Bob Dylan puts the mystery back in Christmas
Monday, November 23, 2009
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Christmas in the Heart
Bob Dylan (Columbia, 2009)
Post-Modernism or Nostalgia? Commonplace or Avant Guard? Success or Failure? Even a cursory listen to Bob Dylan's latest album, Christmas in the Heart (Columbia, 2009), stirs these questions and more. Just what is Dylan up to? You may approach this album as the most formulaic type of exercise geared at simply raising a profit, but alas Dylan is too clever for that. The proceeds of this musical endeavor are directed at raising money for the hungry worldwide. Since it's a benefit album, you'd think it would be a traditional Christmas album, with accessible versions of the most well-known and well-loved Christmas songs. Well... anyone who has seen the video he recently made for "Must be Santa" would have a difficult time arguing that it's traditional. So what exactly is it?
For some it's a perplexing mess: traditional instruments, back-up singers who seem to have recently stepped out of a studio session with Patsy Cline, mention of former presidents "Nixon, Bush and Clinton" with reindeers Donner and Blitzen, and finally, Bob Dylan sings in Latin. But some may find delight where others find confusion. But when Dylan sings "Winter Wonderland" it is certainly a musical landscape filled with bizarre and strange wonders.
But with this album, Dylan has given us a little of the mystery that lies at the heart of Christmas. Childhood memories of Christmas, for many, do recall a sense of wonder. Dylan's unexpected handling of Christmas music can remind us of the unexpected that resides at the heart of Christmas: the Incarnation. That mystery continues to perplex and delight.
This is not to say that I think Dylan intended this mystery as the central focus of his Christmas album. But, the gift of mystery or a true surprise at Christmas can be wonderful for those whose lives are burdened by hardships and the relentless mundane routine of Christmas festivities. Something new that strikes of mystery is welcome. I, for my part, had to wipe the tears from my eyes as I laughed whole heartedly at Dylan's curious renditions. And so far, as I continue to re-listen, they still bring a smile to my face. Thank you for the Christmas gift Bob Dylan.
wedding
By wedding (not verified) on Wednesday, May 5, 2010I don't see it . . . at all
By Zach (not verified) on Thursday, December 10, 2009Being a Dylan fan, I very much wanted to like this album, but honestly, it's so terrible that I almost thought it was a joke. I put it on earlier this week and silently waited for my family's response. Upon hearing the first strains of Dylan's "voice", my little girl's head bolted upright, and she got a "what's that smell?" look on her face. Moments later, my wife yelled from the other room, "What is that garbage?"
Dylan's vocals, which were always an acquired taste, are beyond awful on this disc. It almost sounds like a guy singing karaoke through a tracheotomy. No ability to hold a tune, grating tonal quality, cheesy arrangements. I'd say this album brings more misery than mystery to Christmas.
Seriously, before you spend good money on this album, go to Amazon and listen to the 30-second samples.
Agreement
By Meghan Murphy-Gill on Friday, December 11, 2009Hi Zach, I have to say that I agree with you! I first heard the album on Sound Opinions (the PRI radio program). They began the review by playing a long clip from "Adeste Fideles." I looked over at my husband and had the same reaction you did: I asked, "Is this a joke? Is this really what Dylan's Christmas album sounds like? Are you sure we're not listening to 'The Annoying Music Show' (a brief few-minute feature on our local public radio station)?"
The album is wretched, in my opinion, but I have thought that my opinion is in part due to my general attitude when it comes to music (I can be hyper critical, even a little bombastic) and in part due to the fact that I am not a huge Dylan fan.
Still, this review is one of the most interesting perspectives on the album that I have read.
who knew that bob dylan
By Angelasutton (not verified) on Tuesday, December 1, 2009who knew that bob dylan could help?
What a constructive and
By John Trinder (not verified) on Wednesday, November 25, 2009What a constructive and thoughtful review. To this (reformed) catholic, this review very much captures the spirit of the album. Dylan has explored the mystery of the Incarnation seriously before (I and I); this time he's having fun. The on-line sample clips don't do the album justice. After hearing them, I bought this album purely to be completist but was delighted to find it is a gem. Jewish blogs have tried to explain this by comparing the output of other Jewish artists in terms music for the festive season - but I bet not too many have sung "Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel."
nice review. A great
By friarbill (not verified) on Wednesday, November 25, 2009nice review. A great Christmas album & gift from an exceptionally gifted being. Bob gave a good interview to North American Street Newspaper Association in which he reports that he is "a true believer." May God sustain him.
Bob Dylan puts the mystery back in Christmas
By Roland (not verified) on Wednesday, November 25, 2009It's a great review. As every knows it is different. It's not a Christmas Album with those clean beautiful angel voices. It makes me smile and it reminds me of my midnight masses as a child when the priest sung with a more or less nice voice. It's real and I think Dylan puts a lot of feelings in those songs.
Dylan album review
By Anonymous (not verified) on Tuesday, November 24, 2009A wonderful review that captures the mystery of listenting to Bob Dylan's Christmas in the Heart album.
You've got me intrigued
By Annie (not verified) on Monday, November 23, 2009Normally, I would have passed giving this album a listen! However, after reading your review, I must admit that you've got me intrigued, and I'm going to have to check it out!
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