Customer Reviews

Together Through Life [Vinyl LP w/ CD]

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

 

 

Was only going to get the regular CD of this - for 14.99 - then realized the vinyl version (at twice the price -29.99) - came with the CD. The only vinyl of this album they had was being held for someone. But then the clerk checked it - and he says "Oh their time limit expired. You can have it" - and I pounced.

It's now playing - we're on track 3: "My Wife's Hometown" - a Dylan/Dixon tune, that's Willie Dixon, as in "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "You Shook Me" Zeppelin blues classics - so let's get something straight right off the bat, shall we?

What we have here, regardless of whether some Amazon reviewers might claim otherwise, is brand spanking new classic Dylan in a vein we've not seen since, well -ever, really, and that's just one of the reasons this is a classic recording. What we're looking at here folks, besides an obviously matured gifted artist at a new prime in his amazing stride through life, is nothing less than Dylan embracing a post-Grateful Dead, Blues-based Heartbreaker slowburn jam whose presence to these ears completely makes up for the loss of such icons as Led Zeppelin, et al. I'd even go so far as to suggest such classic fare is beneath Dylan, he is so self-assured at his grand mastery of this fusion of post -blues -rock -jazz folk music that I'll be the first to step up to the plate and admit that atop the pyramid of established rock iconography such as Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, etc is comfortably seated none other than that old folkie and troubadour Bob Dylan himself, and this album is the proof in the pudding.

"Jolene" is playing right now and it is an easygoing serving of Bo Diddly blues flambeauxed over a spicey cajun rhythm that anyone should find irresistable. David Hidalgo of Los Lobos fame and Mike Cambell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers contribute excellent musicianship to this easy masterpiece of blues fusion. The return of Robert Hunter collaborating with Dylan for the lyrics is a welcome addition ("Down In The Groove" was the last time they collaborated on lyrics together). The only critical review of Together Through Life that really hits it on the nail is Blender, they gave it 5 out of 5 stars and called it "unbelievably good". That's right on -this album doesn't miss a beat, it is flawless from beginning to end. Of course, like any masterfully rendered music from seasoned professionals, that may not occur to the listener upon the first spin or two. Just keep this record spinning on your turntable, and it won't be long until you recognize Bob is back in the groove again, and its a wonderful thing indeed.

The ten songs on Together Through Life complement each other in an easygoing way. I have to admit I wasn't that impressed hearing this album for the first time, but I wasn't able to lend it my full attention. On the second listen, while paying it better attention, its subtle rewarding complexities became immediately more evident. After three spins, I'm sailing towards comfortable oblivion with a smile on my face every time I hear this lovely, rollicking, alternately hopeful and set with only a slightly-grim resolve, album. This artist has lived it all, and it is obvious from hanging out with these songs for a spell. He ain't got time to bleed these days - but he done that already ("It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding"). Now is his time to shine, once again. The medley of down home american roots influences on this record is a treasure trove and a delight to behold. Some people tell him he has the blood of the land in his voice. I can feel a change coming on too, Bob. I am grateful you've taken the helm on this new direction, to steer us through the oncoming darkness with your new songs, laid-back, confident beacons of reassurance we can all use in these uncertain times. Damm straight "It's all good".

Best Dylan album since Time Out Of Mind. Great idea of including the CD with the vinyl purchase. Dylan is incredible...still as creative as ever.

Fantastic album, as Dylan gets older he keeps going farther and farther back into the roots of his music. Hope he features a lot of these songs on his summer tour.

New Bob Dylan album finally was delivered by the US Mail. (Timeliness of pre-order delivery from Sony was dissapointing) Robert Hunter co-credit on the lyrics, David Hidalgo accompanying on accordion = Most Excellent poetry set to music! This plus Vinyl, CD, and poster all in one package = Most Excellent package, yet another gift from heaven while we are waitin' to get there... Way to go Bob and boys! And I can't wait to party with you all in heaven!

Dylan has done so many different styles. Together Through Life continues his creative journey into yet a new genre. It is quite different than Modern Times or Love and Theft, but great in its own way. Thus proving that Dylan is arguably the most prolific and dynamic singer/songwriter/composer in the world of popular music today.

Grabbed the vinyl release for this. I missed out on getting the vinyl releases for his last two, and I think its a cryin shame that I don't have them to spin. Dylan via Jack Frost focuses deeper into the world of roots music, and americana. He takes it into tejanan/zydeco places on this bit, some of the accordian work was distracting at first, but Dylan is infectious as producer Jack Frost. This album and his last two have something I've never heard anywhere else, and this two disc vinyl bit brings out the rich body that is present in all of Dylans work of the last decade. This third addition to the Jack Frost cannon took a little more warming up for me then on the last two, but the more I spin it, the more I want to spin it again. This music is cool and laid back but rad enough to get them dancing.

I bought the cd after having read the Rolling Store (rave) review on it. Plus I got a really great deal while purchasing it at Best Buy - cost me 6.99 + tax. I like it. It's a nice record to play in the evening , after work.