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First Look: Bob Dylan’s “Christmas in the Heart” Album Art

8/26/09, 12:00 am EST

Here’s the first look at the cover of Bob Dylan’s forthcoming album Christmas in the Heart.

As we published earlier today, proceeds from the disc are going to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity.

Does anybody recognize this painting? Any theories as to what it means? Let us know in the comments section below.


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Comments

dhg | 8/26/2009, 12:33 am EST

dhdfhdfh

Kevin the Robot | 8/26/2009, 12:48 am EST

Why won’t the message board accept my hilarious song title suggestions like ‘Jingle Them Bells’ and ‘The Seasons They are A-Changin’?

Jules McVernon | 8/26/2009, 1:20 am EST

It does look “Classic” much like all of his album covers look. Kinda not sure when I heard about it, so we’ll see. He normally doesn’t disapoint.

ardour | 8/26/2009, 1:27 am EST

Jingle Bells – now with TWICE the horse.

cover art | 8/26/2009, 1:48 am EST

it was bears

Mysterious Hullabaloo Inciter | 8/26/2009, 2:44 am EST

it was NOT bears!

lantern | 8/26/2009, 3:10 am EST

Can’t wait! I love those Christmas songs.

Suggestion | 8/26/2009, 4:12 am EST

There is some kind of Russian influence?

Chewy | 8/26/2009, 4:32 am EST

It doesn’t mean anything.

withheld | 8/26/2009, 5:37 am EST

If you turn the cover upside down and look at the cloud in the background with your eyes slightly out of focus you can see Bing Crosby’s face.

Bs niece | 8/26/2009, 6:11 am EST

It looks to me like an illustration from one of those scary Russian fables: where the driver’s bringing a bride to a small village, they’re chased by wolves, and he is ever after ostracized for throwing the bride off the sleigh to lighten the load and save his own life. This is a really ill thought for Christmastime, though.

Chris Lunn | 8/26/2009, 6:57 am EST

Oh holy Bobness!

Oi Veh! | 8/26/2009, 7:10 am EST

Mazel tov, Mr. Zimmerman…

www.notdarkyet.org | 8/26/2009, 7:14 am EST

I think it is an interesting cover, with the name Bob Dylan printed in smaller letters than the album title, which is rare for a Bob Dylan studio album. Last time that happened was with “Saved” and “Shot of Love”.

Davie | 8/26/2009, 7:29 am EST

Obviously, this is what Christmas was like in Minnesota 60 years ago.

beeswing | 8/26/2009, 7:31 am EST

withheld…..you made my day!

Denise | 8/26/2009, 7:48 am EST

I believe it might be a Currier and Ives print. Not sure.

david | 8/26/2009, 8:09 am EST

it surely reminds us of Splendor Of the Ambersons… and then Rosebud.

Bronson Sterning | 8/26/2009, 8:25 am EST

This has to be a joke. Then again, Bob did do a duet with Brian Wilson once.

www.FaceBook.com/PaulMick | 8/26/2009, 8:39 am EST

Very generic, uninteresting & dated Christmas card. Sorry, Bob – was really hoping for something to become excited-about.

Anonymous | 8/26/2009, 8:42 am EST

You cannot be serious…(McEnroe)
What is this **** ?…(Marcus)

(Well, at least it’s for charity…but get another art designer next year)

Evan St Jasthane | 8/26/2009, 8:43 am EST

That’s obviously Dimitri Shostakovich and his illicit lover Elena Konstantinovskaya, fleeing Stalin after the performance of “Lady Macbeth of the Streets”.

Beth | 8/26/2009, 8:45 am EST

It also reminds me of The Magnificent Ambersons.

The woman and horses look scared.

sqrtzalot | 8/26/2009, 8:46 am EST

If you hold it in a mirror and play it backwards at 78 it says “Paul is dead now – miss him miss him”

nomaHoifani | 8/26/2009, 8:47 am EST

I am sorry, that has interfered… But this theme is very close to me. I can help with the answer.

