Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone

Which superlative should be used for "Like a Rolling Stone" ? Best single of 1965 ? Best Bob Dylan song ? Best rock 'n roll single ever ?  We can make a case for all four, as it is undeniably one of the finest and most influential moments of recorded  music. The esteemed Greil Marcus  spent over 250 pages about it, so my paltry 450 words will be an amuse bouche.

The classic documentary of Dylan's 1965 UK tour "Don't Look Back",  depicts Dylan as obnoxious, chain smoking and tired. Understandable, as we also see his encounters with hangers-on, cynical journalists, agents and dignitaries - all wanting a piece of the Dylan mystique .  

The anger spilled over into his next recording sessions - the  vicious "Positively 4th street", the bleak 11-minute "Desolation Row" and the epic "Like a Rolling Stone". The  latter derived from  a ten page vitriolic ramble, honed to four lengthy poetic verses and a scathing chorus. 

Directed at a former arrogant debutante ("Once upon a time you dressed so fine"), who has fallen on hard times ("scrounging your next meal"), and is struggling to adjust ("Nobody's ever taught you how to live out on the street").  A warning to appreciate their privilege, as it can change quickly, and you are left with "no direction home". 

The subject of this tirade has been endlessly discussed, with Edie Sedgewick, Joan Baez, Andy Warhol ("the diplomat") and even himself mentioned, but it is probably an amalgam.

The words are only half the story. Dylan was casting off his acoustic roots, so for the session, he recruited an electric band of  Mike Bloomfield (lead guitar), (Joe Macho), Bobby Gregg (drums). The initial takes were unsatisfactory as the 3/4 waltz tempo did not fully convey his scorn. So  Frank Owens moved from organ to piano, and then in a Hollywood movie scenario, the spectator Al Kooper, jumped on to  the organ, even though he was barely proficient, but proceeded to play the role of a lifetime.

It gelled so perfectly - from the opening crash of the drums, Kooper's authoritative organ lead, an effective guitar riff, and Dylan's distinctive harmonica.  His voice may be an acquired taste, but suits this so perfectly, as he whines, castigates and emphasises the "feeeeeeeeellllll" at the end of each chorus.  

The record company were reluctant to release a six minute abrasive single, but it was rapturously received,  and his biggest hit in UK and US. A concert regular, it was preceded by the famous shout of "Judas" in the Manchester 1966.

"Like a Rolling Stone" was a pivot moment for Dylan and music, setting the bar, and influencing so many.  If it is not the greatest moment in modern music, then is damn sure near.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwOfCgkyEj0  and the 1966 live "Judas" version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xz7WfVYxok

Hear Next -  Anything from 1964-66 Dylan is essential




** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats.