Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde

Columbia Records

Blonde on Blonde, the seventh studio album by Bob Dylan, was released on this day 55 years ago on the legendary Columbia Records label.

Blonde on Blonde is Dylan's first double album and come to think of it, it could quite possibly be the first double album to be released commercially? That would be another first that Dylan beat the majority to. Dylan had the music game sown up by the time '66 came around with his songwriting, artwork, discography, presence, influence and the list goes on. The circumference of the sonic realm was well and truly circled by a certain Robert Zimmerman. Has an act had more of a bearing in the world of music as Dylan on his initial run?

Very few musicians have the potential to live up to the likes of a Dylan. To say he's a one in a million is an understatement. His rarity is just about as rare as a decent double album, of which Blonde on Blonde is most definitely one of the finest. Members of The Hawks, who would later be known as The Band and also Dylan's live band, were brought in as studio musicians for the recording of the album. Studio sessions began in New York towards the end of 1965 and later moved to Nashville roughly in the Spring of 1966 where the album was later completed.

Bob Johnston produced the album in a manner that helps the songs cut through. Especially the piercing harmonica that rips holes within the works. That sound could cut glass with its pin point, laser focused intent. That’s not to say that the voice of Bob doesn't inherently hone the traits either. There's something reckless about the performances. Kind of like an organised disaster. A 77 minute train ride through a well managed scrapyard. It's not the prettiest of sights but the fact that it exists within an unstructured and somewhat chaotic framework is a sight to behold.

"The harmonicas play the skeleton keys and the rain"

Favourite Track: Memphis Blues Again

June 20th, 1966.