Idolator

Bob Dylan's never really cared much about being "timely," but it's hard to argue with Britain's Independent that there's something "a bit rich" about Mr. Zimmerman commissioning a video for "Like A Rolling Stone" four decades after the fact. We might even say "kinda sad" or "pretty wack," especially because the "Rolling Stone" video is being built on the cheapskate concept of "a viral marketing campaign and a website urging his fans to submit to YouTube footage of themselves," after which "the most innovative entries will then be edited together." Judging by the lackluster response so far, Dylan's fans might agree.

Visitors to the website for the new video - www.dylan07.com - are greeted by a digitally altered version of the "Subterranean Homesick Blues" film, in which Dylan drops cue cards outlining the instructions for would-be contributors. A separate website allowing fans to generate their own version of the cue-card sequence has been visited by 600,000 people. Unfortunately, the same cannot yet be said for submissions to YouTube. By last night, just 24 videos had been uploaded to the site. However, fans have asked for the original deadline of 21 October to be extended.

Those who will compile the finished video may also be hoping for some better material. The entries submitted so far include a baby playing a harmonica and a man holding up a succession of signs reading "private". At the same time, such creative anarchy may appeal to Dylan himself.

Well that's one way of spinning it, yes. Wow, 24 fans cared enough to knock together a few minutes of video. Out of 600,000 vistors. Sony BMG might have to rethink "eschewing mainstream media" if they really want to "alter the way the pop industry works," unless that means ceding control to a handful shirtless weirdos and America's Funniest Home Videos rejects.

His Finest Hour? [Independent via Buzzgrinder]