Bob Dylan: Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid Soundtrack - 1973
"It is every bit as inept, amateurish and embarrassing as 'Self Portrait'. And it has all the earmarks of a deliberate courting of commercial disaster, a flirtation that is apparently part of an attempt to free himself from previously imposed obligations derived from his audience" - Jon Landau
This is obviously a movie soundtrack album, as opposed to a regular album release, so there are not really quite as many observations to be made.
Despite many critical misgivings - such as quoted above - there are undoubtedly some good tracks on the album, though, making it more credible than many think, particularly as it was Dylan's first material for three years. As for Dylan deliberately "courting commercial disaster", I simply don't think that applies here. It is a soundtrack to a film that Dylan appeared in. He was obviously bothered about it.
Put down those guns for a minute.....
The Main Title Theme (Billy) is an appealing piece of Mexican-influenced guitar and rhythm with some addictive, full bass lines coming in half way through. It is actually a really nice piece. The bongos and acoustic guitar of Cantina Theme (Workin' For The Law) are attractive too. A notable thing to this album is just how good the sound is. Billy 1 is a harmonica-drenched, Latin-tinged track with some Dylan vocals. Again, it is not a bad song with echoes of the later Romance In Durango.
Bunkhouse Theme is a few minutes of slow finger picking guitar, slightly affected by some strange scratchy background noises. River Theme is more of the same, but without the noises. Turkey Chase is a lively piece of country fiddle and guitar fun.
The big track on here, of course, is the mournful and solemnly wonderful Knockin' On Heaven's Door. I have always loved it and still do. It has a great bass line to it too, which is continued in Final Theme, enhanced by some fetching flute passages.
Billy 4 is a fine, evocative song too, telling a tale in typical Dylan narrative style, and featuring some trademark harmonica. Billy 7 (odd numberings, aren't they?) is shorter but still an atmospheric song.
The presence of the three Billy songs and Heaven's Door make this more than just an album of background music. It is a worthwhile occasional listen.
