Bobby!

I'm not quite sure what to think of Dylan yet.

His self proclaimed "poet first, musician second" epithet it pretty clear, at least in these albums, and I respect that a lot. I can't say that I completely agree with Doug's statement that bands these days aren't as political as they used to be- there are certainly plenty of bands that make statements about the war and whatnot. However none seem to be as eloquent with their political and social commentary as Dylan is. 

I kind of enjoy the "talk singing" that Leslie is talking about- I think it serves to be articulate, so you can focus on what is being said. Personally I don't think it takes away from the musical aspect of the song, but then again, I'm not really knowledgeable about music. 

Mostly the lyrics confuse me. Songs like Maggie's Farm and Subterranean Homesick Blues seem to just be like sporadic narratives, but I'm sure there is much more to them than what's on the surface, otherwise we wouldn't be studying them.