'Handy Dandy' is, imo - sorry to use the phrase - severely underrated. On a song with all lightweight lyrics that sound like nursery rhymes that have nothing to do with Dylan the artist/person, 'Handy Dandy' is the one seemingly autiobiographical song, about a man who has "been around the world and back again, something in the moonlight still haunts him". That's about Dylan, still touring the globe after all these years. In the tradition of 'Jokerman', I find this a lyrical gem about an enigmatic yet charismatic figure. It's also the best sounding song on the record. While the organ is reminiscent of 'Like a Rolling Stone', it's not the same. And I do admit there's a better alternative version - without the organ - floating around RUclips (better vocals, too). But as is, I think 'Handy Dandy' deserves more respect. It's the one track from this album I keep coming back to.
@@dylanseveymusic You guys are the best. I don't see how anybody can know the details of every album by almost any singer as deeply as you do. Of course, you are right on Dylan.
"Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a bowl of soup Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a rolling hoop Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a ton of lead Wiggle, you can raise the dead" --- Bob Dylan, winner of nobel prize in literature.
@@karlmehltretter2677 funniest thing for me about that is the reasoning why that solo was removed: bob thought it made the song sounded like a guns & roses song. But slash was the guitarist of guns & roses. That always crack me up.
This is a good album but, the next two are a breath of fresh air, and just what Bob needed. After all, the album after Is Time Out Of Mind. The REAL comeback.
I'm a huge fan of the show; you guys never disappoint, and I think throughout the series Dylan S has been consistently brilliant about Bob. As for Bob himself, I take a back seat to no one in my admiration. I've been studying his work for 54 years and so much of it continues to surprise me. But I never got through this record, not even once. I frankly ignored most of his stuff from this period. Then after this episode I listened to it, and it surprised me a little. I enjoyed Wiggle Wiggle, really liked Handy Dandy. Most of the record's as poorly produced and sung as you guys say. But then I read the lyrics, and as nearly always with Bob, found lines that are genuinely interesting -- "This is the key to the kingdom and this is the town, This is the blind horse that leads you around". "Wiggle, you can raise the dead, Wiggle till you're high, wiggle till you're higher, Wiggle till you vomit fire. Wiggle till it whispers, wiggle till it hums, Wiggle till it answers, wiggle till it comes." "You're going north and you're going south, Just like bait in a fish's mouth." (a metaphor you have to think about for second). And goofy though you say it is, I too never would have said a pail of milk wiggles when you put it down, but try it -- it really does. Silly as it seems, minor though it is, it's another case where Bob notices something most of us wouldn't. TV Talking Song tells a story that almost works. With better production and a little rewriting, as Bob always does, it could be really good. God Knows has the ghost of a good song hovering around it; Bob's ongoing faith coming partly back into focus for him, and the music and singing improves steadily in the last section. I can't lie, as noted I really like Handy Dandy, the way it moves, Bob's singing (really strong) and the lyrics -- it's a damn good song; and Cat's in the Well: "The cat's in the well and grief is showing its face, the world's being slaughtered and it's such a bloody disgrace." "The cat's in the well and the servant is at the door. The drinks are ready and the dogs are going to war." Most of the album is way under-cooked and on several songs Bob sounds pretty out of it -- but as always with him, there's some great stuff hiding in there.
Hi guys, your review is much more interesting than the album itself! it is not utterly bad but with so many other albums available it ended up gathering dust on the shelf!
Loved this album... played it non-stop when it came out along with Traveling Wilburys and all their solo projects. Learned to play a lot of the songs on guitar. Didn't realize I wasn't supposed to like it until years later.
When the album was first released I heard the title (an obvious U2 echo) and saw the cover photo (Bob in a desert, recalling countless U2-in-a-desert images) and concluded, not unreasonably, that this would be Bob giving us his take on the most popular band of the day. Holy cow, was I ever wrong.
I never listened to this album so I can't constructively comment on this album, but I do know that good music from Dylan still awaits us, so I give thanks for both of you listening to this one for me and I can't wait for better things to come.
I could like Red Sky if Bob used one of his other voices instead of the ultra/extra nasally tone 👎🏼 I say this respectfully as a huge Dylan fan. God bless you all, God bless Bob! 🕊️🕯️🤍
i remember seeing posters for dylan's 90's shows and one of the song titles that was mentioned on the poster was "wiggle wiggle" which i found humorous. i've enjoyed the record for over one third of a century.
I've been looking forward to this episode! I must admit I wasn't too surprised at the response to Under The Red Sky, back in 1990 that was exactly how I felt about it too. But I have warmed to it over the years. If there's one thing we know about Dylan, he was never gonna follow Oh Mercy with Oh Mercy Mk II. With UTRS, he was taking a diversion, having a bit of fun and while a lot of your criticism is valid, I think he was aiming for something more spontaneous. Fair to say the results are mixed but I think it's a fun and interesting listen. Cats In The Well is fabulous while I have no issue with Born In Time or the title track. So I totally get the WTF reaction it received initially, it seemed like a willful act of self-sabotage. But we've been here before (Self Portrait) and I think thats the best way to see it, a curious diversion that confounds/delights critics and fans. Increasingly I find myself in the latter camp! 😂
You guys nailed it. Saw him in Indy during this time and it was as lifeless as this recording. What a letdown coming after Oh Mercy. He really messed his pants with this one. Another great episode. I'm not sure how you guys endured some of the stuff you listen to. But you make it very interesting. At least something good came as a result of Under the Red Sky
Very cool episode! Dear Dylan, I like the point you made about the "window dressing" that is better than it was on his weak 80s efforts. Maybe this, alongside my love for Born in Time, my exclusive appreciation of the song 2x2, and George's guitar work on the title make me unable to despise this album as much as you and many others do. But of course you're right, it's a big let-down after "Oh Mercy", and there's not much substance to it for the most part, especially if you bear in mind (which I didn't do when I first rated all the albums) that the best song actually should have been on the predecessor.
