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Thread: Clive and Dylan (Read 2386 times) |
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Ian Chippett
MV Fellow
In the clear at over fifty-five
Posts: 332
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Clive and Dylan
« : 01.12.04 at 14:36 » |
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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
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https://peteatkin.com/forum?board=Words&action=display&num=1101911763&start=0#0  |
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Mike Walters
MV Moderator
Posts: 127
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Re: Clive and Dylan
« Reply #1: 02.12.04 at 21:04 » |
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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
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https://peteatkin.com/forum?board=Words&action=display&num=1101911763&start=1#1 |
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Ian Chippett
MV Fellow
In the clear at over fifty-five
Posts: 332
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Re: Clive and Dylan
« Reply #2: 03.12.04 at 16:20 » |
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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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https://peteatkin.com/forum?board=Words&action=display&num=1101911763&start=2#2 |
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