3. Ballad Of A Thin Man - Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJrk1QTWPPM Never one to shy away from conflict, Dylan often used his songs (see Maggies Farm) to express his frustration and disgust at individuals and collectives that tried to dictate his actions and understand the meanings contained within his works. And Ballad of a Thin Man is his piece de resistance in terms of this recurring idea. Featuring a theme that John Lennon would later steal on his gibberish classic, I Am The Walrus, Highway 61s highlight is an extended deconstruction and denouncing of one hungry critic (known only as Mr Jones) who tries in vain to fit into Dylans circle and eternally strives to impose multi-layered and academic analyses onto his veritable discography. A prominent whirling organ and sharp guitar chords endow the song with a carnival vibe that perfectly complements Dylans opaque, surreal imagery. But it seems ironic, and probably redundant, to try and completely capture the essence of a track that treats misconceptions and interpretations with such derision, so I think Ill let Dylans words finish this section for me. You know somethings happening here but you dont know what it is. Do you? Mr Owens... Sorry, Bob.
Dan Owens
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A 22 year old English Literature graduate from Birmingham. I am passionate about music, literature and football, in particular, my beloved Aston Villa. Lover of words and consumer of art, music is the very air that I breathe.
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