Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years Of Amnesty International

Various artists | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: January 24, 2012
• Number of Discs: 4
• Label: Amnesty International
• Copyright: 2012 Amnesty International USA
• Total Length: 5:20:17
• Genres:
  • Pop
• ASIN: B006W5JF9Y
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (128 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,788 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

163 of 172 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Music with a Message January 24, 2012

By Thomas E. Davis TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Fifty years after its founding in 1962 (the year Bob Dylan released his first album), Amnesty International continues to do lifesaving work for prisoners of conscience and victims of injustice around the world. In 1977, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Since the 1970s, Amnesty's Secret Policeman's Ball concerts and records have generated funds for the promotion of human rights and raised awareness of discrimination, state censorship, police brutality, torture, the death penalty, and genocide. AI currently has over three million supporters.

As for Bob Dylan, few artists have been offered accolades to match those laid at his feet. He's among the greatest poets of our age, a transformational figure in the history of music. There's not a singer or songwriter alive who doesn't owe a debt to his wit and wisdom, and thousands cover his clever, compassionate songs every day. They line up to perform on albums like this one, and there's a Dylan tribute disc for just about every genre you can name: pop, rock, blues, reggae, country, folk, classical, jazz. While most of these are heartfelt, many are uninspired or insipid, and few are memorable.

Fortunately, this four-CD, 73-track compilation is both musical and meaningful. The renowned performers on "Chimes of Freedom" possess not only ample talent but also a deep feeling for the political and personal messages that Bob communicates. And they clearly support Amnesty International, whose anniversary they celebrate. None of them accepted any money for their work (nor did producers, arrangers, engineers, or studios), thereby maximizing their assistance to AI. The music and the cause mesh perfectly.

Nearly all of the tracks are new studio recordings, but Joan Baez, Sugarland, Adele, My Chemical Romance, Dierks Bentley, The Dave Matthews Band, and Marianne Faithfull each contribute previously unreleased live tracks. There are giants like Johnny Cash, Pete Townshend, Sting, Mark Knopfler, Patti Smith, Steve Earle, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Bryan Ferry, Sinead O'Connor, Jeff Beck, Taj Mahal, Kris Kirstofferson, Eric Burdon, and Pete Seeger, among others, as well as more recent stars: The Avett Brothers, Raphael Saadiq, Rise Against, Diana Krall, Ziggy Marley, My Morning Jacket, Lenny Kravitz, Angelique Kidjo, Seal, Lucinda Williams, and many more. And of course Bob himself is here in the form of his original 1964 song "Chimes of Freedom."

A majority of the acclaimed Dylan anthems are covered, but in over five hours of playing time, there's plenty of room for rarely-heard songs, unusual interpretations, and little-known groups and individuals. Of course, that's a selling point for those of us who like to explore new music. The inclusion of a few performers may irritate those who are not fans (Miley Cyrus, anyone?), yet almost all of them do credit to Amnesty and to Bob's music (with the horrifying exception of Ke$ha, who groans, sobs, and screeches throughout "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," sounding for all the world like she's taken leave of her senses and embarked on a suicidal bender).

The case for this set is a very minimal affair: the four CDs fit into an all-paper package that's about the size of a standard single-CD jewel case. Each disc is contained in one of four panels that fold out. A listing of tracks and artists appears on the inside panels along with a brief historical essay by Sean Wilentz, who is a professor of history at Princeton. There is no booklet.

In 1992, Bob Dylan and his legendary contemporaries held the greatest concert ever produced in his honor: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration. Many of the greats expressed love and gratitude for the man and his music: Neil Young, Eric Clapton, The Band, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roger McGuinn, Stevie Wonder, Lou Reed, Johnny Winter, Ron Wood, Richie Havens, Chrissie Hynde, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, and others. Such a laudatory gathering will never be repeated, but the names on this new compilation provide evidence of Dylan's continuing relevance. Listening to the variety of styles represented reveals the universality of his melodies and lyrics and the pervasive influence he has had on our culture. May it also motivate listeners to lend their support to AI and to human rights.

Most of the music is marvelous, the album benefits a great organization, and the price is remarkably low. Don't hesitate. Get it!

65 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FIXING TO DIE January 24, 2012

By Patrick Monk

Format:MP3 Music

There's no way I wouldn't add this to my collection. Dylan is one of those who has sung the soundtrack to my life, now to rapidly approaching seven decades. I first heard, and then saw him, in the auld country back in the '60's, (took a night off from Georgie Fame at the Flamingo). Leonard Cohen is another who's words and music have sustained and rescued me and he also has a new album full of "Old Ideas" coming out.
Just listening to the first few samples was enough to remove any doubt, which I never had, and grant amnesty to any who may not 'live up to expectations'. As a home visit Hospice nurse one of my guiding principles is to 'leave my expectations at the door', just enter into whatever waits. Deep thanks to all the artists in all fields, and those behind the scenes, who contributed their time, effort and talents to this noble cause.
What I want to know is WILL WE EVER GET A DVD OF THE 30th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, hopefully before I kick the bucket. I've still got a lot of miles left on me, I ain't knocking on heaven's door yet, but I am going down slow. Sure would like to watch this concert before I hear the Chimes of Ultimate Freedom.

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional covers; broad range of interesting styles. January 24, 2012

By Greg TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm a fan of broken, unmusical voices. Leonard Cohen, Vic Chesnutt, Tom Waits...and Bob Dylan. But as is so often the case, the compositions of these amazing singer/songwriters can sound fresh and vibrant in the vocals of someone more, shall we say, technically accomplished. Such is the case with many of the songs on "Chimes."

Although, having said that, an early favorite is Kris Kristofferson's take on "The Mighty Quinn," which makes superb use of gargles-with-glass throatiness.

The songs on this album span nearly the entire length of Dylan's career so far, even reviving a couple of favorites from his gospel-influenced days. I'm not a fan of what Sinead O'Connor did with the song "Property of Jesus," but I did appreciate someone resurrecting the song. Same with "Gotta Serve Somebody."

Perhaps the best songs are the ones that play directly into Amnesty International's messages of peace and justice. Dylan seems like the perfect poster child for AI, and the international flavor of many of the tracks underscores that message. The other way that the medium emphasizes the message is in the album's dizzying tolerance--not to say embrace--of all styles, from front-porch folk (Pete Seeger on "Forever Young") to harmonious punk (Bad Religion on "It's All Over Now, Baby"), to every point in between. Forget ebony and ivory--if Miley Cyrus can live side-by-side with K'NAAN in my MP3 player, perhaps there's hope we can all learn to get along.