I wouldn't call this a 'bad' album, the playing and production are too strong. However, given Dylan's vocals and the nursery rhyme lyrics, I'd say it's a negligible. There are a few gems, mostly during the first half, but overall, this leaves little-to-no impression. Bob seems to be experimenting with a lyric style that tries to say a lot with a little but I can't say he succeeds. Obviously, a re-calibration was called for which the next two albums provided. The "Discovering Bob Dylan" series continues to provide insight and smiles. Keep up the good work, guys!
Once u take a step back and realize the purpose of this album then one can understand the GENIUS of Bob Dylan n this album. This album was made to make all of his other albums look brilliant. Once you can see that is the purpose of this album then u can grasp the true genius n intellect of it!
Waiting for you guys to get to the string of fantastic albums that start in 1997 is like me in college waiting for Dylan to put out something good and having to listen to Under A Red Sky instead.
Dylan did seem very fond of Cat’s In The Well. He played it live for many years after. I remember him doing it in 2004 at the Tower Theater show I saw. I think it might have even been part of the encore that night. 🤘 I don’t hate the Red Sky album, but I don’t listen to it often either.
Remember when I managed record store in dc..when this came out..we were stunned at the lyric contest I wasn’t as miffed when KOL came out. This one was shocking
Love the shout-out to the second Traveling Wilburys album. It's underrated. As for Under the Red Sky, I do love the title track, particularly for George's guitar. The slick production of the album is fine, and occasionally has some nice moments (Handy Dandy has dumb lyrics but a pleasant arrangement). Born in Time is also good. Still, even Wiggle Wiggle isn't as embarrassing as Ugliest Girl in the World or Man Gave Name to All the Animals.
I agree with Dylan (not Bob). It is baffling that the same guy who wrote Visions of Johanna also wrote Wiggle Wiggle. It's like if Gordon Ramsay decided to open a hot dog stand and it caught fire and burnt down.
I have eagerly awaited each of 29 episodes. The only bad song Wiggle Wigle is poor. The others are very good to most excellent. I can not imaging how Dylan is so punishing on this album. Enough is enough!
I very rarely find myself criticizing Bob Dylan but, this one hurt for the exact reason you stated. Oh Mercy was an artistic comeback and I couldn’t wait for his follow-up. This left me angry that I had to listen to all the Dylan haters come out the woodwork again. Thank god his true comeback was just around the corner.
Sorry, don’t get the hate. This is an ok album, an anti OhMercy if you will. I get the sense that as good as Oh Mercy is, Bob hated making it. But more importantly; Are we getting a Complete unknown movie review? And I wish you guys would comment about the Columbia 30 th anniversary tribute concert to Bob, the one with the incredible My Back Pages collaboration
I think we both sum up our feelings pretty cogently. But, of course, you are entitled to your opinion. We discuss the concert in the next episode. As for a movie review, I'll have to talk to the boss. I'm scared for the film, but I'm certainly willing to do it.
1990 not yet halfway through Dylan’s career. 30+ years to go, but there’s still light at the end of the tunnel with just 6 original albums. But I do think he’ll dig the upcoming traditionals records. ‘93 and in the middle of grunge, he just ‘sings into a can’ showing off his finger picking licks. Especially World Gone Wrong, no production, no band, no guest artists. The folk punk aesthetic starts a series of great to amazing albums. As for this album, even as a fan boy, I don’t have much to comment. Seems to be ignored.
Cat's in the Well and Under the Red Sky are the only songs that capture the "children's songs for adults" vibe. I genuinely like those two. The rest is pretty dire.
I think you are both a little harsh on this album. By Bob Dylan’s standards, it is certainly one of his weaker efforts. But taking the album as it is, as a collection of 10 songs, 35 minutes of music, I think there is quite a bit to enjoy. First of all, Under the Red Sky is a beautiful song. I heard him play it at the Hollywood Bowl earlier this year and it was an absolute highlight of the show. Such a strong melody, really simple yet lovely lyrics, and great performances from George Harrison on slide and Bob himself on accordion. I also really enjoy 2 x 2, the duet with David Crosby. Another effortlessly simple song that is well-performed and catchy. No mention of Elton John’s fantastic little keyboard solo? The lyrics are also far more interesting than you give credit. The two serious songs, Born In Time and God Knows are also good tracks. I actually prefer these versions to the Oh Mercy outtakes. Maybe because I’m just more familiar with them but I think the performances on both are quite strong. Definitely Stevie Ray Vaughan’s best moments are on God Knows. The rest of the album is quite middling. Wiggle Wiggle, TV Talkin’ Song, 10,000 Men, and Unbelievable don’t do much for me. Cat’s In The Well is decent but not a good choice as an album closer. So overall, it’s not a good album by Dylan’s high standards, but I still enjoy about half the tracks. It is definitely in the lower half of Dylan records, ranking-wise, but not bottom five, no way. 2.5/5
Good discussion guys. I think he should just made a kids album or EP...seems to be where his head was at. I always defend his Christmas album because Bob loves to explore traditional musical styles and it was for a good charity that feeds kids. This record could have been similar with Bob all in on the kids music. He could have hung out with Ringo on Thomas the Tank Engine too!
As far as "Under the Red Sky"...what Dylan S. said. I mean...my reaction to that album is exactly the same as his. I think Lanois really pulled "Oh Mercy" out of Dylan, and while it was a commercial and critical success, I don't necessarily think that Dylan's confidence was "back" yet. I feel like "Under the Red Sky" reflects that. He's in poor voice on the album. Again, I think Lanois' music and atmospheres provided a nice space for Dylan's voice to relax in. "Under the Red Sky" doesn't provide that same safe space. And while I really enjoy the next two acoustic covers albums, his voice sounds kind of uneven on those records. It sounds really good in some places, and pretty ragged in others. It took Dylan some time to figure out the best way to use his ravaged voice, but I think "Good As I Been To You" (which has one of my least favorite Dylan album covers) and "World Gone Wrong" are where he starts to figure it out.
