One of the things that I love about Bob Dylan is his way of never doing quite what is expected of him. He isn't the traditional Rock n' Roll rebel in that he doesn't hold a finger up tp society; he dosen't pour out a stream of abusive vitriol like John Lydon and doesn't appear to the the arrongant cynicism the John Lennon had and yet, off he goes and breaks every rule imaginable. Rock stars do not appear on ladies underwear ads (or didn't until Dylan did it first) and Rock stars do not host radio shows that are as amazing to listen to as the mans music itself.
Theme Time Radio Hour (TTRH) is a one-hour long radio show hosted by Bob Dylan. Each episode is an eclectic, freeform brew of blues, folk, rockabilly, R&B, soul, bebop, rock-and-roll, country and pop music, centered around a "theme," with songs from artists as diverse as Patti Page and LL Cool J.
The show reflects Dylan's wide ranging love of American music and of all music in general. In between the songs he plays are littered his witty remarks along with email readings; phone calls; old radio station ID's, promos, and jingles; "def poet" poetry recitations; taped commentary from a variety of musicians and comedians; and thoughts from Dylan on the music and musicians, as well as other miscellanea related to the themes.
The shows have been broadcast since 2006 and were first heard via XM Satellite Radio and since 2007 on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music in the UK, and in Ireland on Dublin-based alternative rock station Phantom FM.
The music range is vast and includes all manner of music that has been an influence on Dylan but it isn't just the music that is incredible to listen to and to hear, in many cases for the first time, but also great to hear is Dylan. The man is a natural broadcaster. Very off the wall, leftfield perhaps but it is his idisyncratic way that is so charming and endearing. Very fifferent in style o good old John Peel but of a similar nature in that he explores relatively unchatered waters.
For years his singing voice has been much written about: discussed, dismmissed as being unlistenable and praised to the hilt for its defiance of all the rules of singing. His speaking voice is equally unique. Odd, quirky but, as far as I am concerned, captivating. If you haven't listened to the show then tune in and catch it. You won't be disappointed.
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aNOtHEr dIp INtO ThE mAGpIE mEMOrY pOOoL.
