…Not sure why if I’m honest. So, at least I can offer a view without preconceptions. It’s a blistering opening track even discounting the controversy that came with it. And you have to remember that whilst it’s only 1975, this was his 17th studio LP. Seventeen. How prolific was this guy even though he has slowed down somewhat recently. But I think with this sort of early output, we can forgive him.
Second track up. ‘Isis’. Well, we know how things can change over the years and this has a slightly different resonance nowadays. But still a cracking track and through Side A this level of quality continues unabated. There are some glorious tracks here. Side B starts off with another controversial 11 minute track supposedly supporting the case of a criminal ‘Crazy Joey’ Gallo. I’m not sure if you set out to write 11 minute songs? But you can see with Dylan why it is the art of the possible.
But there is some lovely variety on here. ‘Mozambique’ and ‘Romance in Durango’ are both reflective of a different time and era and far from where Dylan originated. And they both convince. Which only leaves me to scratch my remaining brain cell with the question? Why have I waited this long?
