And The Answer Is. . . 25
Like a Rolling Stone. Kudos to AC and Just John for their deep knowledge of Bob Dylan's career and their excellent clues. AC's was especially creative.
I've learned a lot about Dylan in recent weeks. I watched the DVD of No Direction Home recently, the Martin Scorsese documentary of Dylan's early career (through 1966), followed by D.A. Pennebaker's documentary of Dylan's 1965 tour of England, Don't Look Back.
Being a relatively baby (I was born in 1966), I only know Dylan as both an acoustic and electric singer. It wasn't until I watched No Direction Home that I learned there was such a backlash against Dylan for switching to electric. The exchange at the concert in Manchester revealed just how fans reviled him for allegedly betraying them by going commercial.
Personally, I don't see the big deal. As wonderful as Dylan's acoustic music is, artists are constantly evolving to stay fresh and current. Look at how U2's or Bruce Springsteen's music has changed over time. Does anyone revile U2 for getting away from their political message or the Boss for getting away from his rocker sound to a more mellow and introspective sound? Maybe some people aren't crazy about it, but I don't think anyone has branded them a Judas as the recently identified Keith Butler branded Dylan, whose electric music is as compelling as his acoustic music. In fact, Like a Rolling Stone was voted the number one rock song of all time by a group of industry insiders. I can't say whether I agree or disagree, but I do know it's my favorite Dylan song, one which drew the applause of the audience despite their overall feelings of betrayal.