Product Description

Dylan's first studio recording since 2001's 'Love And Theft' features ten brand new songs from the iconic singer-songwriter and is the 44th album release of his prolific career. He features on vocals, guitar, keyboard and harmonica and is accompanied by his touring band. 'Modern Times' is also produced by Dylan under his psuedonym, Jack Frost.

Track Listing

1. Thunder on the Mountain
2. Spirit on the Water
3. Rollin' and Tumblin'
4. When the Deal Goes Down
5. Someday Baby
6. Workingman's Blues
7. Beyond the Horizon
8. Nettie Moore
9. The Levee's Gonna Break
10. Ain't Talkin'

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1592 in Music
• Released on: 2006-08-28
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
At a time when the majority of those his age are drifting into retirement, 65-year-old Bob Dylan has released an album that ranks with the best in his storied, 44-album career. Like Time Out of Mind and Love and Theft before it, Modern Times is a rootsy, blues-soaked pool of the purest form of Americana--skipping the progressive bells or whistles for an understated backing by his touring band. Dylan's voice, which cracks, rasps and moans from the pop singer's pulpit, hasn't been this rich and emotive since 1976's Desire. And while his lyrics prolong his steadfast allusions to a higher power and his own immortality, they are not without the Dylan mirth, as when he sings of tracking pop queen Alicia Keys from Hell's Kitchen to Tennessee in "Thunder on the Mountain". This track, along with with "Someday Baby" and "Rollin' and Tumblin'" (for which Dylan misguidedly claims writing credit), is one of the record's fieriest numbers. Still, it's the Dylan that tells of a slave-loving owner ("Nettie Moore"), who brings New Orleans to the front burner ("The Levee's Gonna Break") and plays the part of an eloquent lounge singer ("Spirit on the Water," "When the Deal Goes Down" and "Beyond the Horizon") that makes Modern Times sound just like old times. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews

Hillbilly Elevator Music...
I have refrained from writing a review of this CD too soon as I wanted to give it enough listens to really try and get to grips with it. However after a couple of years of repeated attempts, I am afraid that despite all the hype, this really isn't a great album by any stretch of the imagination. As someone else here noted, if this didn't have Dylan's name attached to it, do you REALLY think it would have made ANY kind of splash at all? Thsi is music for Gramps to shuffle and sip a Mint Julip on the back porch to, it's certainly not a fitting 'return to form' as so many keep repeatedly trying to make us believe (reminds me of all Bowie's recent releases ALL being a return to form.....)

While pleasant enough as background music in some retro hotel lift in the deep south perhaps, Dylan really does sound as if he has run out of ideas. Lyrically some of the tracks still show his genius, but it's all submerged in a rather tepid, meandering, and just plain second rate music. Dylan really DOES sound old on these tracks, and a little disinterested, which is quite depressing. Has he lost his musical mojo?!? Compare this to how engaged, youthful and witty he sounds on his ongoing Theme Time Radio Hour shows... seems like two different people.

The band are - as usual - extremely tight and do a great job within the confines Dylan has obviously set for them. However it would be nice to see them ALL really let rip, have a Jam, and ENJOY themselves. Dylan needs some grit back to his music - it's all too polished and - ultimately - boring to listen to.

I fervantly hope that his next album marks a return to a more rock orientated release, or perhaps a stripped down solo release? He needs to stretch/challange himself again I think - he just sounds a little bored with his own music now.

I'd have LOVED to give this a great review, but I am afraid it really is a meandering and souless release.

Definately audition before buying!

Luv It!
You either like this guy or you don,t. I think Dylan is magic. For me, this album is about as good as it gets. Thunder On The mountain is my favourite although I enjoyed all the tracks. His voice is like gravel and you have to think hard about the lyrics. I know he has his critics and it,s a different Dylan you,ll listen to here for sure, but here,s a man who served his time, a true "Journeyman". A thoroughly enjoyable album.

The easy way in
I don't have the same problems as all the reviewers who write vast essays on whether whatever Dylan album is supposed to be.
Because I like cover versions.I like plagiarism.And Dylan has never been too far from both areas.
The 80s would see some great albums of covers.After all Dylan is all about covers and passing other peoples' stuff off as his own work.
Like this CD-at least half of it is rewritten things.Notice Dylan is clever enough not to end up in court.
So Memphis Minnie-no longer around but how do we know where she got the melody for When the Levee breaks.
All common stock.There for anybody.And Dylan knew that in 1962