Buried in When the night comes falling from the sky is one of my favorite Dylan lines: “who are you,that I should have to lie.” as always, words to live by.
Empire Burlesque was my first new release Dylan album, also. It is simply a great album. It's exhilarating. It's funny. It rocks. It rolls. And it's got Dark Eyes. How can you not belt out Clean Cut Kid at the top of your lungs whenever you spin this platter? "Adjust to what? A dream that bust?!" Tight Connection, I'll Remember You, Emotionally Yours. Love. Love. Love. I am so looking forward to these interviews, Ray. Thank you!!!
I've always explained to people that my "relationship" with Dylan is the way it is because my first two major interactions with him were (1) the video for "Tight Connection" on MTV and (2) Live Aid. I never did see Tight Connection live, but got Seeing The Real You, I'll Remember You, Never Gonna Be The Same, and Dark Eyes. Under all the production, there's some really good stuff on there.
Goin 80s...yup, strange time. What a teaser introduction! Can't wait. As for any of Bob's albums, if the sound is a bit strange, don't forget the lyrics. The writing is still top shelf.
It's really a pity that the production overshadowed its thematic concepts: the emperor has no clothes, all of what society views as important is shallow and empty, darkness is falling (even apocalyptic darkness), and the only way through is to Trust Yourself. Conversely, the love songs (Never Gonna Be the Same Again, I'll Remember You and Emotionally Yours) remain pure and unadorned. It opens with a wandering soul, searching for his Love, and ends with that same voice, all alone, staring out at a sea of Dark Eyes.
Had Bob recorded these songs with a small combo or even solo, it would have been hailed as a masterpiece. Instead he chose to clothe all but one of them in as much glitter and glitz as possible, with layers of the latest sounds burying the message. Is it possible this was intentional? Could the whole "I want to be Madonna" approach have been one of his masks?
If you're going to indict society for its falseness, creating a "fake sound" would be a glorious way to do it.
I listened to this record recently and while it’s certainly dated in production, there are some great songs on there like “Emotionally Yours” and as you mentioned, “Dark Eyes”.
Buried in When the night comes falling from the sky is one of my favorite Dylan lines: “who are you,that I should have to lie.” as always, words to live by.
Empire Burlesque was my first new release Dylan album, also. It is simply a great album. It's exhilarating. It's funny. It rocks. It rolls. And it's got Dark Eyes. How can you not belt out Clean Cut Kid at the top of your lungs whenever you spin this platter? "Adjust to what? A dream that bust?!" Tight Connection, I'll Remember You, Emotionally Yours. Love. Love. Love. I am so looking forward to these interviews, Ray. Thank you!!!
I've always explained to people that my "relationship" with Dylan is the way it is because my first two major interactions with him were (1) the video for "Tight Connection" on MTV and (2) Live Aid. I never did see Tight Connection live, but got Seeing The Real You, I'll Remember You, Never Gonna Be The Same, and Dark Eyes. Under all the production, there's some really good stuff on there.
One of Bob's best albums, truly.
Goin 80s...yup, strange time. What a teaser introduction! Can't wait. As for any of Bob's albums, if the sound is a bit strange, don't forget the lyrics. The writing is still top shelf.
I think Springsteen said something at the time along the lines of ‘If EB was an album by someone new everybody would be raving about it!’
It's really a pity that the production overshadowed its thematic concepts: the emperor has no clothes, all of what society views as important is shallow and empty, darkness is falling (even apocalyptic darkness), and the only way through is to Trust Yourself. Conversely, the love songs (Never Gonna Be the Same Again, I'll Remember You and Emotionally Yours) remain pure and unadorned. It opens with a wandering soul, searching for his Love, and ends with that same voice, all alone, staring out at a sea of Dark Eyes.
Had Bob recorded these songs with a small combo or even solo, it would have been hailed as a masterpiece. Instead he chose to clothe all but one of them in as much glitter and glitz as possible, with layers of the latest sounds burying the message. Is it possible this was intentional? Could the whole "I want to be Madonna" approach have been one of his masks?
If you're going to indict society for its falseness, creating a "fake sound" would be a glorious way to do it.
Paul, hell yeah
Awesome take on this. Thanks
First new release Bob Album I bought (age 16). I love it unconditionally. Really has a lot of strong songs.
Exciting!!!
I listened to this record recently and while it’s certainly dated in production, there are some great songs on there like “Emotionally Yours” and as you mentioned, “Dark Eyes”.
I look forward to the interviews!
Empire Burlesque is a fucking masterpiece! Anyone who thinks differently can catch these hands for real, respectfully.
Looking forward to it.
Should be interesting, to say the least.
Excellent, can't wait! I too have a soft spot for EB.
Looking forward to it!