A titan of a rock record.
Back in March we celebrated the 60th anniversary of Bringing It All Back Home from Dylan. It is clear that from 1964-65-66, Bob Dylan was on a winning streak unlike almost any modern songwriter. This just may be his pinnacle as the track list from Highway 61 reads like a greatest hits album.
If he had exhaled, took his time and combined Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61, it would be the greatest album in rock history, bar none. However, maybe part of the magic, was the speed at which he produced and recorded these enchanting tracks. With Highway 61, all the folkie in Dylan is gone (until the stunning finale) as the poetic bluesman/garage rocker takes charge.
It has been said 'the 60's' as we know it, truly started with this album. The crash of of the opening snare and the instruments kicking off the immense "Like A Rolling Stone" announce Dylan's full on rock intentions and god damn does this song still sound alive 60 years later. A monster track that is earth shaking, "Tombstone Blues" keeps the blues rockin' with a garage rock abandon and only sounds smaller next to Rolling Stone's heft.
"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" is a personal favorite that works so well, as does the shambolic rock of "From a Buick 6". "Ballad of a Thin Man" is personally RtBE's least favorite tack here, but some live versions over the years have elevated it in these ears.
The B-side is anything but an afterthought, "Queen Jane Approximately" is poetic folk rock goodness, the title track is more blues rock with a humorous siren whistle breaking the manic energy a bit. "Just Like Tom Thumb Blues" is a sprawling tale that touches on lots of poetic moments while still kicking with blues rock energy.
Speaking of sprawling, the classic record ends with Dylan at his most mysterious, poetic, serious and magical via "Desolation Row". A massive illusory tune that can symbolize a lot of things and each listen feels fresh as Dylan just uses his guitar and fantastical lyrics.
As we said with Bringing It Back Home, RtBE could go on and on, but this is one of the foundational records of rock and roll and should be owned by everyone.
Let's celebrate 60 years of Highway 61 by playing it loud, here are a few tracks to get you started:
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