Various, Theme Time Radio Hour

Mar 28 2008 by Christopher Rees, Western Mail

IT surprised and thrilled Bob Dylan fans around the world when it emerged in May 2006 that music’s most enigmatic character was to unveil himself as a radio DJ in a series of Theme Time radio shows for America’s XM Satellite Radio station.

Perhaps less surprising was his natural flair for presenting. He had, after all, initially developed his obsession with music by listening to early radio broadcasts from his Minnesota home and marvelled at the characters, the landscapes, the stories and the songs that fuelled his childhood dreams.

And while he maintained quite the enigma throughout his broadcasts, what was revealing and enormously satisfying about his one-hour shows was the insight he provided about the music that inspired, excited and empowered the man, the myth and the legend that is Bob Dylan.

His voice all smoke stained, whisky soaked and laid back, he’d insert nuggets of philosophy, good humour and literary reflections before always introducing the act and song title before each hand-picked selection, like the old late night American DJs that he’d admired so much.

Dylan’s voice is absent from this 50-track double CD release (the full shows have been transmitted on both BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music) but his guiding hand is ever clear.

As the title dictates, the music for each of the one-hour shows was inspired by a different theme, including such random topics as coffee, the weather, cars, dance and, of course, whisky, among others.

And even though the majority of material here is drawn from the vintage vaults of his record collection, including wondrous appearances from Grandpa Jones, Betty Hall Jones and Memphis Minnie, he also includes a few more contemporary names like The Modern Lovers, Mary Gauthier, The Clash and The White Stripes.

What is also striking about the collection is the diversity of styles collected together, from Appalachian folk song to jazz, reggae, punk rock, blues, soul, bluegrass, country and good old rock ‘n’ roll.

He once famously said, “I’ve never understood no border control when it comes to music”, and it’s clearly evident here.

Other highlights come from overlooked soul great James Carr, the formidable Sister Rosetta Tharpe and a magnificent 1946 version of Good Morning Heartbreak by Billie Holiday.

It’s a play-list created with total care and attention, and as a result provides an incredibly rewarding and illuminating listening experience. Thanks Bob!

Standout Tracks Billie Holiday – Good Morning Heartache, The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army