Album Review: An essay on Dylan in context of new record Rough and Rowdy Ways
In light of the fantastic new Bob Dylan album, Rough and Rowdy Ways which was released last week, I‘ve wondered if everything that can be said about Bob Dylan has already been said? Honestly, what else is there to discuss? Dylan just “is” Dylan. I think the hardest part of being an artist is having “experts” and “critics” compare and dissect your work, stretch it out and lay it down against your last.
Art is art, creativity should not be measured in traditional terms. Art is experienced. This is similar to having one child excel in mathematics, another in English, and a third who climbs trees faster than a monkey. How do you compare them? You do not, and if you do, then what kind of parent are you? This is what non-creative people will never understand about those who actually conjure the music.
As I was listening to Dylan’s new album and contemplating all of this, I came across an essay written by my friend Rick Maue. He was discussing this same issue and brilliantly. It is so on point; I couldn’t improve on a single word or phrase. I have included the following passage from his composition on the Nobel Prize winning songwriter’s work:
“Over the past couple of weeks, I have been spending far too much time with words from lesser human beings. Now, when I say “lesser”, I am saying they are far beneath the subject they are attempting to discuss and dissect.
Yes, how dare some wannabe internet “writer” ask the question, “Does Dylan still have it?”
Let me answer that for you, dumbass… Dylan doesn’t “have it”. And I’ll explain why in just a moment. But, first, before all the non-Dylan folks scroll away, let me assure you that this essay isn’t actually about Bob. He’s just the strike of the match that lit this particular fire inside of me this morning. So, please hang with us.
Now, let’s return to my earlier statement: Dylan doesn’t “have it”. In fact, he never “had it”. The reason is… Dylan IS IT.
That’s correct; Dylan is an artist. That’s IT. Just like Picasso, Lenny Bruce, Marcel Marceau, Lady Gaga, or the pastry chef down the block. None of them “have it”; they simply ARE IT.
Let’s be clear: We are talking about artists, and artists evolve. Artists age. Artists grow. Artists thrive. Artists struggle. They go through times of proficiency, and they suffer droughts. They are human beings, and they are super-beings. They see the world through their hearts, as well as their eyes. And they express what they experience at specific moments. Sometimes the muse visits; other times, she/he is elusive. And, still other times, we artists foolishly don’t answer the door when she/he knocks. That’s the human aspect of our strangeness
As we travel through time, everyone’s abilities morph. As age becomes a factor, we typically become less dexterous, a shade slower, and sometimes even a bit stagnant; yet often, we trade much of that to be a tad wiser. However, even the wisdom level decreases when memory and cognition become cloudy. But none of that means we “lose it”. It simply means we are in a different place. We are merely inserting a different series of pieces in life’s enigmatic puzzle. So, when “reviewers” ask if Dylan (or any artist) still “has it”, I become enraged. Especially since the tone of many such hacks is merely to judge. And who the hell anointed “reviewers” as the keepers of the “Have It” flame?
I guess my tolerance for such “critics” has dropped to a devastating low simply because, in today’s world, everyone’s an “expert”. Fools actually take pride in writing “Yelp reviews”; as if we care what those egocentric pedestrians think of the Burger King out on Highway 61. Worse still, when those same types of idiot question if Dylan “still has it”, or if he is “still relevant”, their clueless rants are nothing short of blasphemy.
But, once again, this isn’t about Dylan. It is about us. Each one of us. Because art speaks to individuals. It touches you, or it doesn’t. That’s it.
For example, very early this morning, I happened to spend quality time with Dylan’s 1992 release, “Good As I Been To You”. I listened to it closely; and it made my heart better. It brought me to a higher plain of existence. And yet, back when it was released, some morons asked if Dylan “still had it”. Screw them. If they wish to say whether the music touched them…fine. But, if they want to question Dylan’s place in the world—or if he “still has it”—they can screw themselves upside down. And hard.
Simply put, if reviewers wish to judge the art as they personally see it—however, not for the masses—that’s great. But, if they wish to judge the artist, and that artist’s place in the Cosmos, then those charlatans are merely trying to ride the coattails of those who tower light years above them.
To tie all of this together… Embrace the art that embraces you. That’s all. Don’t get all high and mighty about it. After all, any artist who touches the heart of another human being is doing her/his job properly. And that’s the only “it” that matters.
So, does Dylan still have it?
Simply put, Dylan is. That’s it. And nothing more needs to be said.”
I love Rick Maue. I love his passion and his prose. Bob Dylan’s new album, Rough and Rowdy Ways IS Dylan. Dylan Is IT. That is all.
