This is an album I turn to when I'm highly wrought, like other people turn to a good bit of yoga or a session in a floatation tank. I can't get enough of its elliptical allegories, oneiric appearances by historical figures, and its even-handed, aphoristic morality. They give your head and heart a good detox.
Now, each of us has his own special gift
And you know this was meant to be true,
And if you don't underestimate me,
I won't underestimate you
Stay free from petty jealousies,
Live by no man's code,
And hold your judgment for yourself
Lest you wind up on this road
(from Dear Landlord and I am a Lonesome Hobo respectively)
In fact, every time my mobile phone boots up, it says "if you don't underestimate me, I won't underestimate you" on the screen (that and the photo of Dungeness I use as my screen 'wallpaper' are all the personalisation my phone has — I promise it's ringtone-free).
I love the arrangements and the production on the album as well. Obviously I don't remember 1967, but I love the way the album must have stood apart from all the Summer of Love and Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club tosh. And, leaving aside the last song or two that provide a clear bridge to the Nashville Skyline album, it also seems to stand apart from all of Dylan's other work.
If you asked me what my favourite Dylan album is, this is the first one I'd think of. My next thought would be to kick you for asking such a bloody infuriating question, but John Wesley Harding would have got there first. He was always known to lend a helping foot.
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