The last time Bob Dylan had a record at number one the U.S. was facing a looming energy crisis at home and uncertainty abroad. Well, 30 years later history is repeating itself. Dylan's Modern Times is at number one, beating out some artists who weren't even born yet in 1976, and the U.S. is obviously facing trouble abroad and our pocketbooks are reeling from high gas prices.

Modern Times sold nearly 200,000 units its first week out. Dylan's poetic abilities are in full form and his legend status, along with what I hope is a renewed appreciation for real artistry among American consumers, is propelling record sales. And, old Bob seems to know a thing or too about modern marketing as well: like sex sells. Hence, the featuring of starlet Scarlett Johansson in the video for "When the Deal Goes Down." It is not an overtly sexual video, but anything with Scarlett in it has an undeniable sexual component. The song is great and although the word "haunting" is cliche, it is an apt description of Dylan's lyrics and delivery. Whether you agree or disagree with that assessment, one thing is for sure, Dylan's return to the top is a welcome event in these sometimes trying modern times.

Labels: Bob Dylan