Thanks to Martin Gayford:
“Thanks for the useful site.
“I reckon the TTS box is collectable, but as the price fluctuations have been so extreme up to now, I wouldn't want to bet on its future status. It was advertised as limited on release, I think, but who knows how many were produced, or whether or not it'll appear in the future in an upgraded version?
“The real collectables as far as I can see are the LPs that were issued in small numbers during the ‘90s - BS Vol 1-3, GAIBTY, WGW, Unplugged and TOOM - all of which often go for over £50 each on ebay. I'd guess that the vinyl Bootleg Series box sets may also have been pressed in relatively small numbers (at least the 180 gram editions), so perhaps sealed copies would be worth buying as an investment.
“In terms of the products themselves, I think TTS has some absolutely essential stuff on it - spread over all 3 discs, so you need the deluxe - but also some stuff I would have left in the vault (some of the live tracks in particular) in favour of more studio outtakes, especially from L&T, of which there are none.
“The box is nice, but I still don't understand the reason for inclusion of the singles book - other than it makes the price hike (slightly) more acceptable - as it has nothing to do with the contents of the discs.
“On average we pay about £10 per CD in the UK, so even at the reduced £50 you'd expect 4 or 5 CDs, which Sony could easily have produced. It's not exactly hard to find 5 hours of quality material from at least 5 major album sessions and over 20 years of concert recordings. Charging £100 for 3 discs is asking for trouble, in my opinion.
“If the artist was primarily aimed at teenagers, Sony wouldn't have a chance of selling it at that price, but because Bob's audience are either 'serious' music lovers who can afford it, or crazed Dylan addicts that will sell their furniture to get it if they need to, Sony are pretty much guaranteed sales, which is quite manipulative I think.
“Anyway, now you know my opinion!”
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Bob Dylan’s fond comments about Joan Baez in must-have new TV doc
Thanks to Kenneth Crouch:
“Dylan talks about Baez in a warm way on last night’s Imagine show on BBC1.
“Does any Dylan Daily reader know when this was filmed and where? Seems new to me. Catch it on your iPlayer. Ken from Somerset.”
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I agree wholeheartedly with Ken.
This is a must-have broadcast. Lots of Dylan content – historic stuff from Don’t Look Back, plus a new interview in which Bob’s very positive about Ms Baez. She talks at length about Dylan, too.
If you live in a territory where copyright allows, see it online at:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
Gerry Smith
“Dylan talks about Baez in a warm way on last night’s Imagine show on BBC1.
“Does any Dylan Daily reader know when this was filmed and where? Seems new to me. Catch it on your iPlayer. Ken from Somerset.”
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I agree wholeheartedly with Ken.
This is a must-have broadcast. Lots of Dylan content – historic stuff from Don’t Look Back, plus a new interview in which Bob’s very positive about Ms Baez. She talks at length about Dylan, too.
If you live in a territory where copyright allows, see it online at:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
More on Dylan box sets: collectables, investments?
Thanks to Barnaby Attwell:
“Just read your piece on Dylan box sets.
I recently bought the 3CD Tell Tale Signs for £35 from the HMV website (and it was £39 the last time I went to Fopp) – having just noticed it's gone back up to £117.99 (!)
I'm not sure if it's collectable or an investment (time will tell) but the 3CD package is a beautiful thing indeed – and if it was priced at £35 when it came out, I'm sure it would have sold a lot more (and there would have been less of an uproar!)
The book of singles covers is lovely – and fascinating – to flick through; the booklet containing the CDs is more expansive and has larger photos; the CDs themselves are nicely packaged in mock-old LP covers; and of course there's the third CD (which I already had through less legit channels – but it's nice to have it 'officially').
All in all, it's lovely as an artefact – but one I would never have paid over £100 for!
(Now if only they took such care for, say, re-issuing the complete Basement Tapes... as much as I love Tell Tale Signs, the 3CD packaging – and original cost – almost seems OTT for a relatively 'minor' (in my opinion) collection of songs.)
Nevertheless, a source of joy, aurally, physically and visually!
By the way, I took your advice and visited the National Portrait Gallery for the Dylan exhibition. Great photos – and a terrific poster for £5 too.
Many thanks for your always interesting site.
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Dylan box sets: collectables, investments?
Columbia Legacy’s recent releases of deluxe Dylan boxes – notably 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series, and 2008’s Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 (The Bootleg Series vol 8) 3CD – contain great music and are well executed artefacts.
But are they collectables? Or investments?
To be very collectable, they’d need to be scarce by now. But they are generally available for sale, new, on the web.
To qualify as investments, they’d need to be appreciating in value. But both seem to be available at well below launch price: I recently came across Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series at £124. And Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 at £52.
What’s your experience of buying luxury packages? Worth having for the joy they bring? A source of disappointment?
Dylan Daily would welcome your thoughts on the matter.
Gerry Smith
“Just read your piece on Dylan box sets.
I recently bought the 3CD Tell Tale Signs for £35 from the HMV website (and it was £39 the last time I went to Fopp) – having just noticed it's gone back up to £117.99 (!)
