The first album I bought with my allowance was Bob Dylan's "Desire." It changed my life. The Kenwood needle melted away, again and again, playing "One More Cup of Coffee," "Hurricane," "Joey."

The orchestration was light-years away from what I was used to hearing up until then, the grandiose Yes, Genesis, and the inevitable mid-seventies "Smoke on the Water." Later, over time, I acquired the complete works of Dylan. Then I lost them (moving, thefts, donations, fires!) Now, I am collecting them again. And I still find myself captivated. Yes, Dylan changed my life.

There are works of art that trap you at home. Others that take you out on the road, sending you into labyrinths from which you stubbornly refuse to exit. Such are the songs, the lyrics, and the voice of the Troubadour. It takes you far from home, away from any safety, into fiery landscapes. And that's a good thing!

(George - Ikaros Bampasakis)