Bob Dylan: The Stories Behind the Songs 1962-1969 [Paperback]

by Andy Gill

To commemorate 30 years since the release of Dylan's first Columbia album, a marathon tribute concert was held at New York's Madison Square Garden, with a galaxy of stars and voices from the past taking part

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Thomas Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andy Gill did a great job of showing how Bob Dylan's 60's songs reflected Bob's life at the time, or the world around him. Gill pointed out that one of the recurring themes in Dylan's songs is his refusal to conform to what people wanted him to be. I couldn't help but notice that Gill's writing, particularly in the last albums of the decade, fell victim to the same type of criticism.

This was a very informative book.

[Richard Olney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the purpose of any book about music is to encourage the reader to actively listen to that music, or to evoke memories of that music then this book, on ten of Bob Dylan's first albums, then this book fulfils its purpose.

Otherwise it serves as a good biography of Mr Dylan and his immediate associates, notably fellow musicians, some of whom are interviewed here. And while the mystique and dazzle of "The Sixties" might not seem as deep and bright here in 2020s as it once did, i think this book also serves as a good guide to the music scene around Bob Dylan.

I don't know that it's caused me to change my opinion on any of the albums that i know well (all bar The Basement Tapes and Nashville Skyline) but knowing more about the background to Another Side and Blonde on Blonde has perhaps deepened my appreciation and perhaps understanding thereof. For what it's worth masterpieces in this set are and have been for some time, Bringing It All Back Home and John Wesley Harding.