The Only Place in America Where the Wheelin' is Free

Overall Album Score: 9.2 out of 10

This is the best straight folk album EVER! (Or at least the best of the four that I own ... which incidentally are ALL Bob Dylan albums!)

Well anyway... I can't imagine a straight folk album (at least one ever considered "rock") ever topping this one! Nope! Never! Just won't happen, because this IS THE BEST EVER, MAN!

Dylan only did four straight folk albums ... and this one, in my most humble opinion, is the BEST! In fact, those who disagree with me can go to freaking Kentucky ... because ... I'm right! This one was preceded by Dylan's 1962 debut album Dylan, which consisted of mostly old covers, and it is followed by The Times They Are A-Changin', which is still good, but rather disappointing after listening to this one.

I am not a fan of folk (which is evident because I only own four from the same person) and to tell you the truth, these Dylan albums failed to turn me into one. I owned all of these albums for well over a year as of June 12, 2003 and, not once, have I ever wanted to look into something else! (Although I have my eye on that Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" but I probably won't get that one for quite a while.) The reason, quite frankly, is that my ideal rock music experience usually calls for more lavish production that is typically well beyond that of Dylan's guitar and harmonica. (Sorry!) And I think that's pretty much everybody's opinion on that subject, except for WEIRDOS. (No offense, if I offended the empty-heads.) When he goes electric, though, his albums are simply and purely an unforgettable experience! This album is unforgettable, but you should only tackle it once you've 'conquered' Dylan with his more 'accessible' works.

BUT! For a folk album, you'll find that the tunes are quite catchy, the performance is uncanny, the lyrics are brilliant, moving, and/or hhhhilarious! (See track reviews for details.) Also, all of the tracks on here are original Dylan compositions except for two, which is almost the invert of Dylan's debut, except that this one's almost 20 minutes longer! (Dang... this IS a very long album. It's 50 minutes ... and this was in a time period when few artists dared make their albums exceed 30. This actually kind of sucks because this album isn't very diverse and it can get boring.)

Overall Album Score: 9.2 out of 10 (And this is a well-deserved 9.2. This folk album is better than Frosted Flakes!)

Average Song Score: 9.0 (A great set of folk songs! This is particularly amazing because I don't like folk tunes! SUUUPER!)

Album Tilt: 9.0 While I should probably give it a 9.5, the album does get a little boring. But never tedious!

Artist Tilt: 9.5 To a man who made an excellent set of folk tunes that I would probably have liked without the lyrics! But all the original compositions have lyrics that are either funny or moving! EXCELLENT! This was Dylan's breakthrough album.)

Track Reviews

Blowin' in the Wind 10/10

You know... I'm going to refrain from naming what's the best song of the album because there are so many great ones! This one is a definite 10-earner. Not only is the melody excellent and the guitar plating, but the lyrics are very thoughtful. Dylan's performance is likewise. Pretentious? Sure! But Bobby knows how to do it right!

Girl From the North Country 10/10

This track deserves nothing less than a ten. The melody and instrument-playing, again, is impeccable. Here, Bobby sings about a 'true love' he met in the 'North Country.' Thoughtful ... he sings it as if he really misses the bint.

Masters of War 10/10

Errrrr... I should dock it some points because the melody is lesser than the previous two, but the lyrics make up for it with flying colors. This is a very powerful song, and when you're paying close attention to it, Bobby can really pierce through your heart. It's a very powerful anti-war anthem. Part of Dylan's legacy. It's not really my style to include lyric excerpts, but I think these are great lyrics!

How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do

WOW!

Down the Highway 7/10

This is the first song on here that I'm unimpressed with. It's interesting, though. Dylan's guitar here is a bit unorthodox (as far as I'm aware - remember I don't have an extensive collection of straight folk albums) ... or at least it's pretty unorthodox for Dylan! The lyrics are, well, okay. The melody is also ... okay. It's Dylan's great singing that takes the cake.

Bob Dylan's Blues 10/10

Well, lookit here buddy
You want to be like me
Pull out your six-shooter
And rob every bank you can see
Tell the judge I said it was all right
Yes!

HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of Bob Dylan's fun songs! It's relatively short, but these kinds of songs really make me want to listen to this album, again and again and again, etc. etc. Ssssssuperrrrrrrrr! Dylan's got an awesome sense of humor!

A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall 10/10

Another great Dylan composition! This one is more of an epic song telling the tale of one guys travels to far off lands where he sees all sorts of things. Again... great performance and an excellent melody. The lyrics will probably leave you transfixed in its mercy! Niceee! Dang... it's seven minutes and you hardly notice.

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 10plus/10

This probably has my favorite melody in all this album... and that's saying something. Geez! I wish somebody would put this one to orchestra! It's a very sentimental song that, if only slightly more powerful, it would be enough to bring me to tears. Perhaps it will if I am ever put in a similar situation. A MUST-HAVE! Oooo... I think this one even deserves a 'plus.'

Bob Dylan's Dream 8/10

Another very thoughtful song ... Dylan paints a picture of what, I guess, is bliss. Not as great or as powerful as the other tracks, but the melody is excellent! Dylan's performance is a little too overbearing, though.

Oxford Town 9/10

Hmmm... this is an anti-racism song! Dated, yes, but still quite good ... interesting on a historical aspect.

Talking World War III Blues 9.5/10

This is a terrifically humorous number by Bob about his dream that he is one of the few people left after World War III! Not particularly powerful ... nor is the melody that good. But it's fun! And I like it! So there!

Corrina, Corrina 6/10

Hey listen! DRUMS! This is a cover of a traditional song (one that I'm not too familiar with) ... and I don't care for it at all. (Geez! You'd think after pining for drums, I'd appreciate it after so many of those straight folk songs! But I guess not!)

Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance 7/10

The album's second cover, it's one of the fastest songs, but it really PALES compared to the other tracks. So. His performance here is pretty fun, though, but I don't think the song fits in the album. (Dylan doesn't need to do covers, anyway!)

I Shall Be Free 10/10

Yay! The last song is a great original! It's funny, too! Also, it has a wonderful melody. The lyrics don't make too much sense to me, but they are funny just the same. This is quite a memorable album-closer!

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