Vinnie Del Basso | 8/26/2009, 9:18 am EST

The painting is as old as the songs. It looks like one of those painted plates or maybe even a snow globe. The most important aspect is that it has a man and woman in it. I recently wrote a Christmas song that I wished he recorded but it’s probably not old enough.

j | 8/26/2009, 9:23 am EST

BOB IS GOD.

Craig Danuloff | 8/26/2009, 9:26 am EST

I think it means that Bob has made an album of Christmas music, and wanted to evoke a carefree wintertime feel. There’s a suggestion of ‘days gone by’ perhaps to evoke the childhood memories many people associate with the holidays. Further, the scene has been framed in a snow-globe like way to connect to additional emotions and connotations, but the horses have managed to break free of the boundaries, suggesting change and excitement.

Also, CDs need covers so he had to put something there. Imagine what you’d have written if he didn’t. A christmas album with an all white cover. Or an all black one.

Is it really impossible for you to not treat him this way?

The Legendary Danny O'Doul | 8/26/2009, 9:28 am EST

I know that Vinny Del Basso really wanted Bob Dylan to record a Chanukah Album with him and keyboardist and musical director,
Avi Spielman, and so do I

Don’t worry Vinny Del B –
The Legendary Danny O’Doul will be
recording that Chanukah Album with both of you!

matthew pilla | 8/26/2009, 9:57 am EST

it means stay out of new jersey,
BRUCE is the only thing thats good with NJ

john palmquist | 8/26/2009, 9:59 am EST

It should be an old Currier and ives print from about 1880-1900 would be my guess

Darkeyez | 8/26/2009, 11:23 am EST

interesting…Christian holdiday album, Jewish roots. Oh well, he’s doing it for a good cause, better than most of us can say, so YOU GO BOB!

Grant | 8/26/2009, 11:52 am EST

Well now…seriously, Bob’s version of “This Old Man” is fantastic. He did that on another charity album with other starts–most of whom added their own twists to the song and pushed themselves to the front. Dylan’s T.O.M. was true to the tune, and is one of my favorites. So I’m looking forward to this. I’m a fan of his voice, which, over the years, has always sounded to me like wood ripping apart. Count me in!

Eric | 8/26/2009, 11:54 am EST

Joseph Stalin driving the sleigh. Classic!

hims elf | 8/26/2009, 12:06 pm EST

Looks like a Winterlude to me.

Philonius | 8/26/2009, 12:39 pm EST

Kevin, because they’re stupid.

jokerman | 8/26/2009, 2:03 pm EST

If you turn the album upside down, there is a portrait of the Beatles hidden in the sleigh – minus Paul!

emilia | 8/26/2009, 2:13 pm EST

Maybe a Dr.Zhivago scene? Omar Sharif & Julie Christie going to Siberia?
Sounds of Maurice Jarre’s balalaikas. (Lara’s theme) :)
Just a guess.
Eager to listen to Mr. Dylan!!

Amer | 8/26/2009, 2:52 pm EST

It definitely has the nostalgic look and feel – that “Old Timey” world that Dylan lives in – and perfectly reflects the lyrics of Sleigh Ride.

Thomas Ingerick | 8/26/2009, 4:42 pm EST

Bless your heart Bob Dylan, for not being forgetful about those less-fortunate, as we travel together through life. Wonderful cover art, very classic and dashing.

withheld | 8/26/2009, 7:10 pm EST

Sorry nomaHoifani if my humor offended you in any way. Laughter only was my intent. It was not directed at Bob Dylan, whom I love and respect, but at those who give foolish answers to things rather than admit they don’t fully understand, which in this case obviously includes myself. If you have anything more to share on this album or it’s cover art I would love to hear it.

Country Paul | 8/26/2009, 9:27 pm EST

Time for his sleighbells to be wandering….

simandl | 8/26/2009, 11:39 pm EST

It’s a jingle-jangle morning.

SC58 | 8/27/2009, 12:35 am EST

I really enjoyed Bobs Ramadan release, it hit home as always. Also looking forward to his Day of the Dead, Kwanzaa and April Fools hits. Thanx Mr. Bob for covering the less celebrated holidays.

