And then, in 1966, time stopped. The End.
You know I'm gonna buy the DVD of a Dylan documentary directed by Scorsese, especially when Dylan goes on camera and on the record (and even looks suspiciously like a human being when he does, inchoate 'tache notwithstanding). And yes, it is glorious, GLORIOUS, especially all that Eat The Document footage reconstituted into something coherent. All the archival footage, all cleaned up and chopped and stacked (or whatever you motorcycle people say) is well worth the $25 or however much I paid yesterday (P.S. I tried 3 indie record stores, then eventually had to go to Barnes and Noble, 2 Barneses and Noble actually, to get that thing; when I go shopping, I want it NOW). HOWEVER: why is it that the record on Dylan only ever goes up to 1966 and then stops? I absolutely think that 66-76, while less zeitgeisty and revolutionary or whatever, are every bit as important for understanding the legacy of self-invention. Even the poor records (John Wesley Harding, Self-Portrait) are necessary components.
In other news, I promised I'd give this job six months. Today is day two of week six. There's no way I'm going to make it.
In other news, I promised I'd give this job six months. Today is day two of week six. There's no way I'm going to make it.
posted by Sean Nelson at 9:53 AM
4 Comments:
Close your eyes and think of England.
While I have never been a huge fan of Dylan, I can't help but acknowledge the impact he has had on music, and thus his ripple impact on me. I am actually looking forward to seeing this documentary. Let us know what you think after you are done viewing it.
you'll do fine. find a person who cares. stick with it, and try to be John Malkovitch.
My tv got cancelled due to non payment, but I taped both episodes off PBS with rabbit ears and static-- but I think Dylan would have wanted it that way (doesn't it seem more appropriate to speak of him as if he were already dead?). I have watched the entire thing probably 5 or 6 times now, if you want anyone to discuss it with. I haven't found any need to get beyond the holy trilogy of "Bringing It All Back Home" "Highway 61" and "Blonde on Blonde" which were all written and recorded a less than a year's time total. That has to match one of the greatest outpourings of any artist ever in history, period. I have about 2 hours of this material memorized, (or close to memorized- some minor cheat sheets for "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) helpful for remembering which of the 15 verses goes where... I have also recorded an epic (in my mind) version of "Gates Of Eden."
To be honest, I have a copy of John Wesley Harding and I've been trying to get into it, but it's really a stylistic issue-- I can't stand his voice after 1966, as trivial as that sounds... well I figure eventually I'll delve into his 'annoying voice period' but for now there is too much in 1964-1966 to chew on for me.
P.S. I know exactly what you mean about not ruining an art project (music or writing) by exposing Great ideas in a half-finished state... it's not just about what people will think, it also can block you from realizing your Vision, if i may be so pretentiously lofty, and so sometimes you just have to say nothing at all when you have THE MOST YOU'VE EVER HAD TO SAY!!! But that's (I hope) the dutifulness to the muse or whatever that will pay off with a grander vision.
I can only say all this because I haven't listened to your records yet... otherwise I'd be too scared, but at the same time feel a kinship as I have been homerecording for 8 years, put out an album and many unfinished albums that nobody has ever heard, but in a way i'm GLAD (read: it sucks) because it's helped me develop as a songwriter and really get it to where i can play all the instrumetns on the albums and really COMPOSE in that rudimentary rock/pop 'The Dead meet Chopin in a dark alley sort of way.
But the thing is about reaching a certain age and not realizing your dreams-- I'm an artist myself, about same age as you with dozens and dozens of songs no one will ever hear, with lots of music reviews no one will ever hear. you should not take for granted what you've accomplished, and i'm not talking about hit songs and shit, i'm talking about realizing your artistic vision and having an outlet for that, don't sell y ourself short-- not implying that you do but reading your blog i see it in the same way i would if i was in your shoes.
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