The Great Bob Dylan Turns 70

Bob Dylan has now reached the milestone of his 70th birthday. Born on May 24th, 1941, in the scruffy city of Duluth, Minnesota, Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman) has gone on to spark new genres of music (folk-rock and country-rock) and revolutionise songwriting. He first came to prominence in 1963 with his second album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan which offered such epochal songs as Blowin' In The Wind, Masters Of War and A Hard Rain's a -Gonna Fall. Inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams, his lyrics in Freewheelin' were highly political and led to Dylan being dubbed as a protest singer by many. A surge of similarly styled songs soon hit the British charts and come October 1965 there was a scattering of protest songs in the national charts. Songs such as Too many people by The Hollies which addressed the problem of over-population and It's Good News Week by Hedgehoppers Anonymous which confronted issues on nuclear war and birth control. However, his influence on protest songs was relatively short-lived compared to the impact of his lyrical styles.

In early 1964, Dylan released The Times They Are A-Changin' which showcased the work of a matured songwriter greatly inspired by poets such as Keats and Rimbaud. It was more literate and evocative than his previous offerings and had a profound effect on popular music. In 1965 came Highway 61 Revisited and the single release of Like A Rolling Stone which is widely championed as one of the best singles in the history of popular music; breaking the barrier of the traditional three minute pop single and of course, we can't forget the innovative Blonde on Blonde in 1966 which cemented Dylan's reputation as a genius of the times.

From the mid 60?s onwards there was a sizeable shift from frivolous and superficial lyrics to more contemplative, introspective and poetic offerings and this was largely down to the splendour of Dylan's lyrics. His talent influenced copious numbers of artists including musical giants The Beatles who, in 1965, released the more insightful Rubber Soul which was lyrically more complex than their previous releases. John Lennon had even started mimicking Dylan's casual delivery in songs such as You've Got to Hide Your Love Away and Yes It Is.

'Vocally and poetically, Dylan was a huge influence' Paul McCartney

As the years progressed, Dylan's lyrics became slightly more surreal and enigmatic but they never lost their potent essence and such was his refusal to be pigeon holed, Dylan consistently re-invented himself. Having already given fresh breath to the protest movement, revived folk music, re-invented the singer songwriter genre and sparked folk-rock, in the 1970?s he helped give rise to country-folk and in the 80?s and 90?s (though he occasionally floundered), he still inspired and surprised his fans. In 1989 he was inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame and in 1990 Dylan was named a Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Art et des Lettres, France's highest cultural honor.

His records still sell by the truck-load, he still inspires and moves people and his concert tickets still sell like hot cakes. Happy Birthday to a legend.

Jon White is the founder of ticketola.com - a ticket exchange aimed at music fans who wish to buy or sell concert tickets.

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Top 5 Bob Dylan Songs That You Should Know About

Who doesn't know Bob Dylan? Even if you are not a music aficionado, you know him too well. He is an iconic songwriter-singer who made America's greatest songs for nearly four decades. He depicted America's rich and highly-faceted culture through his piano, guitar and harmonica. Best known for his nasal voice, Bob Dylan songs derived his early influence in Woody Guthrie.
This iconic figure has written hundreds of songs. While his song list goes on and on, here are the top 5 Bob Dylan songs of all time:

1. Desolation Row - this came from his album "Highway Revisited" and was the final track on this album; featuring an electric guitar. According to Dylan, this song has a minstrel tone that gained its inspiration from the carnival singers in blackface.

2. Masters of War - came from the album "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan." This song has an endless appeal because of its versatility and was considered as his greatest social commentary.

3. Like a Rolling Stone - This song was first released as a single and is considered as Dylan's most recognizable songs.

4. Subterranean Homesick Blues - Dylan's very first Top Billboard Hit from the album "Bringing it All Back Home." This is one of his songs which feature the electric guitar as well.

5. Visions of Johanna - From the album "Blonde on Blonde," this song was said to be inspired by Joan Baez, who the songwriter was dating at the time the song was released. One of the Bob Dylan Songs that mirrors his life as he entered New York City.

As for Bob Dylan albums, here are my top 3 picks:

1. The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan - this is one of the Bob Dylan albums that is hard to forget - one of his most groundbreaking creations. Considered as the very 1st statement of Dylan's recording career, the songs on this album are mainly responsible fro putting Dylan in the map. One of the songs that stood out in this album is "Blowin' in the Wind," and this collection is distinguished by love songs such as "Girl from the North Country" and poetic protests such as "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." On Freewheelin", Dylan catapulted from the Woodie Guthrie influence of his debut album, and showed himself to the world as the groundbreaking songwriter-singer he has since proven to become.

2. Highway 61 Revisited - most Bob Dylan albums have rock-infused songs where he grabs the rock and roll's baton. This one-of-a-kind compilation includes timeless folk-rock classics such as "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Desolation Row" both considered as one of his best songs. If you are looking for an album with some of the most distinguished rock and blues licks ever placed on vinyl, you won't be disappointed with this one.

3. Blonde on Blonde - this album was created in a studio in Nasville with musicians that are very accustomed to country music. Yes, Highway 61 has made Dylan a path forger and trendsetter in the modern folk-rock sound, however, Blonde on blonde was a more decisive compilation when it comes to Dylan's newfound relationship with the new sound. His imagery-laden loquacious poetry has become more harmonious, and his synergy with the Band has reached new heights.

These are the songs of Dylan no music collection should be without - all from one of the greatest dynamic artists in modern American music.

Jim Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.

Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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Bob Dylan Albums - Which Are The Best?

