Modern Times is regarded as the third album in a trilogy that includes Time Out Of Mind and Love And Theft. On this, his 44th album, Dylan delivers what his fans have been waiting five years for: an outstanding release. This is an album where he shuffles and waltzes his way through a collection of songs the equal of any in his long and varied career. He recorded them with his touring band, playing many instruments himself, and the result is a tight (did I just say that about Dylan?!) and free-flowing affair that will transfer to a live sound seamlessly. His voice has aged, yet suits the songs perfectly. As a matter of fact, I can’t help but feel that Dylan’s movin’ and groovin’ while singing the songs. Picture an old dancehall, a huge mirrorball, slicked-back hair, old microphone and sharp suit…is Bob taking dance classes? ‘Workingmans Blues #2’, ‘Nettie Moore’ and ‘Ain’t Talkin’’ stand out, but don’t compare these songs to others he has written – let them stand alone as stories. It is the lyric and its power on the listener, after all, that Dylan has never lost sight of. All hail the master. Lou Fulco is from Readings Port Melbourne