I'm about to turn 60, and the fact that Dylan (the podcaster) wasn't even born when this album came out is making me feel old! I was looking very much forward to this after the greatness of "Oh Mercy" and have tried my hardest to like this album but it's a way step down IMHO. It feels to me that he (or maybe Columbia Records) was looking for a hit so Bob made a record that was more directly straightforward rock in order to try and do that. It might have worked better if the songs were better, but they're not. "Wiggle Wiggle" is just bad, though I'll give it this - "wiggle wiggle wiggle 'til you vomit fire" is a memorable line. In terms of things I like on this, the title track is really catchy but the lyrics are just weak. I never saw the video for "Unbelievable" so I watched it just now. I liked that song then and I like it now. I even remember it getting a bit of airplay on radio, which wasn't common for a current Dylan tune at the time. Similarly, I think "TV Talkin' Song" is a decent song as well. I also like "Cat's in the Well". The rest of it is pretty forgettable stuff. A definite letdown after "Oh Mercy". I'd go three stars probably.
I’d take 80s Dylan over most of his 90s output. Under The Red Sky is woeful and yet I’d rather listen to this than the next 2. For some reason his “return to roots” albums have never clicked with me. I think it’s his voice, I cannot stand it!
Re-listened for the first time and it was a little bit better than the first time, but it's not a good album. I moved it up to 2.5 from 2 stars. I like the title track, Born in Time (not this version though), and God Knows. Starting with Wiggle Wiggle really hurts the vibe of the album and it's a bad starter. Still there's some good songs here. Just not a good album and not consistent. The 90s gets much better for the Bob listeners though from here on out :). You guys should do some Dylan movie reviews: No Direction Home, I'm Not There and the new one: A complete Unknown.
I totally agree with Dylan’s assessment. Instead of Bob building on the success of Oh Mercy, he decides to throw it all away ( pun intended). and record a bland, uninspired collection of songs. Maybe the most frustrating albums of Dylan’s career.
Someone at Columbia records should have pointed out to Dylan that they would release it, but this was not a strong set of songs, and would probably not be well received by fans or critics.
I actually listened to this record a month or two ago in anticipation of this video. I don't know if the songs are terrible, but they aren't very good. Nothing is memorable. if it never existed, the lasting net effect would be no "Wiggle Wiggle" jokes/memes and nothing else.
The original version of Born in Time from the Oh Mercy sessions is so much better than the Under the Red Sky version that it's not even funny. Dylan is 100% right about the music video for Unbelievable being funny though. Overall, I think this album is fine and that's about it. It's not nearly as bad as Knocked Out Loaded or Down in the Groove or even most of Empire Burlesque (imo anyway) but there's nothing really substantial about it either. I do like 2 x 2 though. I think that is a somewhat underrated Dylan tune
This is the Dylan album that I like the least. Perhaps not his worst but the one I least enjoy listening to. “Time Out of Mind” on the other hand is absolutely fantastic. Strange decade…
Coming off the wonderful Oh Mercy, Under the Red Sky is quite a step down but not horrible (at least by Knocked Out Loaded/Down in the Groove standards) Lyrically, its a bit out there (Wiggle, Wiggle is an atrocity) but the title track, Born in Time and 10,000 Men are decent tracks. The slew of guest players (Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Slash) give the album a good sound. At best, this album is below average.
Loved Joe’s Nina Simone moment in his intro. I think this is a good lookin’ album cover. Very Nebraska. I’m not a huge Springsteen fan but I’d much rather listen to “State Trooper” over “Wiggle Wiggle” What happened here? 😆 Also Joe, leave 1990 alone!
I saw Dylan at URI in 1991. He was so drunk! Joni Mitchell opened for him and she was great. I felt bad because the crowd came to see Dylan and was kind of just putting up with Joni Mitchell. She had a trumpet player and was doing her jazz-inflected complex chords stuff. There was like polite applause and then Dylan came out. Crowd went wild and he was barely able to stand. Just terrible. Then on the way back to Boston, my car broke down and I had to call my dad and have him drive down from Warwick at like 1:30am and drive me to Boston because I had a final the next day. Terrible concert. Not sure that Dylan and URI are a good mix!
Every 1991 show I've heard is extremely rough. Part of a pretty bad 3-4 year stretch, I'd say. Thankfully, most of the URI shows I saw in the 2000's and 10's were solid! Thanks for watching, Stephen.
If you take out born in time this album is as popular as down the groove, lowest ever. But the next two albums will also have equally terrible popularity even though they are much better . I don't know how Dylan sounds so terrible singing blue songs on this album when he would go on the next album and sound great, and still sounds great today with his bluesy voice.
I have zero interest in two more albums of acoustic covers from him, never bought them, never heard them , and I own over 30 of his albums. But in the interest of this series I will hear them for the first time. Let’s see if I was missing anything
Ok so I probably agree with Joe more here…it’s mediocrity in Dylan terms personified. Like you said it is not a visceral “this is terrible” reaction it is more like well …mediocrity…the worst thing on it is Bob’s performance and the writing is underwhelming. I will say at times I think Kenny Arranoff’s drumming is not the best match…he is too “big backbeat” straight ahead but he is not ruining things. Mr. Dylans vocals all sound like scratch tracks …but of course Bob does not do scratch tracks! Surprisingly on re-listening my favorites are UNBELIEVABLE and BORN IN TIME…I believe that is Robin Ford on both or at least on BORN IN TIME , what great playing. George Harrison is also incredible on the underwhelming title cut …too bad Bob wasted these great performances on lesser songs.