I was drinking at the local bar last week when someone asked me this question: "If you were to be isolated in a jungle and could only bring 3 Bob Dylan albums, which ones would you choose to bring?"

This had me thinking - I couldn't give an answer right away, and not just because I already had a good buzz from drinking 5 bottles of beer. I was perplexed because I am a big fan of Bob Dylan. Let me rephrase that, I REALLY LOVE BOB DYLAN!

If you are even remotely aware of American pop culture over the past 4 decades, then it would be really hard to miss the great impact of Bob Dylan's songs. He is considered as one of the greatest dynamic artist in modern American history music. Yes, I need more time to get back in touch with all things D-Y-L-A-N!

I had to admit, I spent an entire week revisiting all my Dylan's CDs to get a compilation of the Top 3 Bob Dylan's albums that I would like to have with me, should I be deserted in a jungle.

Here's my list:

1. Slow Train Coming - Bob Dylan's 19th album. Considered as his 1st attempt since he has become a born again Christian; with songs stressing the importance of Christian philosophy and teachings, and where he expressed his personal faith. Here, Dylan has done the unexpected. The single from this album "Gotta Serve Somebody" became his very first hit in 3 years. Most songs have a Christian theme to it, but you don't need to be a Christian to enjoy it. With the release of this album, a lot of Christians were drawn to his fan base.

2. Blood on the Tracks - This album marked Dylan's return to Columbia after 2 album detours with Asylum Records; considered as the greatest comeback collection of all time. Most of the lyrics in the album tells about anger, heartache and loneliness and is now seen as one of his greatest albums.

3. Blonde on Blonde - Dylan's 7th album released by Columbia records. This album is purely modern rock; and marked the end of the rocking/electronic period for Dylan. The songs have his brand of rock and blues with surreal lyrics and eclectic sound. This album earned the double-platinum.

With this list of Bob Dylan Albums I hope I have introduced the genius of Dylan, especially to those who haven't yet had the privilege of listening to his best work.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE. Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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One of the Best Bob Dylan Albums

Bob Dylan has created so many great albums in his time; it is a big task to choose the greatest Bob Dylan albums ever made. All of his albums differ, giving his listeners a glimpse of the pride of Hibbing, Minnesota.

Below are my top 3 picks:

1. Bringing it All Back Home - This is a great compilation of all songs electric. Have you heard a more inspired way to go electric?

2. Blonde on Blonde - Considered as one of Dylan's most ambitious creations. It has a sporadic nature that keeps it from being totally accessible with sonic valleys and hills. A sterling example would be "Just Like a Woman" or "Rainy Day Woman."

3. Highway 61 Revisited - Dylan sets the stage with an organ-driven kaleidoscope of images that takes you on a trip to his consciousness for six incredible minutes with "Like a Rolling Stone." This album says everything: no home is ever complete without this collection of songs.

These Bob Dylan Albums show that he was really on a roll!

A lot of people would probably say that The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan or Slow Train Coming should be included in the list; but I am just stating my opinion; and I have listened to Dylan's songs practically all my life. But then again, to each his own.

These Bob Dylan albums definitely have their own tale. His album "Bringing It All Back Home" was created when he evolved from acoustic folk to electric. "Blonde on Blonde" was where he pushed the limits in folk-rock; and if you ask me, this rockin' double album doesn't have a distasteful song in it. "Highway 61 Revisited" was made when was just transitioning to folk-rock.

For my listening pleasure "Blonde on Blonde" is unparalleled. For me, there has never been a more compelling album or a greater personification of an art form. In addition, the lyrics are simply and naturally brilliant! The list of songs from this exceptional double album continues to amaze me until today. Just try listening to the harmonica intro and the sinister horn of "Most Likely You Go Your Way" or the folk-rock and gentle Mowtown accents of "Visions of Johanna," kicking off with the drunken swagger of a band. I listen to them over and over, even after all these years. They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I rest my case.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.

Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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The Best Bob Dylan Albums Ever

I cannot forget Bob Dylan's famous quote: "I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet."

True enough, almost all Bob Dylan albums were a reflection of a great poet, as he was one of the first rock artists to infuse social and political commentary into his songs. Most of his music was associated with the anti-war and civil rights movements in the 1960s.

Most Bob Dylan albums include songs that were heavily laden with influence from his exposure to blues, folk and country music.

I have been an ardent Dylan follower for over 30 years since I was introduced to his songs by my music teacher back in grade school. I was instantly hooked to his songs, and found myself spending my evenings listening to his recordings; enraptured by his original, strange and compelling music. If you are a big Dylan fan like me, then you probably are a big fan of these albums, which give a glimpse of his greatness:

1. The Basement Tapes - This is considered as one of Dylan's most influential recordings, and was one of rock and roll's imaginative albums. This album tells a tale, as it all began with Dylan's motorcycle accident back in 1996. Following the incident, he and his band, the Hawkes, began working in a homemade studio in a house basement which they fondly call the "Big Pink." The album was released by Columbia almost 10 years after the songs were laid down.

2. Time Out of Mind - Dylan's 41st album saw him teaming up with multi-instrumentalist and producer Daniel Lanois. The release of this album market a significant moment in his career as this is where he finally discovered a common ground between the folk vibe and blues-rock that he pioneered.

3. Bringing it All Back Home - one of the Bob Dylan Albums that is notable for its 2 sides - acoustic and electric. This album further separated him from his peers in the folk music community, and gave birth to the folk-rock movement.

If you are a Bob Dylan aficionado, then you know too well that there will never be another artist like him - just like there will never be another J.D. Salinger or Woody Allen. In fact, the release of a new Dylan album is an event unto itself. Yes, we are in the midst of greatness.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.

Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

View the original article here