Dylan's "Tempest" Dylan haters need not reply

Hi.

Well I think its a high-point. Spend time listening to Tin Angel. You will become a believer. Agree its strong on lyrics, I don't question his productions, after all who am I to question a genius.

I like it. Dylan's voice just keeps getting better. Unlike most other American minstrels, he took notice of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy. Dylan's song 'Tempest' is based on an old verse "The Watchman' by Seth Mize. Both The Carter Family and The New Lost City Ramblers performed it before Dylan. As I recall, Dylan sometimes sang with the latter group during the early 60's in New York, and he may have learned of it from them. The Watchman may refer to the nightmares of Frederick Fleet on whose watch it was that the Titanic struck the iceberg. See Wikipedia for more on poor Frederick Fleet who died in 1965.

Thanks for the replies, folks. Interesting comments/insights from Jburidan. Toddnkaya - yes, I've listened to Modern Times. Have quite a bit of Dylan and have really enjoyed his later output (from Time Out of Mind forward). Rpeluso - still exploring "Tempest". I'll certainly be giving Tin Angel another listen.

Footnote on 'Tempest' song: Wikipedia states that the Titanic left port without binoculars on board, which is why the watchmen in the crow's nest didn't see the iceberg until it was too late to avoid the fatal collision.