Bob Dylan

At this point in his storied career, it’s just not enough to call Bob Dylan a legend.  The man is bigger than life, his unique outlook and craggy voice still continuing to pave new paths through uncharted lands.  And those journeys have taken Dylan everywhere, figuratively, from pondering the politics of peace and war to even the elements of the Christian faith.  Yet, there’s one path the troubadour had not yet taken, until now.  Amazing that in over fifty years of writing and recording, the singer/songwriter had avoided that most obvious of choices: the Christmas album.  Well, now the ship has been righted and Mr. Dylan and Co. have presented us with the Christmas record of the year. 

The amazing genius of Bob Dylan this time out is not in keen songwriting, as none of the album’s fifteen tracks are penned by him, which may disappoint some fans.  Rather, the trick here lies in the general vibe that Dylan promotes with this record.  Christmas In The Heart is an album of memories, of sensations, and is something to be experienced rather than just heard.

What I’m saying is that as you hear dear old Bob croon his way through the jaunty “Here Comes Santa Claus” or polka his way through the way too fun “Must Be Santa” you’re left smelling gingerbread in the air and tasting eggnog on your lips.  “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “O’ Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)” make you almost feel the warm firelight on your skin while, but for just a moment, you see images of a joyous snowball fight across your vision as you listen to “The Christmas Blues” and “Christmas Island.”

I think that perhaps the beauty here lies in the simplicity Dylan employs.  These aren’t overwrought, over worn arrangements but nor are they the most cutting edge that he could have employed either.  ‘Vintage’ would be good word to describe these recordings, as they capture the sound and, even more so, the vibe of fond Christmases remembered and to come.  Soulful, near Andrews Sisters-esque background singers only help to sell the rest of the package.

So, if you feel that you’re missing something this Christmas, that Bing or Frank or Josh just isn’t bringing it home for you this year, do yourself a favor and pick up Christmas In The Heart.  Not only will you contribute money to charity by doing so but you’ll contribute to your own holidays as well, bringing a healthy dose of true Christmas cheer into your life.

Tagged as: Bob Dylan, Christmas In The Heart

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