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.

EXTRA CREDIT FOR TRYING, BUT....
Arrright folks. I have been enjoying the Theme Time Radio now for some time, via the use of bootlegs. If there would be one reason for me to wish I had satellite radio, it would be for this one hour a week radio show. Bob Dylan picks the songs every week and throws some banter around, with interesting tid bits of information. Very ecclectic mix, and I really love hearing all of this rare stuff, presented to me by the man, Bob Dylan.
A compilation seems to be due, however, with fifty hours of programming being represented here... there is absolutely no way to make an acceptable two disc set. I'd have to say, that the show has been a treasure trove for me, and out of the dozens of old-old-oldies I've discovered on this show, I don't think a single one of them appear on this collection..... also, neither does Dylan. Not even once.
So, it's a tough call. If you are completely unfamiliar with the show, this may give you an idea. It's pretty much, taking a ride through Bob Dylans music collection, which is largely built up of blues, rock and r&b roots music... singles from the thirties-forties-fifties, and the occasional White Stripes tune (which personally, I didn't think should have been included here, but is). Really though, you should listen to the show. Bootlegs. Listen for the music that grabs your ear, or is different. Theres tons of gems coming out of this show, and not enough in this mix... however it is still pretty great. Theme Time Box Set is due! And keep in all of that great Bob Dylan jibberjabber. I guess I'll let this collection slide with a four star rating. That may be a bit of a stretch though.

*Ooops, I guess I gave it a five star rating anyway. Oh well.