I agree with Matt to a point on Modern Times, I think it is an overrated album, but that's to be expected coming soon after No Direction Home. Such a fine documentary probably pushed some fresh faces into record stores (as well as prodding a few older fans who put the Dylan down during the eighties), so whilst I think both Time Out of Mind and Love & Theft (especially L&T) are superior albums, it's still nice to see a Bob-resurgence. If it's off the back of a great documentary and a three star album, so be it. Plagiarism is all part of the folk tradition imo, and whilst Dylan's moved away from his original sound, he's still got folkie blood in his tired old veins, so I can forgive him for that. Actually, I have no problem with it at all, regardless of his roots - a good song's a good song, no harm in making it your own. This particular debate could have started in the early 60s, or rewinding just a few years, the same criticism could be levelled at Love & Theft.
Anyway, more articles like this please Matt. I might not agree with it, but at least I've been doing something marginally constructive with my Saturday morning, rather than browsing Youtube with my fingers poised, repeatedly asking myself 'what can I type in?' Keep it up.