Nico | 8/27/2009, 2:23 am EST

It looks like a painting of the famous Dutch painter Anton Pieck…

MIGHTY QUINN | 8/27/2009, 3:03 am EST

I WOULD LIKE A REMAKE VERSION OF “THREE ANGELS” AS A BONUS TRACK!
& FROM THEME TIME HOUR, BOB’S
TAKE “ON THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
HOW ABOUT BOB DOING LORD BUCKLEY’S
“SCROOGE” AS ANOTHER BONUS TRACK!
” AND FOR CHRISTMAS BUY HER A DRUM”
” IN THE FIREPLACE YOU TELL ME SANTA CLAUS”
“ALL YOUR REINDEER ARMIES ARE GOING HOME”
“CHRISTMAS WRAPING”

Jim-dog | 8/27/2009, 9:26 am EST

Ah, this will definately be a classic, you can’t go wrong with hits like ‘Ramona The Red-nosed Reindeer’, ‘With Santa on Our Side’ and ‘Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The North Pole Blues Again’.

Anonymous | 8/27/2009, 7:18 pm EST

I think great briliant, The guy has been trying to stop the horses for so long as he wants to make a donation to the local stop stop only the lady has a wepon in her muff and well her right hand has got the guy scared so please stop the horse on the right said o the horse on the left if he hites me again with that whip I am gona stop right now the one on the right said is this really Christmas do you understand my pain or is my love in vein

Gernilee Carter | 8/28/2009, 6:03 pm EST

okay…? are you going to tell us about the painting? Currier and Ives? No…? No. okay..who?

Rick in Michigan | 8/28/2009, 7:11 pm EST

I like how people are surprised that Dylan would make music with a Christian theme, evidently forgeting several classic albums and numerous bootleg gems.

zimmy | 8/29/2009, 12:03 am EST

Sleigh chased by wolves. They toss their first born baby, as a sacrifice, so that they may be saved.

iko iko | 8/29/2009, 12:27 am EST

Christmas in the heart!! Looks like the horses don’t think it’s in the heart. You may want to move that sleigh back a bit.

kay | 8/29/2009, 10:59 am EST

It means that after all our travels in life, we return to where we started.

Bob | 8/29/2009, 2:24 pm EST

All the tired horses in the sun.
How’m I gonna get any sleighing done?

Superman | 8/30/2009, 1:03 am EST

Yippee!

Harsh | 8/30/2009, 1:14 am EST

I think it’s a very generous idea…the painting reverberates of the classic old feeling…’time tested and true thru the ages’ feel…isn’t Bob all about that anyway ? Awsome gesture to donate the entire proceeds…Bob Dylan for president ! :-)

jmd | 8/30/2009, 3:38 pm EST

I like the cover and im going to buy 10 and give them as christmas gifts :)

mrpomfrit | 8/31/2009, 2:10 pm EST

What does it mean? Gimme a break.

umkk48 | 8/31/2009, 6:55 pm EST

If it’s not a Currier & Ives, it’s certainly influenced by them.

Ginesc | 8/31/2009, 10:33 pm EST

I like the idea is great. I do not recognize the painting, though it could well be the cover of the novel: “Dr. Zhivago” (Omar Sharif movie)

Ninure | 9/1/2009, 11:00 am EST

The artwork does remind one of magazine covers of the mid 20th century…

As for the music, well it will be different, can’t quite imagine Dylan doing that kind of thing!! :)

Charlespoet | 9/5/2009, 11:33 am EST

Veer

Downunder Dylan Dreamer | 9/9/2009, 5:32 am EST

Its Mr and Mrs Jack Frost of course escaping that horrible snow for warmer climes south of the equator.

jmprof | 9/9/2009, 7:42 pm EST

it could represent Bob on his ‘cycle followed by Sarah, and/or Richard and Mimi Farina, or all of the above. In the good (bad) old days.

Ron | 9/12/2009, 6:13 am EST

Bob is Bob

Anonymous | 9/18/2009, 3:32 pm EST

suze rotolo used to love to go on sleigh rides. and bob is going back to those days with this new album

james fitzgerald | 9/18/2009, 3:34 pm EST

the winter of our discontent.

