20th Century American Works for Winds

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...standards, and his best albums were undisputed classics of the rock & roll canon. Dylan's influence throughout folk music was equally powerful, and he marks a pivotal turning point in its 20th-century evolution, signifying when the genre moved away from traditional songs and toward personal songwriting. Even when his sales declined in the '80s and '90s, Dylan's presence was calculable. Blood on the tracks is A stunning, mature statement in which the songwriter faced the conflicting elements of his life, the uncertainties of life in general, and the virtues of kindness and generosity. Incidentally, he also invented new songwriting structures and composed some of the most appealing music of his career. Still perhaps Dylan's most listenable and compelling album, this best represents his post-'60s work.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Poltically motivated lyrics, innovative music, great songs
Disadvantages: some say too similar to other rage albums (I disagree), not for the faint of heart

...to see that the US has been responsible for many of the atrocities in the late 20th century." PEOPLE OF THE SUN: Nominated for a grammy for best hard rock performance in 1998. The song is primarily about the plight of the Mexican people. "Since 1516, minds attacked and overseen" when the Spaniards invaded and destroyed much of the local culture. There are also references to the Vietnam war, the 'Marlboro Man', and ethnic cleansing in Los Angeles (referring to laws subtely aimed at oppressing the Latin Americans there). NOte that RATM's singer is of Latin American heritage, and lived in Los Angeles. He is also rumoured at one point to have helped on the front line with the Zapatistas! Musically this is a powerful, catchy song in my opinion. A typical funky, heavy rage song. BULLS ON PARADE: This is about the Zapatista movement... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: New Sound
Disadvantages: Not enough

...I must confess to not being a fan of the music my son enjoys, but this album is truly magnificent. The sampling of early 20th century blues combined with 21st century dance rhythms shows that this guy is a real genius. "Natural Blues" is easily my favourite song at the moment, but I can't think of any track on the album where I need to find the skip button, not something I can say for many albums I purchase! Moby told Jools Holland that the tracks were recorded in a bedroom in his New York apartment - I just wish more artists would spend time at home if this is the standard of work that they would produce.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful