John, just wanted to compliment you on all of your thoughtful videos, which are absolutely outstanding without exception. I've rediscovered John Lennon's solo career and the Beatles with many thanks to you. Best wishes.
Hi Bob great review. You are one of the few reviewers I have seen who knows his musical stuff. As a Christian, I know I really appreciated Bob's Christian trilogy. What Christians are offered in the "Contemporary Christian music world" is often disappointing so Bobs stuff was really great. A bit of a mystery as to where his faith went after 1984. "Change my way of thinking" one of my favourite tracks, as well as "What can I do for you?" from Saved.
Agreed. There is very little in the CCM world that moves me the way Bob's stuff does...or Johnny Cash. In fact, Bob's Oh Mercy from 1989 might be my favorite Christian album ever...even though nobody calls it that. Songs like Everything is Broken, Ring Them Bells, Man in the Long Black Coat could be used as the basis for some good sermons.
As always, I enjoyed your Dylan video, John. Thanks for re-doing it (and also the Let It Be.....the outdoors one was hard to hear indeed). I like your style in your reviews. And it is always refreshing to hear another person say nice things about the underrated "Saved" album also. Best regards. Jeff
Great review - a very underrated album imho and as you say excellently produced. Knopflers guitar is a thing of beauty on this album particularly on Precious Angel (such a beautiful song both lyrically and musically) - he knows when to play and when not to. Personally I really like all three of Dylan's so-called religious albums, even if you can't identify with the spiritual lyrics you have to surely agree that musically they are all very strong.
Thanks John. I am certainly not as familiar with Bob Dylan as i am The Beatles. So genuinely thank you for giving me something to listen to and check it out. Peace and Love. By the way i can't get enough of your videos and am scouring your "back catalogue" so to speak. I've been watching your videos for a solid month or so now. And sometimes when i find a channel like this, i find i get up to their latest videos and they are now a defunct channel. Not so with yours. Yay. Way Hay,still making videos ,so new content. You have introduced me to so many new things like this. So just had to say something. Wow,that was a big post script. Just thanks. Craig.
In May '79 , Mark Knopfler and drummer Pick Withers were invited to play on BD's new álbum because the producers , Barry Becket and Jerry Wexler , were with Dire Straits' second álbum 'Communiqué' (recorded in december 1978) , and suggested both to join the band for that session (Becket himself played the keyboards and Tim Drummond was the bass) . Dylan saw Dire Straits first on their first US Tour in the Roxy (L.A.) in March '79 and he was deeply impressed and agreed .
Great review yet again. Many thanks for breaking it down for me. When the reviewers & critics alike panned it then Dylan being Dylan would have just shrugged his shoulder and given his Mona Lisa smile and ignored them. The public were his true audience. Admittedly my own person favourite is Blood on the Tracks but there you go. Keep on rocking. PS: I would second "Anonymous" just before me here in suggesting Tame Impala. A band my kids suggested for me and I am really enjoying.
Hi John, thanks for revisiting this. I agree with you that 'Street Legal' is a fine album, a view probably not unconnected to me seeing Bob for the first time at "The Picnic at Blackbushe" that summer. Its follow up, discussed here, is one I play much less I must confess; it didn't alienate me but I do view it, along with 'Saved' and 'Shot of Love' as missteps. That's not to say these albums contained no great songs and, in fact, 'Every Grain of Sand' from 'Shot of Love' still knocks me bandy when I hear it and is, in my view, one of his very best. Starter albums for those new to Bob surely have to be "Blood on the Tracks" and "Desire", don't they? Great choice of thumbnail BTW - I have so many albums on (most likely now unplayable) cassettes up in the loft!
The historic context has to be the televangelist trend that was building on cable television in America circa 1979 (apparently even John Lennon himself fell under the televangelist spell for a bit at this time). Also, the Evangelical right wing was growing in power and would in part bring about the rise of Ronald Reagan the following year. Perhaps this is why those famous rock critics were a bit over the top in their criticism of Bob Dylan’s new found Christianity voiced in “Slow Train Coming”
Love the songwriting on this one and on the other records of the Christian trilogy, the sound is very simple and pleasant, a quality that Saved and Shot Of Love lack a bit. Nice review once again, I'd really like to see your thoughts on Desire!
My dad used to play this record a lot when I was a kid, could say it was a soundtrack. I like his material most from '97 onwards, Spirit on the Water is my favourite from this period.
Thanks John, I am admittedly biased. I adore this album and always have. The production value is impeccable, and the progression of songs hangs together thematically; which makes it a fine example of the lp format. I really don't put much store in the religious reactionary reviews of this album; but I was raised in the bible belt. I simply do not see that Bob is prescribing "THE" answer here. He is playing at double entendre throughout nearly the entire album. Take the track, Serve Somebody, for example. One can read this any number of ways. It is a truism that everyone serves someone. The alternative is to serve no one. It does not surprise me that John Lennon would pen a foil to this track. He was a notorious narcissist, which is not to disparage his many gifts. The line, "arabs walking around like kings" needs to be understood in it's historical context. I am not in a rush to condemn Bob for being of his time. This is part of the human condition. I just don't see this album as a whole as some sort of didactic screed. It is a man communicating from his authentic experience. It feels personal and genuine; which is not something I can say about all of Dylan's albums. Throughout his career, he seems to be channeling other's. In this album he seems to be revealing himself.
I loved and still admire Dylan. But STC was the limit for me - I've bought no more since then. If you are new to Dylan, this would be about the last album I'd recommend starting with.
and I would recommend it highly...rarely has he sung with so much passion. And the lyrics were prophetic. When You Gonna Wake Up could be about the world today.
I still remember how disappointed I was when I first heard this album, and I haven't changed my mind about it. The words are trite and dogmatic, and the music is sterile. God knows (or maybe He doesn't) why it's popular. It deserved Lennon's scorn.
@@snowfiresunwind That's a good point. I'm not against religious albums in principle, and I suppose I could even conceive of a hectoring evangelical Christian album that succeeded on its own terms. But Slow Train strikes me as lyrically and musically barren. Think of the rage Dylan harnessed in "Idiot Wind" and "Hurricane". There's more fire (and brimstone) in those songs than in any of his Christian sermons.
John, just wanted to compliment you on all of your thoughtful videos, which are absolutely outstanding without exception. I've rediscovered John Lennon's solo career and the Beatles with many thanks to you. Best wishes.
Hi Bob great review. You are one of the few reviewers I have seen who knows his musical stuff. As a Christian, I know I really appreciated Bob's Christian trilogy. What Christians are offered in the "Contemporary Christian music world" is often disappointing so Bobs stuff was really great. A bit of a mystery as to where his faith went after 1984. "Change my way of thinking" one of my favourite tracks, as well as "What can I do for you?" from Saved.
Agreed. There is very little in the CCM world that moves me the way Bob's stuff does...or Johnny Cash. In fact, Bob's Oh Mercy from 1989 might be my favorite Christian album ever...even though nobody calls it that. Songs like Everything is Broken, Ring Them Bells, Man in the Long Black Coat could be used as the basis for some good sermons.
ronfowlermusic I will need to listen more to that one. Have you heard Randy Stonehill? Some of his stuff was good
As always, I enjoyed your Dylan video, John. Thanks for re-doing it (and also the Let It Be.....the outdoors one was hard to hear indeed). I like your style in your reviews. And it is always refreshing to hear another person say nice things about the underrated "Saved" album also. Best regards. Jeff
Great review - a very underrated album imho and as you say excellently produced. Knopflers guitar is a thing of beauty on this album particularly on Precious Angel (such a beautiful song both lyrically and musically) - he knows when to play and when not to. Personally I really like all three of Dylan's so-called religious albums, even if you can't identify with the spiritual lyrics you have to surely agree that musically they are all very strong.
Thanks John. I am certainly not as familiar with Bob Dylan as i am The Beatles. So genuinely thank you for giving me something to listen to and check it out. Peace and Love. By the way i can't get enough of your videos and am scouring your "back catalogue" so to speak. I've been watching your videos for a solid month or so now. And sometimes when i find a channel like this, i find i get up to their latest videos and they are now a defunct channel. Not so with yours. Yay. Way Hay,still making videos ,so new content. You have introduced me to so many new things like this. So just had to say something. Wow,that was a big post script. Just thanks. Craig.
In May '79 , Mark Knopfler and drummer Pick Withers were invited to play on BD's new álbum because the producers , Barry Becket and Jerry Wexler , were with Dire Straits' second álbum 'Communiqué' (recorded in december 1978) , and suggested both to join the band for that session (Becket himself played the keyboards and Tim Drummond was the bass) . Dylan saw Dire Straits first on their first US Tour in the Roxy (L.A.) in March '79 and he was deeply impressed and agreed .
Been a Dylan fan for years but just discovering this period and I love this album.
Great review yet again. Many thanks for breaking it down for me. When the reviewers & critics alike panned it then Dylan being Dylan would have just shrugged his shoulder and given his Mona Lisa smile and ignored them. The public were his true audience. Admittedly my own person favourite is Blood on the Tracks but there you go. Keep on rocking.
PS: I would second "Anonymous" just before me here in suggesting Tame Impala. A band my kids suggested for me and I am really enjoying.
I Believe in You is my favourite track. Direct, timeless lyrics coupled with one of the best melodies in his career!
Hi John, thanks for revisiting this. I agree with you that 'Street Legal' is a fine album, a view probably not unconnected to me seeing Bob for the first time at "The Picnic at Blackbushe" that summer. Its follow up, discussed here, is one I play much less I must confess; it didn't alienate me but I do view it, along with 'Saved' and 'Shot of Love' as missteps. That's not to say these albums contained no great songs and, in fact, 'Every Grain of Sand' from 'Shot of Love' still knocks me bandy when I hear it and is, in my view, one of his very best.
Starter albums for those new to Bob surely have to be "Blood on the Tracks" and "Desire", don't they?
Great choice of thumbnail BTW - I have so many albums on (most likely now unplayable) cassettes up in the loft!
Thanks for your honest reply....think all Bob's albums from this period have merit
@@johnheaton5667 I'm pleased to see you rated Slow Train Coming among his best. I've always thought Infidels was underrated, possibly J.W.H. , too.
Great album! It gets better every time. I'd like to hear your impressions on the '80's albums post-Infidels. Thanks for the videos!
Winston Thrillington hi...I’ve done reviews on empire burlesque, oh mercy, under the red sky...plus a few of his latest albums
Good review John. I held off for years in buying this album and couldn't believe how good it was when I finally heard it.
The historic context has to be the televangelist trend that was building on cable television in America circa 1979 (apparently even John Lennon himself fell under the televangelist spell for a bit at this time). Also, the Evangelical right wing was growing in power and would in part bring about the rise of Ronald Reagan the following year. Perhaps this is why those famous rock critics were a bit over the top in their criticism of Bob Dylan’s new found Christianity voiced in “Slow Train Coming”
This album is timeless...listening to it a lot this year 2020!
Love the songwriting on this one and on the other records of the Christian trilogy, the sound is very simple and pleasant, a quality that Saved and Shot Of Love lack a bit. Nice review once again, I'd really like to see your thoughts on Desire!
Ricardo Teixeira hi Ricardo...reviewed Desire a while back!
My dad used to play this record a lot when I was a kid, could say it was a soundtrack. I like his material most from '97 onwards, Spirit on the Water is my favourite from this period.
“Street Legal” fan too. Never heard “Slow Train” other than some live renditions - need to get around to that.
Thanks John,
I am admittedly biased. I adore this album and always have. The production value is impeccable, and the progression of songs hangs together thematically; which makes it a fine example of the lp format.
I really don't put much store in the religious reactionary reviews of this album; but I was raised in the bible belt. I simply do not see that Bob is prescribing "THE" answer here. He is playing at double entendre throughout nearly the entire album. Take the track, Serve Somebody, for example. One can read this any number of ways. It is a truism that everyone serves someone. The alternative is to serve no one. It does not surprise me that John Lennon would pen a foil to this track. He was a notorious narcissist, which is not to disparage his many gifts.
The line, "arabs walking around like kings" needs to be understood in it's historical context. I am not in a rush to condemn Bob for being of his time. This is part of the human condition. I just don't see this album as a whole as some sort of didactic screed. It is a man communicating from his authentic experience. It feels personal and genuine; which is not something I can say about all of Dylan's albums. Throughout his career, he seems to be channeling other's. In this album he seems to be revealing himself.
4:36 ok that funny
I loved and still admire Dylan. But STC was the limit for me - I've bought no more since then. If you are new to Dylan, this would be about the last album I'd recommend starting with.
and I would recommend it highly...rarely has he sung with so much passion. And the lyrics were prophetic. When You Gonna Wake Up could be about the world today.
Not bad for a Mark Knopfler album
Gotta love John Lennon's response.
I still remember how disappointed I was when I first heard this album, and I haven't changed my mind about it. The words are trite and dogmatic, and the music is sterile. God knows (or maybe He doesn't) why it's popular. It deserved Lennon's scorn.
Just compare it to John Wesley Harding, which is saturated in biblical imagery but is entirely free of Slow Train's banality.
@@simonvaughan6017 Personally I think they are both great albums but both totally different in concept.
@@snowfiresunwind That's a good point. I'm not against religious albums in principle, and I suppose I could even conceive of a hectoring evangelical Christian album that succeeded on its own terms. But Slow Train strikes me as lyrically and musically barren. Think of the rage Dylan harnessed in "Idiot Wind" and "Hurricane". There's more fire (and brimstone) in those songs than in any of his Christian sermons.