Like most geniuses, Bob Dylan has a brain that moves too fast.
By naming his new album "Modern Times" (Columbia), is Dylan joking about how unmodern his collection of blues, rock and folk sounds? Is he referring to the Charlie Chaplin film "Modern Times" and its comment on living in upheaval as technology creates unemployment and "Big Brother" is always watching? Is he trying to place today's world in the context of the historical definition of "modern times," which started in the late 18th century? Probably, all of the above. And more.
Unlike 2001's "Love and Theft" (Columbia), which showed that great artists can still be potent and poignant after 42 albums, "Modern Times" is less concerned about individuals' stories and more about humanity.
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Listen to "Modern Times" here