Back to MONO! Let’s Enjoy Monaural Records! Vol. 3 - The Unique Song from Bob Dylan That Makes You Feel a Poetic Sentiment in Your Body

This blog introduces monaural records with titles that are rarely introduced in music magazines and other blogs. This time, I’ll look at the work of Bob Dylan, whose performance in Japan was unfortunately canceled. I would like you to listen to a monaural record of a number that is unique but really permeates the body, which will blow away the regret of the canceled show.

audio technica / AT-MONO3/LP monaural cartridge

For those who want to enjoy the monaural sound engraved on records more deeply, a monaural cartridge is recommended! Of course, you can get these at Sound House!

Installation on the head shell is not that difficult, so please give it a try!

By the way, this time I would like to introduce the number "Lay Lady Lay", which was a single from the album "Nashville Skyline" released in 1969.

Speaking of Bob Dylan, his image is one of a rough voice singing with cool expression. However, this is a unique work with a refreshingly clear singing voice that is rare on this album. Like the cover art of the album, it is a work full of gentle, warm and earthy country taste. But because of that aspect, Dylan is loved by rock fans as a storyteller of revelations thrown into modern society. At the time of its release, I think it was a truly heart-warming album that made you think about the news of the intensifying Vietnam War and anti-war movement that would heal American society.

By the way, this work allows you to enjoy a different Dylan style, or listening to the album as a wonderful country rock album. While listening to the singles from this album, I will talk to you about the attraction of monaural records.

"Lay Lady Lay" is the 1st single from this unique album, but it was a number that entered the top 10 in the United States for the first time in a while for Dylan. The monaural version was released only as a single at that time, but let's see if you can find a difference from the stereo version you listen to on the album.

In stereo, you can enjoy the percussion sound, which is very vivid and gently resonates in contrast with Dylan's voice. Although the monaural voice is clear, the song is so powerful that it feels like it has more force than the stereo version. In addition, the bass rings loudly, and the drums are strong in the B melody, and when I first dropped the needle on the monaural record, I had the impression that Ringo Starr was sitting at the drums. Also, the percussion that I listen to in monaural is different from the gorgeous stereo version, with a lively and uplifting existence, and I felt that it was similar to the sound of a Phil Spector single.

Country rock that is more in line with sunny pop music, together with American manners. In the end, I rediscovered that this is truly a unique work from Dylan.

Of course, it's not about whether the standard stereo version of this song is better or the niche monaural version is better. I feel that enjoying both versions is about enjoying the depth of American rock. This American single. It may seem valuable and expensive, but as mentioned above, it is a hit single and there are many in circulation. In fact, I got it on a flea market site for a single coin. You may find that there may also be some monaural records lying around that will get you excited.

So, this blog that tells you the attraction of monaural records. I have introduced old singles so far, and I have also focused on LPs, but next time I would like to touch on the newly released album, "McCartney III", while looking at the charms of the monaural LP reproduction of Paul McCartney's album "RAM".

So everybody, I'll see you in the next blog. Back To Mono!