Steve | 9/21/2009, 11:35 am EST

It either means something or nothing at all…That’s how Dylan works.

Kim Hatton | 9/22/2009, 2:37 pm EST

From this album I am hardly nonplussed that Dylan has chosen, in many cases, to use backing singers that sound, alternatively like The Mike Sammes Singers, and The Andrews Sisters. The album is sure to sell – but will it hit the top twenty. And to think how many that buy it jeered at Self Portrait.

Does anyone remember the ‘hoax bootleg’ of Dylan Christmas songs which was doing the rounds in the late sixties – around 67/68. Someone even went to the trouble to create plausible art work and a track listing not dissimilar to the listing on Christmas In The Heart. That was in the days of satire over here in England. Did the same thing happen in the USA?

Eric | 10/4/2009, 12:12 am EST

OK why all the Paul jokes? Big McCartney/Dylan fan.

tzoli | 10/8/2009, 8:03 am EST

a silver bell igazi dylan szam!!!

alan twyford | 10/8/2009, 12:18 pm EST

What did you expect?….
a flesh coloured Christ that glows in the dark?

Piet R. Hexdelk | 10/9/2009, 10:57 am EST

What did that Cover means – only another dylan-Mysterie.
But I like sentimentel Journey in the snowly heart.

BSIMS | 10/10/2009, 3:04 pm EST

It means “fuck all you, I’m Bob Dylan, I’m the greatest american songwriter ever, and I’m releasing a christmas album that you will buy.

Pogosound | 10/12/2009, 6:45 am EST

Does it really matter? Allow the man his foibles, won’t you? Any all you contributors, ‘GET A LIFE’
Finally – merry Christmas everybody!!!

Henrik Rasch | 10/13/2009, 9:09 am EST

You walk int the room/With your presents in your hand

Steve S. | 10/14/2009, 1:51 am EST

Why the buxom lady on the inside sleave? Give me a break. You know. The kids songs and the kids seeing the CD jacket, and Bob’s whole appeal to the truths of Christmas. Does Bob like to mess with our heads with stuff like his “lady” friend paintings in inappropriate places? Does Bod just want unusual attention? Can someone please tell me truthfully what he is doing there?

Little drummer boy | 10/18/2009, 7:45 pm EST

Holy sh**! What the pa rum pum pum pum f*** was that?

Steve S. | 10/20/2009, 7:44 pm EST

Oh come on! Even an article on Columbia’s Dylan site about this CD spoke of still having little ones around the house. You don’t catch the drift? And for a little older “kids” especially? Apparently not with your asterisked words. Bob is not perfect and would say so for sure. This is closer to a “family” CD Bob has not put out for a long time, if ever before. And it’s about Christmas. Some will appreciate my earlier comment. Some won’t. Just cut the *****s and come to the Light. Then discussion can be less infantile.

Pete H | 11/12/2009, 11:01 am EST

one of the most dangerous men ever to be considered for the presidency of the United States of America.
barack obama singing with Bob!

If NotForYou | 11/16/2009, 8:11 pm EST

withheld…. your comment made my day,also. Sorry I couldn’t see Bing, but I thought I saw an ANGEL with wings. I did notice the church & steeple just over the hill which reminded me of the true meanning of Christmas.

I liked the comment from Kay & think revisiting our traditional past(no matter what our heritage is)as happy carefree Santa believing children is what Dylan may have had in mind. I have this CD & for me the CD is all about fun,enjoyment,family tradition, being Thankful & the TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT…giving selflessly TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. It’s my favorite holiday CD. Only Bob could be so crafty, creative & yes, nostalgic.

PLEASE PEOPLE(suppose to be fans)the cover & inside has something for everyone. JUST ENJOY IT!!
Don’t forget to buy this album for presents &/or donate to “FEEDING AMERICA!” (THE NATION’S LEADING DOMESTIC HUNGER-RELIEF CHARITY & the reason for Bob making this album.) May God bless & keep you,Bob.

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