Not Completely Unknown (E03)
In this episode we look at Dylan and folk music with guest Michael Gray, who wrote about this in Chapter 1 of Song & Dance Man: The Art of Bob Dylan.
Amidst the massive reaction to ‘A Complete Unknown’ I haven’t seen one mention of what I consider to be the biggest flaw in a movie that I genuinely loved: it doesn’t explain or justify or analyze Bob Dylan’s songs at all.
The greatness of Dylan’s work is treated as a given, conveyed primarily through the awestruck, joyful expressions of supporting characters and audiences who encounter it, as well as the meteoric rise of Dylan’s career depicted on screen. Much attention has been paid to how many songs are included and how much of the story is told through them. By drawing the audience’s focus to the role the songs play in the narrative, the film seems to assume Dylan’s artistry will shine through by itself.
To be clear, Bob Dylan’s songs and craftsmanship don’t necessarily need explanation—the emotional impact they generate, along with over 80 million album sales, a Nobel Prize, and countless accolades, speak to their enduring power.
Read An Excerpt From The ‘Folk Music’ Chapter
Scrutinizing Dylan
However, as author Michael Gray has noted about his impetus to write the first serious book of analysis and criticism about Bob Dylan’s songs, these were the first popular songs that could stand up to the kind of scrutiny that had until then been reserved for literature and other more ‘serious’ works of art and intellect.
And as his book demonstrates, listeners can benefit greatly from this analysis.
No matter how much you already admire his songs—whether for their brilliance, craftsmanship, or emotional power—the best critics and writers can enhance that appreciation and unlock new dimensions. And there is no better Dylan writer or critic than Michael Gray.
Order a copy of Song & Dance Man Vol.1 from Amazon US (UK, France)
Dylan And The World Around Him
The Bob Dylan portrayed in A Complete Unknown finds those incredible songs pouring out of him—a characterization we’ve often heard about Dylan. While the blistering pace at which they emerged is astonishing, it’s important to understand the influences, borrowing, and creative remaking that played a huge role in this period of his life. Far from diminishing his achievements, understanding these factors only deepens the sense of awe.
One of the most compelling aspects of Song & Dance Man is how it illustrates Dylan’s process of learning from—and transforming—the folk traditions, rock music, literature, The Bible, and the blues that shaped him. These aren’t really revealed as the building blocks of his genius; they are more like nutrients that sustained and enriched him, or tools that he sometimes used, sometimes reshaped, and sometimes ignored to suit his unique vision. The result is utterly fascinating and endlessly instructive.
Folk Music & Bob Dylan
In a happy coincidence, A Complete Unknown focuses on folk music and so does the very first Chapter of Song & Dance Man. It’s an excellent place to start exploring Dylan’s influences and abilities beyond those you can hear by simply listening.
We published an excerpt from this chapter today, and in this podcast we talk with Micheal about the way folk music taught and fed Dylan and what he then did with those lessons and that fuel.
Song & Dance Man: The Art of Bob Dylan (Volume One)
I cannot possibly recommend the full chapter and full book enough. The reviews listed at the bottom of the excerpt prove that I’m not alone in that view. We’re so pleased to offer these discussions with Micheal as part of this series.
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