epic "Chimes of Freedom." But the supposed "love song," the classic "It Ain't Me, Babe," could very well be the most political statement Dylan makes here. In lyrics as scathing as they are remorseful, he rejects the heroic, self-sacrificing role required of lovers in most popular songs, but also seems to be rejecting any role, including that of political activist, that he did not choose himself.

The album's masterpiece, "My Back Pages," hints at the more intensely personal and individualistic direction his music would soon take. Less admirable but certainly noteworthy is "Ballad in Plain D." More of a poison pen letter than a song, this is Dylan at his most vicious and personal. A vengeful song whose targets are only too obvious to anyone who's read a Dylan bio, it's not surprising that he later expressed regret at having written it.

"Another Side of Bob Dylan" is a transitional album of sorts that offers a preview of the three masterworks ("Bringing It All Back Home," "Highway 61 Revisited," and "Blonde on Blonde") that would soon follow. If it doesn't reach the same artistic heights, it's an important step on the climb to that creative peak.

Bob Dylan's second release of 1964 was quite a contrast from the collection of protest songs he had recorded on 'The Times They Are A-Changin'. On 'Another Side Of Bob Dylan' he takes a different approach making this album more of a personal statement that a political one. This makes this album far more effective and it has aged significantly better than it's predecessor. I bought this album mainly because it contained some of Bob's better known songs covered by other artists. However when I placed it into my cd player what I got was much more than just music, this was Dylan exposing his soul to the world.

Dylan composed some of the greatest songs he ever wrote on this album. The album is far more personal the any of his previous recordings. For at the time he had recently broken up with his beloved girlfriend Suze Rotolo. An emotionally distraught Dylan stepped into the Columbia recording studio and in one night produced this beautiful album. As I had said before some of Dylan best songs were recorded during this album's single session. ALL I REALLY WANT TO DO opens the album with Dylan trying look forward through his personal issues. Truly this is a transitional album and I bet it was a great learning experience for Bob. Track by track it shows him maturing. BLACK CROW BLUES has some great piano work by the man himself. SPANISH HARLEM INCIDENT is another classic Dylan tune. CHIMES OF FREEDOM is arguably the greatest song he ever wrote (check out The Byrds version, it's excellent as well!). I SHALL BE FREE NO.10 once again displays Dylan's sense of humour. This is really a fun song. TO RAMONA is a dark yet beautiful love ballad whereas MOTORPSYCHO NITEMARE has the Dylan-esque humour tied in again. MY BACK PAGES is another contender for the greatest Dylan song ever. The lyrics are so strong in this one. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU is a wonderful catchy number while BALLAD IN PLAIN D is one of the most heart felt songs of lost love on this album. The album closes on a good note though, with the popular track IT AIN'T ME BABE.

Though it is held in high regard to the people that hear it strangely this album was not as commercially successful as Dylan's previous two albums. Over the years this personal masterpiece seemed to get lost in the shuffle. This album is sort of an engima but it's one of Dylan's finest works and a whole load of these songs have been covered by many popular artists.

Overall 'Another Side Of Bob Dylan' is definetly one of his darker albums. However it is the passion that he put into recording this album that makes it so great. The songs are wonderful on their own but add an emotional Dylan and you have yourself a wonderful recording. Listen to the words Dylan sings on this album carefully, you'll then realize why this album is held in high regard to all who hear it. Highly recommended.

This record has a special place in my heart, as this is the very first Dylan album I listened too all the way through. And let me tell you, it has all the prerequisites of a great record to boot!

This release, recorded in an single night session (what a session that must have been!), is the true followup to his phenomenal FREEWHEELIN' release of 1963. Going through 11 compositions, with 5 being covered by other artists to later become big hits, this release shows Dylan far and away from the protest of the lp before this. Indeed, "My Back Pages" points toward his turning away from the protest movement. The opening track, as I read it, is telling the rest of the world Dylan doesn't want to be any spokesman, but just your friend. And "It Ain't Me Babe", besides the literal reading of a person saying he won't be a woman's lover, is much the same message as the opening track, but this time much more direct and confrontational. He ain't the spokesman for the protest movement, so get over it.

The rest of the collection stands out, from the poetic imagery reminiscent of "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" dispensed in "Chimes of Freedom", pleasant throwaways ("I Shall Be Free #10", "Motopyscho Nitemare"), and while I found the line about the monkey doing the cat troublesome, but the reference to Hitchcock in "Nitemare" is worth the price of admission.

The rest really stand out, but a particular highlight is "Ballad in Plain D", the story of his breakup with Suze Rotolo (for those of you who are curious, she is the girl pictured with Bob on THE FREEWHEELIN' BOB DYLAN. According to family members, she still gets recognized for this contribution to Dylan's album. Now she's a freelance artist and still lives in the Village). As a previous reviewer noted, Dylan said this is the one track he wish he had left in the vaults, because it is so personal. Never again in the 1960s would we get such an intimate look at Dylan's personal life as we get on this track. As a man notorious for his love of privacy (although that is only reasonable), this is indeed a very rare opprotunity, Dylan won't grant that liberty till the 1975 release BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, a full 11 years later. For that reason alone we should pay attention to it. "I Don't Believe You" is another favorite of mine, and you really should check out the electric interpretation found on THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOLUME 4: THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERT. "Black Crow Blues" is notable for its piano, the only track to have an additional instrument besides guitar and harmonica.

Just as a side note: Dylan didn't want to name it ANOTHER SIDE. He thought that was stating the obvious. And to some degree it is. You can tell by this record he's getting bored with folk music and instead wants to go onto bigger and better things. Rock and roll is the natural progression for Dylan at this stage in the game. Again, it's easy to point at now, but for those folk listeners in the 1960s it must have been a major surprise when Dylan's next lp came out. Ah, but that is another story.