This album can be summarised by the lazy, ugly writing on the cover, where “Under the Red Sky” is lazily scrawled under Bob’s name. As Joe noted, this is a return to the late ‘80’s albums other than Oh Mercy where everything is thrown against the wall like limp spaghetti. That whole “ let’s bring a bunch of famous guys in to hang with Dylan” and see what emerges. Even Born in Time and God Knows have much better versions on Tell Tall Tales. Otherwise, with maybe the slight exception of the title track, is pretty forgettable and rather sad. Really just another contractual obligation album. But much to Bob’s credit, after this he retreats to his roots, his passion…and the unbelievable late renaissance begins. So, get through this one, and on to brilliant stuff again. I just find it sad, with Bob a misguided passenger in these sessions, but he’s coming back! Thx for the great conversation, as always. Cheers, JPE
I like the title track, Cat’s In The Well and Unbelievable. The rest I can take or leave apart from Handy Dandy which is one of Dylan’s weakest songs in my opinion. Always skip it. World Gone Wrong is a beautiful album. Not usually into Dylan covering other songs but this really works.
Red Sky is probably my least fav Dylan album. Why? Because other poor Dylan albums still have some brilliant moments, a Brownsville Girl, for example. Red Sky doesn't have this at all. There is some good songwriting imo - Born In Time, God Knows, Handy Dandy, and the title track. But the performances are so lacklustre and weak sounding to me. Such a disappointment after Oh Mercy. I honestly don't know why he didn't just shelve the album and re-record it later when he and those involved could do more, and better.
"Under the Red Sky" is just great, sorry. It is about children's songs, aka Grimm fairy tales, yes.. To me it works, but again I became a fan in 1985 so I do love Empire Burlesque, Knocked out Loaded and this album. But how do you celebrate I shall be Free, I shall be Free #10, On the Road Again, etc. and not celebrate the joys of Under the Red Sky?
@@TastesLikeMusic Sure, Im a fanatic but my least listened to are Times, they are a Changing, Pat Garret, Down in the Groove, Time Out of Mind, Together Through Life, the Sinatra albums. To me Dylan started cooking with Street Legal. I have pondered writing a book a Dylan's weir morality highlighting these 5 albums: John Wesley Harding, Street Legal, Shot of Love, Under the Red Sky, and Tempest. These are five albums which never would have been envisioned by any other artist ....
Dylan in the 80's and 90's on to the 21st century is more interesting than 90 percent of other singers at least and a better recording artist than most--though he is clearly not as good as the Dylan of the 60's and 70's when he was obviously the best recording artist alive. I've heard what Joe has had to say through this series, and I don't know what he is listening to, and, in my unsophisticated view, is dead wrong most of the time. And yes, much of the 80's stuff by Dylan was not great, as is this album.
@@TastesLikeMusic Marvin Gaye a fine soul singer with a great voice, Joni Mitchell, another great voice, and boring. I'm not sure if you means Stevie Wonder, another wonderful singer. Maybe I overstated the 70's, but I'll take Blood on the Tracks over anything you can name. Wins by lyrics alone. Appreciate your comments.
Very little here to enjoy. I liked Under the Red Sky and Handy Dandy. I also like the Oh Mercy outake of Born in Time. The rest of the songs are not good.. Terrible lyrics, bad melodies and uninteresting arrangements. I only listen to those few tunes on Spotify
after a very decent oh mercy ,, this album is very disappointing ,, born in time is quite good ,, that is the cut which is on the bootleg tell tale signs album ,, another patchy decade for bob ,, but some good stuff too come .
A terrible album. Born In Time is an ok song. The worst album in the entire catalogue. The lowest point in Dylan's career. It takes the next 2 acoustic covers albums for Dylan to rediscover a point to his music....and after that wow!
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I've been enjoying the series since the beginning. Thanks guys! I really look forward to these. Appreciate it!
Thank you sir
Appreciate you watching!
'Handy Dandy' is, imo - sorry to use the phrase - severely underrated. On a song with all lightweight lyrics that sound like nursery rhymes that have nothing to do with Dylan the artist/person, 'Handy Dandy' is the one seemingly autiobiographical song, about a man who has "been around the world and back again, something in the moonlight still haunts him". That's about Dylan, still touring the globe after all these years. In the tradition of 'Jokerman', I find this a lyrical gem about an enigmatic yet charismatic figure. It's also the best sounding song on the record. While the organ is reminiscent of 'Like a Rolling Stone', it's not the same. And I do admit there's a better alternative version - without the organ - floating around RUclips (better vocals, too). But as is, I think 'Handy Dandy' deserves more respect. It's the one track from this album I keep coming back to.
Thanks!
You’re the best, Ken!
@@dylanseveymusic You guys are the best. I don't see how anybody can know the details of every album by almost any singer as deeply as you do. Of course, you are right on Dylan.
Wiggle Wiggle is worth it for “Wiggle til you’re high, wiggle til you’re higher, wiggle til you vomit fire”.
Written about a girlfriend...
"Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a bowl of soup
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a rolling hoop
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a ton of lead
Wiggle, you can raise the dead"
---
Bob Dylan, winner of nobel prize in literature.
best thing is the "half removed" Slash solo
@@karlmehltretter2677 funniest thing for me about that is the reasoning why that solo was removed: bob thought it made the song sounded like a guns & roses song. But slash was the guitarist of guns & roses. That always crack me up.
This is a good album but, the next two are a breath of fresh air, and just what Bob needed. After all, the album after Is Time Out Of Mind. The REAL comeback.
Under the Red Sky, Unbelievable, Born in Time, 10,000 Men, God Knows and Cat’s in the Well. I love those songs.
