Alan Ratcliffe wrote
:-[ OK. My wife (who is the big Dylanophile around these parts) has insisted that I retract my endorsement of Dylan's Empire Burlesque. She even made me listen to the album to prove the point.
Oh dear, Mrs Ratcliffe! Alan, you let slip that you're a Mike Campbell fan. I insist that you revisit "Emotionally yours" and listen to Mike's lead during the outtro. It is sublimely simple but sails off into a magical place. Mike and Heartbreakers cohort Benmont Tench play on most tracks, whilst Sly & Robbie, Ron Wood and Mick Taylor all dropped in for the sessions.
On the whole, I do agree. It's not a strong Dylan album, but has its moments. I think it suffered for following "Infidels", which IMO is Bob's best 80's album. The atrocious video promo for "tight connection", with a visibly out of it Bob strolling through the streets of what looked liked Tokyo with two ladies of the night in tow, probably didn't help either!! But man, on that song, what classic Dylan lines:
Well, I had to move fast
And I couldn't with you around my neck.
I said I'd send for you and I did
What did you expect?
My hands are sweating
And we haven't even started yet.
I'll go along with the charade
Until I can think my way out.
I know it was all a big joke
Whatever it was about.
Someday maybe
I'll remember to forget.
I'm gonna get my coat,
I feel the breath of a storm.
There's something I've got to do tonight,
You go inside and stay warm.
Has anybody seen my love?
You're the one I've been looking for,
You're the one that's got the key.
But I can't figure out whether I'm too good for you
Or you're too good for me.
Has anybody seen my love?
Never could learn to drink that blood
And call it wine,
Never could learn to hold you, love,
And call you mine.
Has anybody seen my love?
But alas, I know I'm in the minority on this one. After "Infidels" Bob IMO really only hit stride again with "No Mercy" when Daniel Lanois did a Rick Rubin on him. This from Wikipedia:
The production techniques used on Empire Burlesque are typical of the 1980s, and contemporary critics find it to be one of the few Dylan albums that now sound quite dated. However, the songwriting is generally considered to be some of Dylan's strongest of the decade, with such notable compositions as "Tight Connection to My Heart" and "Dark Eyes." Fans and critics continue to debate the album's merits, especially when compared to Dylan's classics of the 1960s, 70s and 2000s. It peaked at #33 in the US and #11 in the UK.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_Burlesque
PS: I know my spirited defence is more than what was intended or required [!!!!], but my four-year-old woke me up early on a Saturday so I'm trying to avoid mowing the lawn!
+1 on the Joe Jackson. Amazing composer, right from the "Look Sharp" era to the jazzy stuff and even Big Band era. I missed his recent Cape Town gig as I had to play at a wedding that night (wedding was a groovy gig in the Riebeeck Valley though), but I understand many punters were upset because he only played a one hour set. Still would have loved to see it, though.
Alan, go and listen to the last 90 seconds of "Emotionally yours" now!!!
This was a great Friday thread ...
Riaan C
