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Michael Glover Smith's avatar

Terrific piece, as per usual! Were you aware that Chloe Zhao and Dylan are mutual admirers? She has spoken of her love of his music and even worn Dylan t-shirts in interviews. Dylan is a huge fan of her 2017 film THE RIDER (going so far as to tell the Broadway cast of Girl from the North Country that it was the only movie he liked).

Graley Herren's avatar

Fantastic! No, I didn't know any of that, though I wish I had. But that's what friends are for--making connections. Thanks, Michael!

Michael Glover Smith's avatar

The anecdote about Dylan's love of THE RIDER comes from actress Mare Winningham in Todd Almond's book Slow Train Coming. If you're interested, I could email you a pic of Chloe in a Dylan tee. ;)

Court Carney's avatar

Beautiful essay, Graley. Always chasing those shadows. I will return to this one.

Andrew Muir's avatar

One of your best, Graley, and many thanks for it, full as it is of so many people and songs that I love.

When I first read "Never let Me Go", my mind was filled with internal replays of the Rolling Thunder duet (written by "the late, great Johnny Ace" as performed on one of my first vinyl bootlegs, in the days when bootlegs were so difficult to come by and such precious objects to have.

You even managed to get Bowie in again!

"Just turn on with me and you're not alone (Wonderful)

Just gimme your hands 'cause you're wonderful (Wonderful)

I said gimme your hands 'cause you're wonderful (Wonderful)

Gimme your hands 'cause your wonderful

Gimme your hands 'cause your wonderful

Gimme your hand

Gimme your hands"

Camille Claudel's sculpture was new to me and what a marvellous piece it is. So moving,s o haunting. Your museum experience was moving, too, especially the shadow effects. "Shadows" again!

Then to cap it all off, I learn, as i come in here to write this, from Michael Glover Smith that "Chloe Zhao and Dylan are mutual admirers".

Super stuff, cheers for now,

Graley Herren's avatar

Thanks for your heartwarming response, Andy! Yes, that great quote from Bowie fits perfectly with the piece. Still casting his shadow and haunting my thoughts. And I can't get that duet of "Never Let Me Go" out of my head, which proves that it lives up to its title.

You're a great ambassador in the Dylan community, Andy, dating back to your fanzine days, so I'm especially glad that this meditation on building and maintaining connections through art spoke to you.