Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Side Remastered, Made Better, April 20, 2005
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.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Things Unchanging, May 23, 2006
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.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best of Dylan's early albums..., January 8, 2007
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.
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Bob Dylan: "If my songs were just about the words, then what was Duane Eddy, the great rock-and-roll guitarist, doing recording an album full of instrumental melodies of my songs?" Read more musical excerpts from Chronicles, Vol. 1 on our Music You Should Hear page.
by Bob Dylan 
