Apparently, certain Jewish groups were astonished to learn that Bob Dylan will release a Christmas album this October. I first heard rumor of Christmas In The Heart a few weeks ago when news leaked that Dylan had recorded four Christmas songs at Jackson Browne's Santa Monica studio. The press seemed to raise an eyebrow at the news: What was Dylan, who was raised Jewish, doing recording "Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "Here Comes Santa Claus"? However, I think the Jewish groups and the press have missed the point entirely.
Dylan has never renounced his Jewish background, nor has he renounced his flirt with Christianity. While he stated that he is "a praying man" in Chronicles, his spiritual affiliation hasn't been the subject of much speculation since at least the late-80s. If anything, he's made it apparent that his faith is in song, which is what I'm willing to bet Christmas In The Heart is all about.
Songs. Christmas songs. Actually, to be more specific...American Christmas songs. Dylan is positively obsessed with the American songbook and there's no question Christmas songs have had a major impact on our culture. Many have said that this album--Dylan's 47th--will be akin to holiday albums by Elvis, etc. But I have a feeling Dylan's delivery will frame these songs to reflect things about our culture we often take for granted. After hearing Dylan cover "Winter Wonderland" in his scorched-throat growl, I bet walking through Macy's during the holidays will never be the same...
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