Hello and Merry Christmas. My name is Ben Burrell and welcome back to Bob Dylan album by album,

a podcast that takes an in-depth look at each Bob Dylan studio recording record by record.

Let me just start by saying at the very beginning of this podcast, this album we're looking at today is a ridiculous album.

There is no doubt about that. And it would be easy for me to sit here and moan about this record for a

good 15 minutes, but I'm not going to do that because of a simple fact, I like this album. I really,

really do. I know I'm in the minority. I'm not trying to convince you to feel the same way,

but I thought I would point out the album's good bits as opposed to what it lacks, and it does

lack a lot. So I'm definitely not saying

this album is a classic but in my opinion there is some stuff to like here. I mean there's a lot not to

like too but there's some stuff to like and I want to point that out because I feel it deserves

some credit. And also I'm not one of those fans that blindly praises every single Bob release.

I hope the episode on Empire Burlesque is testament to that.

But just have a listen to this and try and consider the good points for this album.

Try and consider what this album really, really is.

And that is a lighthearted, unashamed festive record that's full of fun.

This is 2009's Christmas in the Heart.

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, best in holiday style. In the air there's a feeling of Christmas.

I feel quite personal about this record because every year for almost the last decade,

I've sat down on Christmas Eve and wrapped my nearest and dearest presents.

Yes, I tend to leave things to the last minute.

But every year without fail, I've done it to the soundtrack of Christmas in the Heart.

And every year this record gets more charming.

...