No Dylan
Nice collection of tracks, but has none of Bob Dylan's commentary and patter from the radio show. That makes this disk a huge disappointment to me.

Boo, and may I add, Hiss.
"Theme Time Radio Hour" would have faded away after the first 4 or 5 episodes, if it weren't for it being "BOB FRIGGIN' DYLAN" who is reading someone else's commentaries on someone else's record selections. And they're even managing to embarrass Dylan by what they write. Imagine--on the "Father" show alone (season 1, episode 7), there are FOUR factual errors that no one even bothered to check, much less correct (don't just take my word for it--download it from somewhere and listen yourself).

Now, don't get me wrong--the music here is fine, if not the best that one could find. Hey, I'm a record collector with over 200,000 discs in my collection, so I'm a bit cloyed by a lot of stuff. But if you want a good overview of American music, this is NOT it. Or if you want anything that is "Dylanesque" in the least, this is ALSO not it. This is, "let's put Bob's name on a bunch of stuff we can license cheap, and see how much money we can make in the process."

First, shame on you, Bob, for allowing your good name and persona to have been used by the creators of this melee. Second, shame on someone for trying to boil down 50 hours of scattershot music into something that someone would dare to call any type of introduction to music--much less an overview of 20th century culture--(both monickers which have been applied [elsewhere, thank goodness] to it), and then stamping Dylan's name on it to sell it.

Bob, if you're listening, DON'T let yourself be screwed further by a THIRD (shudder) season of this show. I've bought everything you've ever released, and the show (as well as this set) has lowered my opinion of you almost irreparably. And you, music lover, if you're looking for a good overview of American roots music, check out practically ANYTHING on the Document label...or Yazoo, or Folkways, or...or just buy a few Dylan albums and go from there...but give this pale pastiche a pass.

Faith Restoration or How I Learned To Cry Again
In a world of immitators and regurgitated bland soundscapes, it's so refreshing to see brilliance in the music industry again. Call it a throwback if you will, I'll call it 'actual' entertainment. Either way you slice it there's no denying the musical knowledge stored inside Mr. Zimmerman's brain. I know the show is not entirely all his creation (so thanks go out to the producers, engineers, and everyone else who makes it possible.) but without him as the 'mouth-piece', the show wouldn't have the same style and class. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for taking the time to produce a show that has obvious thought behind it. Looking forward to season 3 and what 'themes' may be in store........

Stompin Good Time Alan Fried
This is like a nightmare I can not get away from this CD. I ordered Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour and I was sent Stompin Good Time Twice. I NEVER ORDERED THIS ITEM. I thought I had this streightend out. I returned the 2 copies ( At a cost to me of around $8.00 for postage) At least my credit card was not charged for 2 copies of this rather dismal looking CD. I thank you for this.

I re-ordered Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour and I am shuddering now that I see you are asking me about Stompin Good Time! Please I beg you do not send this again. Your faithful customer, Diane

Not Theme Time...but the next best thing
So much about what I have come to love about music is falling away - "albums" are being replaced by singles downloaded from cyberspace, music magazines (so long No Depression) are shuttering their doors due to lack of ad revenue, and great record stores are closing by the dozen. Into these dangerous straits waded XM Radio and Bob Dylan with the Theme Time Radio Hour - a throwback to simpler times wherein Bob Dylan selects an hour's worth of choice cuts loosely centered around a "theme" like flowers, or marriage or coffee. The show has been a breath of fresh air - it's success due in equal measure to Dylan's pithy narrative style and his impeccable taste in popular music.

What we have here is Ace Records' attempt to anthologize the radio show by choosing 50 cuts that have appeared on Theme Time. There is no "theme" and no Dylan. What we do get is 2 hours of music - most of it blues, R&B, and American roots music. Some of the choices are inspired, the Geraint Watkins cut, "Only a Rose" for example; others - two versions of "Pistol Packin Mama" - less so. The overall effect is akin to listening to a jukebox stocked by Dylan. One could do worse. The packaging is excellent, with track and artist information and a photograph to accompany every song. Sound is more than adequate as well.

If you have access to XM radio by all means listen to Theme Time Radio Hour. If not, this makes a more than acceptable substitute.