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A review by tessyoung
Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan
4.0
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it compelling but it was confounding at every turn. It's perhaps easier to explain what it is not. It is not a linear narrative of a life. It reads more like an improvised free form, free associative piece where certain recollections lead to others, of often quite startling clarity. Dylan comes across as encyclopaedic in his knowledge of music, be that his preferred genre of folk or the structure of music, how melody works and how you can play with the form. What is less clear is the analytics, experiences or inspirations that underpin the lyrical side of his songwriting. That said, having written at some length in this volume about the crushing nature of the fame he experienced in his early career and his response to it, the volume ends back at the eve of that period, so the lack of linearity means you read of consequence prior to any insight into cause. In some ways this is perfect for those who know Dylan's career throughout, but less so for those who don't.
What struck me throughout this book is just how generous Dylan is to other musicians recognising their accomplishment independent of their fame.
The other thing I loved was the references and clear debt owed to, and veneration of Woody Guthrie. I love Guthrie and loved reading about him through Dylan's eyes. Moreover, while Dylan needed to find his own voice musically, his writing appears to share something with the Guthrie autobiography 'Bound for Glory' which Dylan describes: 'Guthrie writes like the whirlwind and you get tripped out on the sound of the words alone. Pick up the book anywhere, turn to any page and he hits the ground running.' I think this is an apt description of Dylan's own writing and it was fun to spend time with him.
What struck me throughout this book is just how generous Dylan is to other musicians recognising their accomplishment independent of their fame.
The other thing I loved was the references and clear debt owed to, and veneration of Woody Guthrie. I love Guthrie and loved reading about him through Dylan's eyes. Moreover, while Dylan needed to find his own voice musically, his writing appears to share something with the Guthrie autobiography 'Bound for Glory' which Dylan describes: 'Guthrie writes like the whirlwind and you get tripped out on the sound of the words alone. Pick up the book anywhere, turn to any page and he hits the ground running.' I think this is an apt description of Dylan's own writing and it was fun to spend time with him.