Rating: Four star

The strange thing about Dylan is the older he gets (60 this year) the better his voice becomes.

Strange because Dylan's vocal chords are considered to be one of his lesser attributes.

But on Love and Theft, his 43rd album, he lets rip with a passion not heard from the former folkie for a long time.

The matured rasp of his vocals is a marvellous blend of gruff blues and wonderful sneer.

And on the 12 tracks within Love and Theft it seems Dylan wants to have a bit of fun before he collects his bus pass.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Summer Days, Lonesome Day Blues and Cry a While are carefree stompers.

And when he's not busy boogying we get some pure blues, sweet country and what might even be considered a bit of vaudeville (don't be put off).

Lyrically Dylan's in good old story-telling mode - nothing too deep but with nice turns of phrase firmly in place.

Though clearly not as good as previous work, Love and Theft could still stand alone as a testament to a fine artist.

JS