They said it was the land of milk and honey... now they say it's the land of money
Born I n time is great song
I'm a huge fan of the show; you guys never disappoint, and I think throughout the series Dylan S has been consistently brilliant about Bob. As for Bob himself, I take a back seat to no one in my admiration. I've been studying his work for 54 years and so much of it continues to surprise me. But I never got through this record, not even once. I frankly ignored most of his stuff from this period. Then after this episode I listened to it, and it surprised me a little. I enjoyed Wiggle Wiggle, really liked Handy Dandy. Most of the record's as poorly produced and sung as you guys say. But then I read the lyrics, and as nearly always with Bob, found lines that are genuinely interesting -- "This is the key to the kingdom and this is the town, This is the blind horse that leads you around". "Wiggle, you can raise the dead, Wiggle till you're high, wiggle till you're higher, Wiggle till you vomit fire. Wiggle till it whispers, wiggle till it hums, Wiggle till it answers, wiggle till it comes." "You're going north and you're going south, Just like bait in a fish's mouth." (a metaphor you have to think about for second). And goofy though you say it is, I too never would have said a pail of milk wiggles when you put it down, but try it -- it really does. Silly as it seems, minor though it is, it's another case where Bob notices something most of us wouldn't. TV Talking Song tells a story that almost works. With better production and a little rewriting, as Bob always does, it could be really good. God Knows has the ghost of a good song hovering around it; Bob's ongoing faith coming partly back into focus for him, and the music and singing improves steadily in the last section. I can't lie, as noted I really like Handy Dandy, the way it moves, Bob's singing (really strong) and the lyrics -- it's a damn good song; and Cat's in the Well: "The cat's in the well and grief is showing its face, the world's being slaughtered and it's such a bloody disgrace." "The cat's in the well and the servant is at the door. The drinks are ready and the dogs are going to war." Most of the album is way under-cooked and on several songs Bob sounds pretty out of it -- but as always with him, there's some great stuff hiding in there.
Hi guys, your review is much more interesting than the album itself! it is not utterly bad but with so many other albums available it ended up gathering dust on the shelf!
Loved this album... played it non-stop when it came out along with Traveling Wilburys and all their solo projects. Learned to play a lot of the songs on guitar. Didn't realize I wasn't supposed to like it until years later.
You do you
When the album was first released I heard the title (an obvious U2 echo) and saw the cover photo (Bob in a desert, recalling countless U2-in-a-desert images) and concluded, not unreasonably, that this would be Bob giving us his take on the most popular band of the day. Holy cow, was I ever wrong.
I never listened to this album so I can't constructively comment on this album, but I do know that good music from Dylan still awaits us, so I give thanks for both of you listening to this one for me and I can't wait for better things to come.
I could like Red Sky if Bob used one of his other voices instead of the ultra/extra nasally tone 👎🏼
I say this respectfully as a huge Dylan fan.
God bless you all, God bless Bob!
🕊️🕯️🤍
i remember seeing posters for dylan's 90's shows and one of the song titles that was mentioned on the poster was "wiggle wiggle" which i found humorous. i've enjoyed the record for over one third of a century.
It is a record that I do explore and go back to. I’ve gone back many times.
One of my favourite albums. Easily listening, 90s production. Not taking itself too seriously, desperate gravely voice.
I've been looking forward to this episode! I must admit I wasn't too surprised at the response to Under The Red Sky, back in 1990 that was exactly how I felt about it too. But I have warmed to it over the years. If there's one thing we know about Dylan, he was never gonna follow Oh Mercy with Oh Mercy Mk II. With UTRS, he was taking a diversion, having a bit of fun and while a lot of your criticism is valid, I think he was aiming for something more spontaneous. Fair to say the results are mixed but I think it's a fun and interesting listen. Cats In The Well is fabulous while I have no issue with Born In Time or the title track. So I totally get the WTF reaction it received initially, it seemed like a willful act of self-sabotage. But we've been here before (Self Portrait) and I think thats the best way to see it, a curious diversion that confounds/delights critics and fans. Increasingly I find myself in the latter camp! 😂
You guys nailed it. Saw him in Indy during this time and it was as lifeless as this recording. What a letdown coming after Oh Mercy. He really messed his pants with this one.
Another great episode. I'm not sure how you guys endured some of the stuff you listen to. But you make it very interesting. At least something good came as a result of Under the Red Sky
Kind words! - Joe
Very cool episode! Dear Dylan, I like the point you made about the "window dressing" that is better than it was on his weak 80s efforts. Maybe this, alongside my love for Born in Time, my exclusive appreciation of the song 2x2, and George's guitar work on the title make me unable to despise this album as much as you and many others do. But of course you're right, it's a big let-down after "Oh Mercy", and there's not much substance to it for the most part, especially if you bear in mind (which I didn't do when I first rated all the albums) that the best song actually should have been on the predecessor.
A totally respectable take! Thanks for watching, Michael!
Thank you for the effort you put into this series!
I wouldn't call this a 'bad' album, the playing and production are too strong. However, given Dylan's vocals and the nursery rhyme lyrics, I'd say it's a negligible. There are a few gems, mostly during the first half, but overall, this leaves little-to-no impression. Bob seems to be experimenting with a lyric style that tries to say a lot with a little but I can't say he succeeds. Obviously, a re-calibration was called for which the next two albums provided.
The "Discovering Bob Dylan" series continues to provide insight and smiles. Keep up the good work, guys!
Once u take a step back and realize the purpose of this album then one can understand the GENIUS of Bob Dylan n this album. This album was made to make all of his other albums look brilliant. Once you can see that is the purpose of this album then u can grasp the true genius n intellect of it!
Waiting for you guys to get to the string of fantastic albums that start in 1997 is like me in college waiting for Dylan to put out something good and having to listen to Under A Red Sky instead.
Dylan did seem very fond of Cat’s In The Well. He played it live for many years after. I remember him doing it in 2004 at the Tower Theater show I saw. I think it might have even been part of the encore that night. 🤘
I don’t hate the Red Sky album, but I don’t listen to it often either.
A very good album most of the way through, "God Knows" being one highlight. You have to listen to it for what it is, and not for what it's not.
We absolutely listened to it for what it is - a lousy album - and talk about it pretty in depth in this video.
Remember when I managed record store in dc..when this came out..we were stunned at the lyric contest
I wasn’t as miffed when KOL came out.
This one was shocking
Content
I would agree that it's worse than Knocked Out Loaded.
