Bob Dylan, "Rough and Rowdy Ways" (Columbia)
Anyman had this music on while he slept, and woke up knowing Sanskrit. He went to work in the slaughterhouse and did everything the same, but kept looking at his hands, finally realizing that they belonged to some ancestor who died 5,000 years ago. Everyone he saw on the street suddenly looked familiar. Every image seemed to suggest something. Although he was not angry, he considered random acts of violence. Although he was not kind, he gave two twenties to a woman squatting by a trash bin. He went home and opened a beer, but didn't drink it. He sat for hours looking at the ivy outside his window. The next day, he had forgotten he ever heard this mysterious collection of songs that Bob Dylan revealed at the age of 79. But he didn't need memory anymore.
What would come up if someone deep-dredged the Nile and the Mississippi? Now you know. When big rivers silt up, someone must go to the bottom with a plow, or civilization can't continue. The dredging brings ancient sculptures to the surface, and primordial blues into the air again.
People say Dylan has had his hits and misses -- a judgment that depends on perspective. From his perspective, songs arrive in his head and then come out of his mouth and fingers, so how can he miss? This time, Dylan's words bloom everywhere, like flowers or weeds, if there's a difference. This rough and rowdy old man wasn't careful; careful's not his thing. He claims his own. Experience entitles him to call on his old friend the Mother of Muses; to bring vengeance; to call the Black Rider to prayer; to take his cup and pass it along. Pass it to you, even.
No producer is listed on "Rough." Maybe no musicians should have been listed either, so sparely do guitarist Charlie Sexton & company play the blues behind Dylan's unhurried griot talksinging. Considering the excellence of 1973's "Planet Waves" and 1997's "Time out of Mind," folks have wondered why Dylan didn't record more with The Band, and why he didn't extend his partnership with producer Daniel Lanois. "Rough" and 2012's "Tempest" should clarify: He doesn't want distractions, no matter how artful. He wants to deliver the straight stuff, and let it take effect in ways no one can predict.
Which makes Bob Dylan a very dangerous man -- it's surprising that, unlike a certain president, he was allowed to live. When Dylan wrote the long song about that president's assassination, he must have smiled a little. Ya missed me.
Lamb of God, "Lamb of God" (Nuclear Blast)
We learned something from Mark Morton's solo work: The guitarist cuts deeper as a member of the renowned Virginia thrash outfit he co-founded in 1994. So how would he find Lamb of God without its driving force, drummer Chris Adler? It has changed little. Although Art Cruz pounds the skins with a shade less intensity and technical dazzle than Chris, guitarist Willie Adler and bassist John Campbell interlock naturally with the old high-revving formula. And throat rasper Randy Blythe has lost none of his rage, beginning with "Wake up!" and ending with "Kill them all!"
At this late date, freshness is crucial, so it's great to taste the twists -- fun introductions on "Memento Mori" and "Checkmate," and thunderstorm chimes leading into "Resurrection Man." Guest vocals from Testament's Chuck Billy and Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta do not distract.
Longtime fans praise the record for its classic sound, and we all thirst for the band's unsurpassed live assault. (Watch a strong "Quarantine Session" here.) But to keep an edge, there's no substitute for Chris' wild grinding wheel.
flapping, Flapping, "Seeyoutonite" (Household Ink)
On and off for 25 years, this unusual Santa Barbara (and beyond) collective has been making thoughtful, rooted, well recorded rock music. With attractive tracks such as the wistful "Something for Nothing," the upbeat popper "The Aim of Love" and the thudtrippin instrumental "Ruffriff," the latest from guitarist Joe Woodard, keyboardist Tom Lackner and friends showcases the band's virtues while softening the wit. Mature in a good way. Listen/buy here.