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Bob Dylan has been on a roll, getting us through lockdown with new singles that find him as clever and compelling as ever. On Thursday evening, May 7, the Bob Dylan Twitter account posted another cryptic tweet – complete with a pulp book-inspired illustration and a lyric quote – which had fans everywhere wondering if we might get another treat to tide us over.
Well, come midnight, we got our answer as “False Prophet” was released on digital streaming services. The third surprise single in what’s become a triweekly tradition, “False Prophet” is a departure from the more atmospheric “Murder Most Foul” and “I Contain Multitudes.” The new track is a rollicking and bluesy, guitar-heavy track with intense and growling vocals from Dylan. (Meanwhile, some observant listeners have noted that it’s a near carbon copy of Billy “The Kid” Emerson’s 1954 single, “If Lovin’ is Believing.”)
As if a new single weren’t enough, Dylan also announced his first album of new original material in eight years. Due out June 19 on Columbia Records, Rough and Rowdy Ways will be a ten-song, two-CD affair. The album opens with “I Contain Multitudes,” followed by “False Prophet,” then by seven as-yet-unknown tracks. The epic “Murder Most Foul” will be included on its own on CD 2. The two discs will be housed in a 4-panel, 2-pocket gatefold digipak.
A 2-LP edition will also be pressed up, boasting 180-gram vinyl, gatefold packaging, and printed inner sleeves. That configuration is set to arrive July 17. And for those readers who may have ventured into streaming during lockdown, the album will be released across digital platforms, too, on the same day as the CD.
So mark your calendars for June 19 for this much-welcome gift from Bob Dylan, Rough and Rowdy Ways. You can listen to “False Prophet” on streaming services everywhere now!
Bob Dylan, Rough and Rowdy Ways (Columbia, 2020)
2-CD: Bob Dylan Online Store / Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
2-LP: Bob Dylan Online Store / Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada [Amazon US link will go live soon]
2-CD or 2-LP + print bundle: Badlands
CD 1:
- I Contain Multitudes
- False Prophet
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CD 2:
- Murder Most Foul
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Release Round-Up: Week of January 22
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“Rough and Rowdy Ways” as in Jimmie Rodgers?
Indeed, Ed. With Dylan, I’m certain it’s not a coincidence.
Not to mention the album cover photo was originally used on a Chess Records compilation:
https://www.amazon.com/Mojo-Chess-Northern-VARIOUS-ARTISTS/dp/B0009MA996
Bob and Neil Young have stayed relevant for the majority of their careers, truly an amazing feat. If he’s including the recent singles then it points to the feel of the rest of the album but that’s no guarantee with Mr. Zimmerman. Definitely looking forward to this.