Dylan's 'Nashville Skyline' breezy and pleasant...but mysterious

Bob looks happy.

Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline has always fascinated me because of the context in which it was released in 1969. From 1965-67, Dylan released four albums that are undeniably great. Bringing It All Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde are unlike anything ever created in music history. Full of impressionistic poetry and raucous rock and roll, the three broke new ground in unfathomable ways.

After that came John Wesley Harding and it was a departure. Coming after his much-chronicled motorcycle wreck and an extended break, the record was acoustic and quieter. It still contained strong poetry, but it hinted at new directions. This was especially true on the album's final two songs, 'Down Along the Cove' and 'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight.' Dripping with Pete Drake's sweet steel guitar, both songs are warm and seem light years away from 1965.

Then came Nashville Skyline. If the final two songs of John Wesley Harding hinted at a departure then Nashville Skyline took it further. It was a mainstream country album, and the song's lyrics reflected a simpler and more straightforward approach. There were no magic swirling ships to be found. Dylan had re-invented himself again.

The album has three indisputably great songs. 'Lay Lady Lay' may be the greatest love song in pop music history. Incredibly, Dylan's vocals are warm and seductive and Kenny Buttrey's drum work is fantastic.'Tonight, I'll Be Staying Here With You' is equally penetrating and Drake's steel guitar playing during the instrumental break is shimmering. It is one of many great songs in Dylan's catalogue that does not get the attention it deserves. 'Girl from the North Country' is his famous duet with Johnny Cash and is as charming as a summer day is long.

The rest of the album is far less meaty. This does not mean the songs are bad. In fact, there is not a bad song on the album. However, some are so lightweight they might float away with a gentle wind.

As stated earlier, my primary fascination with this album has to do with the context in which it was released.It came on the heels of four profound efforts. As the release date for Nashville Skyline approached, it had to have produced intense anticipation. After getting through the Dylan/Cash duet that opens the album, I can only guess at the reaction of the pseudo-intellectuals who love nothing more than to imagine interpretations of Dylan songs that aren't there.

After that opening song, there is the instrumental 'Nashville Skyline Rag.' It is a breezy and well-performed song, but after listening to a minute or two of it, I am sure many thought: What is this doing on a Bob Dylan album? With many of Nashville's best playing on it, the level of musicianship cannot be denied. However, it appears more suited for a soundtrack of a film about jaunting through the back roads of Tennessee than a Dylan album.

Based on what I understand about the country music scene in 1969, the songs 'I Threw It All Away,' 'One More Night,' and 'Tell Me That It Isn't True' are all songs that could have been played on country radio. The songs are all about the ups and downs of love.

The song 'Country Pie' appears to be about pie. Who doesn't like pie?

As with most actions taken by Dylan, a person cannot help but wonder why he released the album when he did. Surely, he understood the impact it would have on those riding on his bandwagon.

After all the triumphs of the previous years, had he simply developed writer's block? Or did he finally become fed up with all those trying to anoint him as the ‘spokesman’ of his generation? His next album, Self Portrait, might cause one to decide that the answer to both those questions is 'yes.' It was weaker and even more of a departure than Nashville Skyline.

We can speculate endlessly about these questions and others, but the bottom line is we do not know. And it really does not matter. Because of this, we should accept Nashville Skyline for what it is. It really has a happy vibe to it, and because of this, it deserves a spot in your collection.

My excitement highest for start of Braves season since 1974

I know it is a stretch to say this is the most excited I have been for the start of an Atlanta Braves season since 1974, but I feel that way.

As a boy back then, Hank Aaron was on the verge of passing Babe Ruth to become the home run king. I remember the disappointment I felt when the 1973 season ended and 'The Hammer' was stuck at 713. It was a long winter indeed, but fortunately, we did not have to wait long for Aaron to get the deed done when the 1974 season started.

He pasted a homer off Cincinnati's Jack Billingham on April 4 to tie the Babe at 714, and then, of course, he took the Dodgers' Al Downing deep on April 8 to break the record. It was a remarkable accomplishment, but unfortunately for fans, it was only a brief oasis as the Braves struggled mightily from then until the ‘90s. Only the Western Division title in 1982 brought relief.

The Braves have had tons of success in the last twenty years or so, but I cannot recall the sense of anticipation I am feeling since back in 1974.  Maybe I should plead guilty to being a fan who caught a bad case of complacency as the team won 14 consecutive divisional titles. Sustained excellence can take the edge off even the most devoted fans.

The Braves won 94 games last year and look locked to produce a strong season. Seriously, what is not to like?

The outfield has the potential to be the best defensive outfield in the National League. Jason Heyward won his first Gold Glove award last year, and Justin and B.J. Upton both have range (along with Heyward) that will make it difficult for batters to find the outfield gaps.

First baseman Freddie Freeman is emerging as one of the better players at his position. Despite seeing his batting average drop to .259 last year, his swing is too sweet to remain that low. A batting line-up including Freeman, Heyward, and the Upton brothers is formidable, and if this group does not deliver a combined 100 home runs, it will have to be considered a major disappointment.

At third base, the retirement of Chipper Jones leaves a void so it only seems logical that a platoon would be needed to plug it. Both Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson have power and should bring stability with Johnson chipping in at first base on occasion as needed. A combined 20 home runs is not out of the question for this platoon and their free-swinging ways should produce a nice breeze on sultry nights at Turner Field.

Of course, there are concerns. As much upside as shortstop Andrelton Simmons has, it remains to be seen what he can do during a 162-game stretch especially if he hits lead-off.  Also, second baseman Dan Uggla’s power followed his batting average south last year as he struggled with 19 home runs. At this point, anything gotten from Uggla will have to be considered a bonus and expectations for him should be cautious.

As for the pitching, the Braves have arguably the best bullpen in baseball, and if the offense can just get them the lead by the sixth inning, they will win a lot more than they lose. Craig Kimbrel had 88 saves in the last two seasons, and he will be set up by stalwarts Eric O’Flaherty, Jonny Venters (who is currently experiencing elbow problems), and Jordan Walden.

As for the starters, can Kris Medlen continue his hot streak (10-1, 1.57 ERA last year)? Probably not to the degree from last year, but he appears capable of big things. Though aging, Tim Hudson still looks dependable and capable of delivering 15 wins.  Underrated Paul Maholm is dependable, and if Mike Minor can pitch for the entire season like he did in last year’s second half, he should be on everybody’s fantasy team.

So, the excitement is there. Can the Braves deliver on such promise? Time will tell.