@@179richnot a chance. And both EB and DITG are both far worse as well.
Love the shout-out to the second Traveling Wilburys album. It's underrated.
As for Under the Red Sky, I do love the title track, particularly for George's guitar. The slick production of the album is fine, and occasionally has some nice moments (Handy Dandy has dumb lyrics but a pleasant arrangement). Born in Time is also good. Still, even Wiggle Wiggle isn't as embarrassing as Ugliest Girl in the World or Man Gave Name to All the Animals.
I agree with Dylan (not Bob). It is baffling that the same guy who wrote Visions of Johanna also wrote Wiggle Wiggle. It's like if Gordon Ramsay decided to open a hot dog stand and it caught fire and burnt down.
I mostly agree but personally love the title track. And it was an added bonus to learn that George plays on it.
Love this series
I have eagerly awaited each of 29 episodes. The only bad song Wiggle Wigle is poor. The others are very good to most excellent. I can not imaging how Dylan is so punishing on this album. Enough is enough!
I very rarely find myself criticizing Bob Dylan but, this one hurt for the exact reason you stated. Oh Mercy was an artistic comeback and I couldn’t wait for his follow-up. This left me angry that I had to listen to all the Dylan haters come out the woodwork again. Thank god his true comeback was just around the corner.
THis album is close to wicked perfection. Only thing I would change is use the outtake of TV Talkin.
This is what happened. Bob wanted to do a children's album. Don wanted to return to Dylan't glory days. Neither of them got what they wanted.
What Was It You Wanted?
Coming up, World Gone Wrong, I really liked. It's underrated, IMO
Call me crazy if you like, because I love the album. It’s among my Dylan favorites.
You're crazy. But we genuinely appreciate you watching!
I don’t think you’re crazy at all.
I actually like this album. It's not a masterpiece but it's kind of a nice listen for me.
Sorry, don’t get the hate. This is an ok album, an anti OhMercy if you will. I get the sense that as good as Oh Mercy is, Bob hated making it. But more importantly;
Are we getting a Complete unknown movie review? And I wish you guys would comment about the Columbia 30 th anniversary tribute concert to Bob, the one with the incredible My Back Pages collaboration
I think we both sum up our feelings pretty cogently. But, of course, you are entitled to your opinion. We discuss the concert in the next episode. As for a movie review, I'll have to talk to the boss. I'm scared for the film, but I'm certainly willing to do it.
@@dylanseveymusic bob gave the movie his approval on X, which I’m surprised about. Good early reviews as well
I love World Gone Wrong - blew my mind
I like the way podcaster Dylan sets up the next two records.
This album is more ‘real’ in many ways than ’Oh Mercy’
Yeah, real bad.
1990 not yet halfway through Dylan’s career. 30+ years to go, but there’s still light at the end of the tunnel with just 6 original albums. But I do think he’ll dig the upcoming traditionals records. ‘93 and in the middle of grunge, he just ‘sings into a can’ showing off his finger picking licks. Especially World Gone Wrong, no production, no band, no guest artists. The folk punk aesthetic starts a series of great to amazing albums.
As for this album, even as a fan boy, I don’t have much to comment. Seems to be ignored.
Like to see you guys cover Jackson Browne and Joe Walsh some day.
Cat's in the Well and Under the Red Sky are the only songs that capture the "children's songs for adults" vibe. I genuinely like those two. The rest is pretty dire.
I think you are both a little harsh on this album. By Bob Dylan’s standards, it is certainly one of his weaker efforts. But taking the album as it is, as a collection of 10 songs, 35 minutes of music, I think there is quite a bit to enjoy.
First of all, Under the Red Sky is a beautiful song. I heard him play it at the Hollywood Bowl earlier this year and it was an absolute highlight of the show. Such a strong melody, really simple yet lovely lyrics, and great performances from George Harrison on slide and Bob himself on accordion.
I also really enjoy 2 x 2, the duet with David Crosby. Another effortlessly simple song that is well-performed and catchy. No mention of Elton John’s fantastic little keyboard solo? The lyrics are also far more interesting than you give credit.
The two serious songs, Born In Time and God Knows are also good tracks. I actually prefer these versions to the Oh Mercy outtakes. Maybe because I’m just more familiar with them but I think the performances on both are quite strong. Definitely Stevie Ray Vaughan’s best moments are on God Knows.
The rest of the album is quite middling. Wiggle Wiggle, TV Talkin’ Song, 10,000 Men, and Unbelievable don’t do much for me.
Cat’s In The Well is decent but not a good choice as an album closer.
So overall, it’s not a good album by Dylan’s high standards, but I still enjoy about half the tracks. It is definitely in the lower half of Dylan records, ranking-wise, but not bottom five, no way.
2.5/5
The 19th best Dylan album for me! Better than Oh Mercy, Planet Waves, and New Morning.
That is certainly a take. Thanks for watching!
at this point I'm just waiting for them to get to Time Out of Mind
I agree it is underrated.
Good album.
I own every Dylan album on vinyl up until this one. It is harder to get the later albums on vinyl.
Good discussion guys. I think he should just made a kids album or EP...seems to be where his head was at. I always defend his Christmas album because Bob loves to explore traditional musical styles and it was for a good charity that feeds kids. This record could have been similar with Bob all in on the kids music. He could have hung out with Ringo on Thomas the Tank Engine too!
As far as "Under the Red Sky"...what Dylan S. said. I mean...my reaction to that album is exactly the same as his. I think Lanois really pulled "Oh Mercy" out of Dylan, and while it was a commercial and critical success, I don't necessarily think that Dylan's confidence was "back" yet. I feel like "Under the Red Sky" reflects that. He's in poor voice on the album. Again, I think Lanois' music and atmospheres provided a nice space for Dylan's voice to relax in. "Under the Red Sky" doesn't provide that same safe space. And while I really enjoy the next two acoustic covers albums, his voice sounds kind of uneven on those records. It sounds really good in some places, and pretty ragged in others. It took Dylan some time to figure out the best way to use his ravaged voice, but I think "Good As I Been To You" (which has one of my least favorite Dylan album covers) and "World Gone Wrong" are where he starts to figure it out.
