Guest Post by John Bernstein: "Bob Dylan: John Wesley Harding. Released in late December, 1967 - John Wesley Harding is unlike any other Dylan album. In ten of the 12 songs, he wrote the lyrics first and then later supplied melodies. It came out in the middle of Sgt. Pepper era of the lush and full-sounding records and this marked Dylan's return to simple, acoustic music. I love this record mainly because his voice here is smooth and the lyrics are introspective, filled with biblical images. Watchtower of course was covered by seemingly everyone, and Dear Landlord by Joe Cocker. Drifters Escape, Patti Smith. It reached #2 in the US Charts (His first number one was Planet Waves in 1974). The songs here have a sad and reflective feel, but with hope for redemption and empathy for those down on their luck, which can be heard in Dear Landlord. I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine feels like a dream or bible story brought to life. More than other Dylan album, this is highly spiritual music, presenting images, much like that of a painting, with many layers. I've listened to it hundreds of times over many years and still discover new things in the words and music. Give (or play) this album to anyone who may think Bob Dylan can't sing. The power of the words, music and voice all shine equally, with each track nicely flowing to the next. Short stories from hopelessness to love and romance, like Down Along Cove - this is a masterpiece like no other and remains timeless well over 40 years latter."Nice going, John - very well done.
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