Music Review: Bob Dylan's 'Shadow Kingdom' reimagines well-known, obscure songs
Bob Dylan’s “Shadow Kingdom” feels like Dylan covering Dylan
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Bob Dylan’s “Shadow Kingdom” feels like Dylan covering Dylan.
Or Dylan radically unplugged, nearly 30 years after he did that on MTV.
When Dylan first released “Shadow Kingdom” as a streaming event in July 2021, it disappeared almost as quickly as it emerged out of the smoke-filled sound stage where it was filmed noir-style in black and white.
But now with its official release, fans will be able to hear yet again how Dylan reinterprets some of his earliest songs, with a heavy dose of accordion and no drums, making them sound fresh again.
The majority of the 14 songs on “Shadow Kingdom" were first recorded in the 1960s. Not counting a newly recorded instrumental, the most recent and most obscure song is “What Was It You Wanted,” first released in 1989.
“When I Paint My Masterpiece,” released in 1971, kicks off the set not just with a fresh arrangement, but also some new lyrics. It brings home the point that more than 60 years into his career, Dylan is still reinventing himself and his songs. His sought-after masterpiece remains a work in progress.
“Shadow Kingdom” also stands as a good retort for all the naysayers who have argued, seemingly from day one, that Dylan can’t sing. The subdued arrangements are perfect for Dylan’s well-weathered, unfairly maligned voice.
Even with this official release, plenty of mystery remains about the aptly-titled “Shadow Kingdom.” None of the band members who appear with Dylan are credited and there are no liner notes. It's too bad those details are left in the shadows.
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