CD Reviews: Bob Dylan's Modern Times, Ratatat's Classics
Bob Dylan - Modern Times (Columbia): From the opening notes of Modern Times, you can't help but feel that Dylan has been strongly influenced by his recent tours with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. 'Spirit On The Water' and 'When The Deal Goes Down' each sound like Stardust-era Willie, while several other numbers channel vintage blues stomps and rockabilly in the vein of Haggard's 'Workin' Man Blues' with surprising freshness. The operative word for this word is relaxed: even when tackling weighty subjects of age and busted relationships, Dylan seems confident and content with the material he's offering up. The disc doesn't have the gut-punch of Love and Theft, because at this point, Dylan listeners are expecting great albums again. But the mixture of classic style genres, charmingly played arrangements, and solid lyrics shouldn't disappoint even casual Dylan fans.
Verdict: Well done, and great for Bob's followers. Expect KGSR to play this to death.
Ratatat - Classics (XL): Let's get this out of the way: Ratatat could make a fortune doing the music beds for those CSI montages. We defy anyone to listen to this album without imagining Nick Stokes working in a lab, or from at least imagining a film soundtrack early and often. The disc is full of quality beats, and the songs are certainly evocative and fun. But after four or five tracks, one senses that instrumental music almost always has limits. The second half of the disc grows repetitive, and you understand why 90's acts like Death In Vegas or the Chemical Brothers collaborated with vocalists to sustain interest over a full LP. That said, lead-off single 'Wildcat' is pretty amazing, and will have you bobbing your head instantly to the funky guitar, percussion, and yowling melange on offer. 'Kennedy' is another standout, with an insistent bass-heavy groove, Dr. Dre-style scary keyboard lines, and hand claps galore.
Verdict: Tailor made for the iPod; enjoy it in small doses.
Both discs are in stores now. Image via BobDylan.com.
