Today's Song of the

Tangled Up in Blue, Bob Dylan, 1974

If you know me at all, then you know I have strong feelings about Bob Dylan. You know that ours is my most favorite love/hate relationship. I’ve never denied his immense talent but the truth is, I mostly think he's pretty overrated.

Yes, Dylan is an absolutely brilliant wordsmith -- this song = case in point -- but there's something about him that feels exploitive and inauthentic to me. Is he a great storyteller? Absolutely. It’s just, most of his songs feel as if he's poaching someone else's story. You know what I mean?

I get it; there's no rule that says an artist can only tell their own personal stories. For me, though, 90% of Dylan's work lacks the depth that comes from personal experience. Granted, everything he's ever done is brilliant but I have trouble getting past his heavily voyeuristic perspective.

Most of my life, I primarily considered Dylan a poet and really enjoyed reading his work as such. A few years back, I finally gave in and embraced his music, too. I'm so glad I did. Aging is a funny thing, y'all. Never say never.

Happy Gemini Season and happy birthday to Bob Dylan.