New Music

Modern Times - Bob Dylan

I caught the premiere of Modern Times last night on XM Radio.

Sweet ! At 65 Dylan is in full command of his abilities. Drawing on a lifetime of musical experience, and backed by a band he says is capable of pulling off anything, he sings with wisdom and self assurance. Part minstrel, part blues man he's released a mature collection of music here, a perfect opposing life-cycle bookend to his cosmic electric youthful genius.

This new collection fits perfectly as a continuation of his last 2 releases. I probably would have enjoyed this album if I had listened to it 30 years ago but I know I wouldn't have been able to fully appreciate its depth and wisdom until now.

Thanks again Bob !

FACTOTUM-2

"If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start." Charles Bukowski

I saw the movie FACTOTUM this weekend (see previous post). The movie did a very good job of portraying the characters, their surroundings, and their situations in true Bukowski style. Acting and cinematography - excellent. It could have been improved, in my opinion, by a more developed story line, and dramatic variation. The emotional tempo of the film was a bit flat and less humorous than a Bukowski read, probably by design. It's worth seeing if you're a Bukowski fan.

Here you can read several reviews of the film.

There is also a recently released Bukowski documentary available. Born Into This.