This isn't a review since I am in the process of reading Volume One of Zimmie's autobiography. All I can say is that it is has such a marvelous flow. It is straightforward and intelligible yet lyrical, if that makes any sense. And so much info! I never knew that he was almost considered for Albert Grossman's "super folk group," Peter, Paul & Mary, although his connection with the trio is legendary.
I also didn't know that Dylan had spent so much time in New Orleans or that he had recorded his album Oh Mercy here. What is impressive is that most visitors here never learn much about the city, but Dylan demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the city and mentions landmarks and restaurants where I used to go (and at the time when he was in NO!!!--late 80s). His portrayal of the city is not stereotypical at all (like Hollywood's).
One can clearly hear echoes of Woody Guthrie's authobiography Bound for Glory in Dylan's off-the-cuff style. It is an amazing look at his life and is rendered in prose that almost turns the pages for you.
Picture: Public Doman (was published between 1923 and 1977 without copyright notice)
7 comments:
God I love this book! But I would say that wouldn't I!
The detail and recall are fascinating and reveal so much more than the usual A-Z autobigraphy.
The pieces about New Orleans ('his favoutite place') made me want to visit straight away:-)
Let's hope he gets round to Volume 2 one day soon!
Lane, I thought you might have read it LOL !!!!!!
Know nothing about the man, but the words of some of his songs were metaphorically etched on my guitar during teens...I've noticed that your poetry seems to touch an auditory nerve more keenly than most that I've read, though can't quite work out why!
Julie, Dylan and his contemporaries defined most of my adolescence, but I think everybody was somehow touched by his lyrics, if only indirectly. And if you had a guitar ... :)
Billy, you must live in NOLA? I was there last Spring and fell in love with LA as a state. I could live there, as they say...
I've never been a huge Dillon fan, but there's no denying his influence!
I've never been much of a Dylan fan, however, I do plan to see the movie since it's one of HL's last performances.
Written, yes, I was born in NO and lived there until 14 years ago, when I moved 50 miles north of the city to escape the rising crime. (The move saved my butt during Katrina!) I now have the best of both worlds. I live in a small community but can hop into NO in about forty minutes.
Shesa, I want to see the movie too. I can really see Cate Blanchett as a young Dylan. I didn't realize HL was in it as well.
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