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Pete Atkin >> Words >> Clive and Dylan
(Message started by: Ian Chippett on Today at 14:36)

Title: Clive and Dylan
Post by Ian Chippett on Today at 14:36
Just read in "The Economist" a review of a book called "Studio A: the Bob Dylan Reader" which is a collection of writings about Dylan, including a long essay by Clive, described by the reviewer as "gem(s) of music journalism" though he doesn't think much of the book as a whole. In fact, he says "the whole book is symptomatic of what is wrong with the study of Mr Dylan - it is possible to say a great deal without meaning anything at all", a remark which is equally applicable to Dylan's work IMO. I suppose the essay is the same as the one in "Cream" magazine?

Ian C

Title: Re: Clive and Dylan
Post by Mike Walters on 02.12.04 at 21:04
Looking for details on the book Ian refers to, I noticed that CJ had also appeared on Tina Brown's TV show in the US enthusing about Dylan's 'Chronicles' , and querying intriguingly whether Dylan had picked an apposite historical moment to be challenging the notion of celebrity culture.  Don't know about that, but (drifting momentarily off topic) I can endorse CJ's views of Dylan's book which is an extraordinary piece of work.  I think even those who dislike Dylan's wilful obscurity (Ian?) would find much to like.  It's beautifully written, highly evocative, full of fascinating ideas and insights, and often very funny - I think people often overlook Dylan's deadpan wit.  Mind you, taking it as autobiography, I'm not sure I believe a word of it.

Mike

Title: Re: Clive and Dylan
Post by Ian Chippett on 03.12.04 at 16:20
Mike wrote:
<<I think even those who dislike Dylan's wilful obscurity (Ian?) would find much to like.  It's beautifully written, highly evocative, full of fascinating ideas and insights, and often very funny - I think people often overlook Dylan's deadpan wit.  Mind you, taking it as autobiography, I'm not sure I believe a word of it.>>

The same reviewer in "The Economist" was very enthusiastic about Dylan's book which made me a bit suspicious. I don't mind obscurity but the key word is "wilful": when I don't understand Clive's stuff, I think "It's me, not him" but with Dylan the opposite applies. I admit I am open to charges of inconsistency as I love "Kew: Rhone" by John Greaves and Peter Blegvad which is largely incomprehensible.

Ian C



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