Michael Simmons on Bob Dylan's Tempest

Above is a video of the song "Duquesne Whistle" from Bob Dylan's new album Tempest,. My friend Michael Simmons has this comment on the song:

It starts like some Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys' 1930s Western Swing thing, like an old song emanating from ancient radio ether, reminding us of Dylan's love for the roots of American music. But after a verse, it hits ramming speed, kicking into a ferocious romping rocker propelled by Tony Garnier's walking bass. The conceit belongs to that grand tradition of long gone train line songs (think City Of New Orleans), representing older, more soulful values that get lost when progress mows down everything in its path. "Listen to that Duquesne whistle blow/Sounds like it's on a final run." A helluva an opener.

Michael has much more to say about the album, and about each song. He sums it up with: "Yes, Dylan delivers."