Tuesday, May 24, 2011

No cake, just music - Dylan Turns 70

That today is Bob Dylan's 70th birthday is, by now, news you have probably heard at least four times. That some of us of certain ages find this worthy of note is not news at all.

If you haven't seen them, the Martin Scorsese documentary, NO DIRECTION HOME, or the D. A. Pennebaker-directed, DON'T LOOK BACK, offer a lot of Dylan as he spans the years.

His third album, THE TIMES THEY ARE A'CHANGIN', was released after I'd left home. It was not one I would play on the living room stereo while I sat on the floor, trying to learn the words. The title song still reaches me. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

13 comments:

beth coyote said...

I used to press my ear to the stereo in the living room so I could listen to Bob after everyone else was asleep. Dylan was not allowed in my house because he sounded 'awful'. The first poetry I fell in love with, besides ee cummings.

Robert the Skeptic said...

I saw that documentary; damn fine work!

Marylinn Kelly said...

Beth - There was a bit more tolerance of his "awful" voice at my house...I think it was the number of times played that got to them.

Marylinn Kelly said...

Robert - Music-centered documentaries are among some of my favorites...it may be my news background, but I am very drawn to people's stories, their real lives.

Elizabeth said...

I love that song -- that album -- THE MAN.

There can never be too many tributes to him.

Marylinn Kelly said...

Elizabeth - I agree with all you've said.

Claire Beynon said...

He spoke into and out of our times back then and still does now. The man is a genius.

In case you have an appetite for more, Robert Wilkinson wrote a lovely tribute (with multiple links) to him, too - http://www.aquariuspapers.com/astrology/2011/05/a-happy-2011-70th-birthday-to-bob-dylan-americas-poet-laureate.html

Thanks for this music, Marylinn.
Love, Claire xo

Marylinn Kelly said...

Claire - Thank you for the link...an interesting column and site...I watched "Mr. Tambourine Man" with the Byrds...mostly, I think I really live in other times, perhaps am just here in the now to hold my place. xoxo

Jayne said...

Ah, one of my music heroes. He and Neil Young, though, back in my high school days, were not very welcomed in parents home. I still stocked up.
Have seen the documentary--it's terrific. I used to love listening to his Theme Time Radio Hour on Sirius.
Nice birthday wishes, Marylinn!
(Should send it along to Bob.)

Kerry O'Gorman said...

My mom was a sort of hippie and I grew up with Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, The Band etc...I instilled the love of this music in my daughter and we all still listen to it. Some messages are worth repeating. The '60s were a powerful, life changing time in the world. Happy Birthday Bob!

Marylinn Kelly said...

Response on Sunday, I promise.

Marylinn Kelly said...

Jayne - Thank you...I didn't hear the Sirius program, drat. Neil Young, me, too. While you seem to find so many new, extraordinary musicians, singers, I am caught in a time warp. Thank goodness for your blog and all the introductions.

Marylinn Kelly said...

Kerry - What happy continuity, sharing the music with the next generation. While I sometimes find my way to new groups, my favorites are still those...I imagine you've all seen Scorsese's THE LAST WALTZ...packed with the best...Dylan, Mitchell, Young, of course the Band and Van Morrison. What a concert.