I'm about to turn 60, and the fact that Dylan (the podcaster) wasn't even born when this album came out is making me feel old! I was looking very much forward to this after the greatness of "Oh Mercy" and have tried my hardest to like this album but it's a way step down IMHO. It feels to me that he (or maybe Columbia Records) was looking for a hit so Bob made a record that was more directly straightforward rock in order to try and do that. It might have worked better if the songs were better, but they're not. "Wiggle Wiggle" is just bad, though I'll give it this - "wiggle wiggle wiggle 'til you vomit fire" is a memorable line. In terms of things I like on this, the title track is really catchy but the lyrics are just weak. I never saw the video for "Unbelievable" so I watched it just now. I liked that song then and I like it now. I even remember it getting a bit of airplay on radio, which wasn't common for a current Dylan tune at the time. Similarly, I think "TV Talkin' Song" is a decent song as well. I also like "Cat's in the Well". The rest of it is pretty forgettable stuff. A definite letdown after "Oh Mercy". I'd go three stars probably.
I’d take 80s Dylan over most of his 90s output. Under The Red Sky is woeful and yet I’d rather listen to this than the next 2. For some reason his “return to roots” albums have never clicked with me. I think it’s his voice, I cannot stand it!
Re-listened for the first time and it was a little bit better than the first time, but it's not a good album. I moved it up to 2.5 from 2 stars. I like the title track, Born in Time (not this version though), and God Knows. Starting with Wiggle Wiggle really hurts the vibe of the album and it's a bad starter. Still there's some good songs here. Just not a good album and not consistent. The 90s gets much better for the Bob listeners though from here on out :). You guys should do some Dylan movie reviews: No Direction Home, I'm Not There and the new one: A complete Unknown.
I've got a good feeling for the next episode...
I totally agree with Dylan’s assessment. Instead of Bob building on the success of Oh Mercy, he decides to throw it all away ( pun intended). and record a bland, uninspired collection of songs. Maybe the most frustrating albums of Dylan’s career.
The follow up to Oh Mercy is coming. And it’s better!
Someone at Columbia records should have pointed out to Dylan that they would release it, but this was not a strong set of songs, and would probably not be well received by fans or critics.
The Wiggle Wiggle hula hoop "commercial" is legendary.
Otherwise, all I ever remember about this album is the goofy lyrics and disappointment.
I actually listened to this record a month or two ago in anticipation of this video. I don't know if the songs are terrible, but they aren't very good. Nothing is memorable. if it never existed, the lasting net effect would be no "Wiggle Wiggle" jokes/memes and nothing else.
The original version of Born in Time from the Oh Mercy sessions is so much better than the Under the Red Sky version that it's not even funny. Dylan is 100% right about the music video for Unbelievable being funny though. Overall, I think this album is fine and that's about it. It's not nearly as bad as Knocked Out Loaded or Down in the Groove or even most of Empire Burlesque (imo anyway) but there's nothing really substantial about it either. I do like 2 x 2 though. I think that is a somewhat underrated Dylan tune
If you haven’t watched it, this animated retelling of Slash in the studio with Dylan is hilarious: m.ruclips.net/video/a1o1t_jR3wU/видео.html
Amazing.
Dylan has been making records for 60 years. You can sum up his output as quality over quality
This is the Dylan album that I like the least. Perhaps not his worst but the one I least enjoy listening to. “Time Out of Mind” on the other hand is absolutely fantastic. Strange decade…
Coming off the wonderful Oh Mercy, Under the Red Sky is quite a step down but not horrible (at least by Knocked Out Loaded/Down in the Groove standards)
Lyrically, its a bit out there (Wiggle, Wiggle is an atrocity) but the title track, Born in Time and 10,000 Men are decent tracks. The slew of guest players (Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Slash) give the album a good sound.
At best, this album is below average.
Loved Joe’s Nina Simone moment in his intro. I think this is a good lookin’ album cover. Very Nebraska. I’m not a huge Springsteen fan but I’d much rather listen to “State Trooper” over “Wiggle Wiggle” What happened here? 😆 Also Joe, leave 1990 alone!
I saw Dylan at URI in 1991. He was so drunk! Joni Mitchell opened for him and she was great. I felt bad because the crowd came to see Dylan and was kind of just putting up with Joni Mitchell. She had a trumpet player and was doing her jazz-inflected complex chords stuff. There was like polite applause and then Dylan came out. Crowd went wild and he was barely able to stand. Just terrible. Then on the way back to Boston, my car broke down and I had to call my dad and have him drive down from Warwick at like 1:30am and drive me to Boston because I had a final the next day. Terrible concert. Not sure that Dylan and URI are a good mix!
i just checked. It was October 1989. Must have been a midterm I had the next day.
Every 1991 show I've heard is extremely rough. Part of a pretty bad 3-4 year stretch, I'd say. Thankfully, most of the URI shows I saw in the 2000's and 10's were solid! Thanks for watching, Stephen.
...80's Dylan passes as he stops trying to figure himself or be hip ??.... and then decides to fall back into a more folk/blues style into 90's ...
If you take out born in time this album is as popular as down the groove, lowest ever. But the next two albums will also have equally terrible popularity even though they are much better .
I don't know how Dylan sounds so terrible singing blue songs on this album when he would go on the next album and sound great, and still sounds great today with his bluesy voice.
I have zero interest in two more albums of acoustic covers from him, never bought them, never heard them , and I own over 30 of his albums. But in the interest of this series I will hear them for the first time. Let’s see if I was missing anything
@painless465
I think they're great. Certainly better than what we see here...
