English, baby!

Dylan

Date: Dec 04 2006

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

hearing aid

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Bob Dylan, who many fans and music historians call simply “Dylan,” has been writing songs since the 60s. His songs, such as Blowin’ in the Wind and The Times They Are A-Changin’, became part of the soundtrack for the anti-war and civil rights movements.

But his music career merely started there. For over four decades, Dylan has recorded some 50 albums. His most recent one, titled Modern Times, came out a few months ago.

Many people in their twenties may think that Dylan is over the hill, and therefore has no relevance to their own lives. But look at this picture. Kids today are wearing the same clothes and hairstyles that Dylan was wearing 40 years ago.

In fact, Dylan is just one of a generation of musicians who are still recording and even touring. Look at the Rolling Stones, for example.

Listen to Toby and Erin talk about Dylan and other musicians of his generation.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Toby

Erin

Toby: I… I really shouldn’t even be talking about Bob Dylan because…well, I went through a long phase where I listened to everything of his and I think he’s an amazing poet and I definitely have some favorite albums. I know his older stuff extremely well, like, Desire and Blood on the Tracks, but, um, I was told that he has a new album coming out.

Erin: Oh, gosh.

Toby: Are you a fan?

Erin: I mean, he’s a legend. I have respect for him, but the guy needs to know when to stop. He’s an older guy. Like, it’s OK.

Toby: How old is he now?

Erin: I don’t know but he’s not looking too good.

Toby: He’s gotta be 70, right?

Erin: I don’t know. I don’t know his exact age but he’s definitely looking old.

Toby: Yeah.

Erin: And…

Toby: Yeah, but so is Keith Richards and he’s still rockin’.

Erin: Well, you know what, then maybe, if nothing else, it’ll make his fans happy. And they’ll go out and they’ll buy the CD and they’ll enjoy…

Toby: All the senior citizens!

Erin: Yeah, exactly. And, um, they’ll turn up their hearing aids and listen to it and it’ll be loads of fun but I don’t think it’s… I don’t see it being a huge hit for the younger generations.

Toby: I would agree with you.

Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

Toby used to be a big Dylan fan. She is familiar with a lot of his older albums.

Erin respects Dylan’s place in music history. But she doesn’t think his latest album will attract younger listeners, only their parents and grandparents.

Are you a Dylan fan?

Do you listen to other musicians who are much older than you?