Just brilliant, Graley. As I have been immersing myself in 1967 Dylan, I couldn't help but nod along with these beautiful readings and marvel, again, at how Dylan's restless mind turns from home, to basement, from prisons literal and figurative to the tumultuous America of 1967 outside of the Woodstock enclave: "There must be someway out of here...:
Thanks, Rob! That great quote from Garth Hudson about Dylan "singing one song to arrive at another" might be scaled up to consider how he sang the basement songs to arrive at JWH. But that's your project to write--good luck!
Another brilliant piece, Graley, full of insight and illuminated by your playful style. The highlight for me came in the middle when you segued from the coded prison language in the playbook the telepathic communication in the basement.
Ah, cool, thanks, Jim. I wondered if I was reaching too far with that comparison, so it's reassuring to hear that it was your favorite part. Thanks for getting the mojo going with our Dylantantes roundtables. All roads lead to the Basement!
As always, your insights and analyses add so much depth to the conversation on Dylan. I agree with Rob wholeheartedly. This piece took us on a journey through this tumultuous period in Dylan’s life and career. Truly a fantastic essay! Thank you for the shout out.
I'm glad you liked it, Erin! Thanks for your kind words, and for sparking so many ideas in Denmark that it led me back down into the basement, which always feels like going down the rabbit hole or following the yellow-brick road.
Every Sunday morning the Clancy's albums played in our house through the afternoon. Listening to those singing brothers will always remind me of my father, our ancestry, and the power of the human voice.
Thanks again, superb work. Made me dust off my complete Dylan songbook in the garage and bring it into the music room.
Damn did Popular Culture and the Music Industry turn these guys into Total pieces of shit. In a Weinsteinian world they sure took it up the arsehole a lot from the music industry. Went from being some of the great artists of their generation to a bunch of propaganda making sadistic sodymizing drug addicts from hell.
Just transcendent, Graley. Gorgeous and compelling piece. Thank you so much!
Just brilliant, Graley. As I have been immersing myself in 1967 Dylan, I couldn't help but nod along with these beautiful readings and marvel, again, at how Dylan's restless mind turns from home, to basement, from prisons literal and figurative to the tumultuous America of 1967 outside of the Woodstock enclave: "There must be someway out of here...:
Thanks, Rob! That great quote from Garth Hudson about Dylan "singing one song to arrive at another" might be scaled up to consider how he sang the basement songs to arrive at JWH. But that's your project to write--good luck!
Another brilliant piece, Graley, full of insight and illuminated by your playful style. The highlight for me came in the middle when you segued from the coded prison language in the playbook the telepathic communication in the basement.
Ah, cool, thanks, Jim. I wondered if I was reaching too far with that comparison, so it's reassuring to hear that it was your favorite part. Thanks for getting the mojo going with our Dylantantes roundtables. All roads lead to the Basement!
Before the flood!
As always, your insights and analyses add so much depth to the conversation on Dylan. I agree with Rob wholeheartedly. This piece took us on a journey through this tumultuous period in Dylan’s life and career. Truly a fantastic essay! Thank you for the shout out.
I'm glad you liked it, Erin! Thanks for your kind words, and for sparking so many ideas in Denmark that it led me back down into the basement, which always feels like going down the rabbit hole or following the yellow-brick road.
I loved this piece from start to finish. Spellbinding.
"Remember Bob, no fear, no envy, no meanness" - Liam Clancy
Thanks! I've always loved that advice from Liam Clancy. Words to live by.
Every Sunday morning the Clancy's albums played in our house through the afternoon. Listening to those singing brothers will always remind me of my father, our ancestry, and the power of the human voice.
Thanks again, superb work. Made me dust off my complete Dylan songbook in the garage and bring it into the music room.
Having lived in Hibbing for over three decades, Dylan touches my consciousness almost daily.
Graley, with this well written post you moved me viscerally many times.
The "Basement Tapes" is the one Dylan room I have avoided so far. Reading and experiencing your words tell it is time to change that.
Damn did Popular Culture and the Music Industry turn these guys into Total pieces of shit. In a Weinsteinian world they sure took it up the arsehole a lot from the music industry. Went from being some of the great artists of their generation to a bunch of propaganda making sadistic sodymizing drug addicts from hell.