I find this album baffling...it baffles me...I'm baffled
Ok so I probably agree with Joe more here…it’s mediocrity in Dylan terms personified. Like you said it is not a visceral “this is terrible” reaction it is more like well …mediocrity…the worst thing on it is Bob’s performance and the writing is underwhelming. I will say at times I think Kenny Arranoff’s drumming is not the best match…he is too “big backbeat” straight ahead but he is not ruining things. Mr. Dylans vocals all sound like scratch tracks …but of course Bob does not do scratch tracks! Surprisingly on re-listening my favorites are UNBELIEVABLE and BORN IN TIME…I believe that is Robin Ford on both or at least on BORN IN TIME , what great playing. George Harrison is also incredible on the underwhelming title cut …too bad Bob wasted these great performances on lesser songs.
Remove the word "the" from the title and replace it with "a Blood". Then change the artist name from Bob Dylan to U2 and you have a pretty good album.
Now this is funny
Unbelievable is limp? I disagree.
Generally speaking, Robert Christgau should be ignored.
That's a bit harsh, I'd say.
Nah. The worst writer in human history. Ignored AND ridiculed I’d say. -Jason
This album can be summarised by the lazy, ugly writing on the cover, where “Under the Red Sky” is lazily scrawled under Bob’s name. As Joe noted, this is a return to the late ‘80’s albums other than Oh Mercy where everything is thrown against the wall like limp spaghetti. That whole “ let’s bring a bunch of famous guys in to hang with Dylan” and see what emerges. Even Born in Time and God Knows have much better versions on Tell Tall Tales. Otherwise, with maybe the slight exception of the title track, is pretty forgettable and rather sad. Really just another contractual obligation album. But much to Bob’s credit, after this he retreats to his roots, his passion…and the unbelievable late renaissance begins. So, get through this one, and on to brilliant stuff again. I just find it sad, with Bob a misguided passenger in these sessions, but he’s coming back! Thx for the great conversation, as always. Cheers, JPE
Born in time was an outtake from Oh Mercy. I think you could have kept it on the record. Of course that would have made this record even worse.
Always appreciate the comments, James!
I like the title track, Cat’s In The Well and Unbelievable. The rest I can take or leave apart from Handy Dandy which is one of Dylan’s weakest songs in my opinion. Always skip it. World Gone Wrong is a beautiful album. Not usually into Dylan covering other songs but this really works.
Red Sky is probably my least fav Dylan album. Why? Because other poor Dylan albums still have some brilliant moments, a Brownsville Girl, for example. Red Sky doesn't have this at all. There is some good songwriting imo - Born In Time, God Knows, Handy Dandy, and the title track. But the performances are so lacklustre and weak sounding to me. Such a disappointment after Oh Mercy. I honestly don't know why he didn't just shelve the album and re-record it later when he and those involved could do more, and better.
Under The Red Sky is perhaps the one Bob Dylan album that should be deleted. It's a very poor album. Irredeemable.
Bad. Delay, Deny, inDefensible.
And Knocked Out Loaded…..AND Empire Burlesque….AND Down in the Groove.
And Knocked Out Loaded…..AND Empire Burlesque….AND Down in the Groove.
So based on your reviews and my personal listening experience, its not the worst album just the most bland and boring.
"Under the Red Sky" is just great, sorry.
It is about children's songs, aka Grimm fairy tales, yes.. To me it works, but again I became a fan in 1985 so I do love Empire Burlesque, Knocked out Loaded and this album.
But how do you celebrate I shall be Free, I shall be Free #10, On the Road Again, etc. and not celebrate the joys of Under the Red Sky?
Are there any Bob Dylan albums you don’t think are great?
@@TastesLikeMusic Sure, Im a fanatic but my least listened to are Times, they are a Changing, Pat Garret, Down in the Groove, Time Out of Mind, Together Through Life, the Sinatra albums. To me Dylan started cooking with Street Legal. I have pondered writing a book a Dylan's weir morality highlighting these 5 albums: John Wesley Harding, Street Legal, Shot of Love, Under the Red Sky, and Tempest. These are five albums which never would have been envisioned by any other artist ....
Dylan in the 80's and 90's on to the 21st century is more interesting than 90 percent of other singers at least and a better recording artist than most--though he is clearly not as good as the Dylan of the 60's and 70's when he was obviously the best recording artist alive. I've heard what Joe has had to say through this series, and I don't know what he is listening to, and, in my unsophisticated view, is dead wrong most of the time. And yes, much of the 80's stuff by Dylan was not great, as is this album.
I’ll give you the 60s but not the 70s. He wasn’t on Stevie or Marvin or Joni’s level and I’m tired of pretending he was. - Joe
@@TastesLikeMusic Marvin Gaye a fine soul singer with a great voice, Joni Mitchell, another great voice, and boring. I'm not sure if you means Stevie Wonder, another wonderful singer. Maybe I overstated the 70's, but I'll take Blood on the Tracks over anything you can name. Wins by lyrics alone. Appreciate your comments.
@kensilverstone1656 well you know my thoughts on Blood on the Tracks…
@@TastesLikeMusic Yep. But you have time to reconsider.
Very little here to enjoy. I liked Under the Red Sky and Handy Dandy. I also like the Oh Mercy outake of Born in Time. The rest of the songs are not good.. Terrible lyrics, bad melodies and uninteresting arrangements. I only listen to those few tunes on Spotify
after a very decent oh mercy ,, this album is very disappointing ,, born in time is quite good ,, that is the cut which is on the bootleg tell tale signs album ,, another patchy decade for bob ,, but some good stuff too come .
"Under the Red Skyr" is a very weak, lousy album. The predecessor "Oh Mercy" was very good!
A terrible album. Born In Time is an ok song. The worst album in the entire catalogue. The lowest point in Dylan's career. It takes the next 2 acoustic covers albums for Dylan to rediscover a point to his music....and after that wow!
It's awful.
He will do better later.
Enjoyed! Not the album, I mean this video. 😄
😅😆
Thank you, Larry Legend.