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Average Customer Review
(104 customer reviews) 135 of 142 people found the following review helpful
Music with a Message,
January 24, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan (Audio CD)
Fifty years after its founding in 1962 (the year Bob Dylan released his first album), Amnesty International continues to do lifesaving work for prisoners of conscience and victims of injustice around the world. In 1977, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Since the 1970s, Amnesty's Secret Policeman's Ball concerts and records have generated funds for the promotion of human rights and raised awareness of discrimination, state censorship, police brutality, torture, the death penalty, and genocide. AI currently has over three million supporters.
As for Bob Dylan, few artists have been offered accolades to match those laid at his feet. He's among the greatest poets of our age, a transformational figure in the history of music. There's not a singer or songwriter alive who doesn't owe a debt to his wit and wisdom, and thousands cover his clever, compassionate songs every day. They line up to perform on albums like this one, and there's a Dylan tribute disc for just about every...Read more
54 of 58 people found the following review helpful
FIXING TO DIE,
January 24, 2012 Patrick Monk (SF. Ca.) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years Of Amnesty International (MP3 Download)
There's no way I wouldn't add this to my collection. Dylan is one of those who has sung the soundtrack to my life, now to rapidly approaching seven decades. I first heard, and then saw him, in the auld country back in the '60's, (took a night off from Georgie Fame at the Flamingo). Leonard Cohen is another who's words and music have sustained and rescued me and he also has a new album full of "Old Ideas" coming out.
Just listening to the first few samples was enough to remove any doubt, which I never had, and grant amnesty to any who may not 'live up to expectations'. As a home visit Hospice nurse one of my guiding principles is to 'leave my expectations at the door', just enter into whatever waits. Deep thanks to all the artists in all fields, and those behind the scenes, who contributed their time, effort and talents to this noble cause.
What I want to know is WILL WE EVER GET A DVD OF THE 30th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, hopefully before I kick the bucket. I've still got a lot...Read more
41 of 44 people found the following review helpful
Exceptional covers; broad range of interesting styles.,
January 24, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan (Audio CD)
I'm a fan of broken, unmusical voices. Leonard Cohen, Vic Chesnutt, Tom Waits...and Bob Dylan. But as is so often the case, the compositions of these amazing singer/songwriters can sound fresh and vibrant in the vocals of someone more, shall we say, technically accomplished. Such is the case with many of the songs on "Chimes."
Although, having said that, an early favorite is Kris Kristofferson's take on "The Mighty Quinn," which makes superb use of gargles-with-glass throatiness.
The songs on this album span nearly the entire length of Dylan's career so far, even reviving a couple of favorites from his gospel-influenced days. I'm not a fan of what Sinead O'Connor did with the song "Property of Jesus," but I did appreciate someone resurrecting the song. Same with "Gotta Serve Somebody."
Perhaps the best songs are the ones that play directly into Amnesty International's messages of peace and justice. Dylan seems like the perfect poster child for...Read more