I'm not sure if it's collectable or an investment (time will tell) but the 3CD package is a beautiful thing indeed – and if it was priced at £35 when it came out, I'm sure it would have sold a lot more (and there would have been less of an uproar!)
The book of singles covers is lovely – and fascinating – to flick through; the booklet containing the CDs is more expansive and has larger photos; the CDs themselves are nicely packaged in mock-old LP covers; and of course there's the third CD (which I already had through less legit channels – but it's nice to have it 'officially').
All in all, it's lovely as an artefact – but one I would never have paid over £100 for!
(Now if only they took such care for, say, re-issuing the complete Basement Tapes... as much as I love Tell Tale Signs, the 3CD packaging – and original cost – almost seems OTT for a relatively 'minor' (in my opinion) collection of songs.)
Nevertheless, a source of joy, aurally, physically and visually!
By the way, I took your advice and visited the National Portrait Gallery for the Dylan exhibition. Great photos – and a terrific poster for £5 too.
Many thanks for your always interesting site.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dylan box sets: collectables, investments?
Columbia Legacy’s recent releases of deluxe Dylan boxes – notably 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series, and 2008’s Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 (The Bootleg Series vol 8) 3CD – contain great music and are well executed artefacts.
But are they collectables? Or investments?
To be very collectable, they’d need to be scarce by now. But they are generally available for sale, new, on the web.
To qualify as investments, they’d need to be appreciating in value. But both seem to be available at well below launch price: I recently came across Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series at £124. And Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 at £52.
What’s your experience of buying luxury packages? Worth having for the joy they bring? A source of disappointment?
Dylan Daily would welcome your thoughts on the matter.
Gerry Smith
Friday, December 04, 2009
Dylan box sets: collectables, investments?
Columbia Legacy’s recent releases of deluxe Bob Dylan boxes – notably 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series, and 2008’s Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 (The Bootleg Series vol 8) 3CD – contain great music and are well executed artefacts.
But are they collectables? Or investments?
To be very collectable, they’d need to be scarce by now. But they are generally available for sale, new, on the web.
To qualify as investments, they’d need to be appreciating in value. But both seem to be available at well below launch price: I recently came across Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series at £124. And Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 at £52.
What’s your experience of buying luxury packages? Worth having for the joy they bring? A source of disappointment?
Dylan Daily would welcome your thoughts on the matter.
Gerry Smith
But are they collectables? Or investments?
To be very collectable, they’d need to be scarce by now. But they are generally available for sale, new, on the web.
To qualify as investments, they’d need to be appreciating in value. But both seem to be available at well below launch price: I recently came across Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series at £124. And Tell Tale Signs: Rare And Unreleased 1989-2006 at £52.
What’s your experience of buying luxury packages? Worth having for the joy they bring? A source of disappointment?
Dylan Daily would welcome your thoughts on the matter.
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
New issue of UNCUT - Dylan cover
Thanks to Martin Cowan for reminding me that the issue of UNCUT mag currently in the newsagents’ racks has a Dylan cover.
I mentioned it last week, at the end of a piece on the two London Bob exhibitions, but it might have been missed by some readers who collect Dylan covers.
Gerry Smith
I mentioned it last week, at the end of a piece on the two London Bob exhibitions, but it might have been missed by some readers who collect Dylan covers.
Gerry Smith
Monday, November 30, 2009
Collectable new Dylan cover - The Big Issue magazine
There’s a new, very desirable Dylan cover on The Big Issue magazine, issue no 874, 23-29 Nov. It was still on sale in London on Saturday, but you’ll have to hurry.
The Dylan portrait (looks like the William Claxton shoot for Modern Times) flags the main article in the issue, a transcript of the Bill Flanagan interview promoting the Xmas album.
The Big Issue is the best possible UK mag for the interview as it’s sold by homeless street vendors, in line with the charitable destination for Dylan’s royalties from the new CD.
Gerry Smith
The Dylan portrait (looks like the William Claxton shoot for Modern Times) flags the main article in the issue, a transcript of the Bill Flanagan interview promoting the Xmas album.
The Big Issue is the best possible UK mag for the interview as it’s sold by homeless street vendors, in line with the charitable destination for Dylan’s royalties from the new CD.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Utterly original: Bob Dylan Revisited - lyrics interpreted as grown-up graphics
There seems no end to the formats in which Dylan’s artistry is now celebrated.
The latest medium to catch my attention is the new hardback book, Bob Dylan Revisited: 13 Graphic Interpretations of Bob Dylan’s Songs.
It’s a fine addition to the Zim bookshelf, presenting lyrics of a selection of classic songs as graphics for grown-ups.
So, for example, Girl From The North Country is covered in five large-format glossy colour pages, with the lyrics running alongside graphic artist Francois Avril’s telling visual interpretation of the song, in strip cartoon form.
Graphic books for grown-ups are exotic in the Anglo-Saxon world, but they’re an important, massively popular, artform in Francophone countries. Unsurprisingly, this delightful book was originally published in French, last year.
Utterly original: recommended.
Achetez ce livre, mes amis!
(Details: Bob Dylan Revisited: 13 Graphic Interpretations of Bob Dylan’s Songs, WW Norton, New York/London, 98pp, large format hardback, Oct 2009, £15 approx.)
Gerry Smith
The latest medium to catch my attention is the new hardback book, Bob Dylan Revisited: 13 Graphic Interpretations of Bob Dylan’s Songs.
It’s a fine addition to the Zim bookshelf, presenting lyrics of a selection of classic songs as graphics for grown-ups.
So, for example, Girl From The North Country is covered in five large-format glossy colour pages, with the lyrics running alongside graphic artist Francois Avril’s telling visual interpretation of the song, in strip cartoon form.
Graphic books for grown-ups are exotic in the Anglo-Saxon world, but they’re an important, massively popular, artform in Francophone countries. Unsurprisingly, this delightful book was originally published in French, last year.
Utterly original: recommended.
Achetez ce livre, mes amis!
(Details: Bob Dylan Revisited: 13 Graphic Interpretations of Bob Dylan’s Songs, WW Norton, New York/London, 98pp, large format hardback, Oct 2009, £15 approx.)
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
All along the watchtower: Dylan’s everywhere… (continued)
On my way to a gig at the Barbican, with half an hour to spare, I called in at the fabulous Museum of London.
At the end of the Roman London gallery, in a section dealing with defensive fortifications, the information panel was headed: “All Along The Watchtower”.
Dylan’s everywhere these days – he’s now firmly embedded in the English language – a Shakespeare for the 21st Century, just as some of us were expecting, way back when…
Gerry Smith
At the end of the Roman London gallery, in a section dealing with defensive fortifications, the information panel was headed: “All Along The Watchtower”.
Dylan’s everywhere these days – he’s now firmly embedded in the English language – a Shakespeare for the 21st Century, just as some of us were expecting, way back when…
Gerry Smith
Friday, November 13, 2009
Bob Dylan and Miles Davis: Sony’s big box sets compared
As far as Bob Dylan and Miles Davis, its major assets, are concerned, Sony does a creditable job managing the treasures locked away in its priceless vaults.
However much hardcore fans might moan about the slow drip-feed of the unreleased Dylan legacy, Columbia Legacy is to be commended on its Bootleg Series.
Columbia Legacy also manages its Miles Davis assets pretty astutely, though some Miles aficionados whinge that Sony has released too much inconsequential blathering by the Prince Of Darkness!
But the imminent release of the Complete Miles Davis Columbia Album Collection will leave Bobfans drawing unfavourable comparisons with the Zim equivalent, 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series.
The two reissue projects are similar in key respects – all the albums in both collections have remarkable upgraded sound and both boxes reintroduce the original album artwork, in seductive digipak format.
But, in other ways, the new Miles box is more compelling:
* it pulls together all of the label’s Miles albums – Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series was selective, with only 15 titles, against the Miles box’s whopping 52, many of them double albums!
* many of the Miles albums carry worthwhile bonus tracks – the Dylan reissues eschewed any.
* even if you already own most of the original recordings, the incentives to buy the Miles box are persuasive – a newly released live DVD, a couple of previously unreleased CDs-worth of music, a substantial 250 page book by two leading Miles experts, and striking packaging.
* value: the “street” launch prices of the two boxes are similar, but the Miles box gives you far more bang for your buck.
Bottom line: I already had virtually all releases by both musicians. I passed on the Dylan box; I’ve ordered the Miles box.
Gerry Smith
However much hardcore fans might moan about the slow drip-feed of the unreleased Dylan legacy, Columbia Legacy is to be commended on its Bootleg Series.
Columbia Legacy also manages its Miles Davis assets pretty astutely, though some Miles aficionados whinge that Sony has released too much inconsequential blathering by the Prince Of Darkness!
But the imminent release of the Complete Miles Davis Columbia Album Collection will leave Bobfans drawing unfavourable comparisons with the Zim equivalent, 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series.
The two reissue projects are similar in key respects – all the albums in both collections have remarkable upgraded sound and both boxes reintroduce the original album artwork, in seductive digipak format.
But, in other ways, the new Miles box is more compelling:
* it pulls together all of the label’s Miles albums – Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series was selective, with only 15 titles, against the Miles box’s whopping 52, many of them double albums!
* many of the Miles albums carry worthwhile bonus tracks – the Dylan reissues eschewed any.
* even if you already own most of the original recordings, the incentives to buy the Miles box are persuasive – a newly released live DVD, a couple of previously unreleased CDs-worth of music, a substantial 250 page book by two leading Miles experts, and striking packaging.
* value: the “street” launch prices of the two boxes are similar, but the Miles box gives you far more bang for your buck.
Bottom line: I already had virtually all releases by both musicians. I passed on the Dylan box; I’ve ordered the Miles box.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Hugues Aufray: more than just a “cover artist”
Thanks to Miche Duthoit:
“Good to see you reporting on Hugues Aufray again. But I think you underestimate Hugues’ importance: in France at least, he’s rather more than a ‘cover artist’.
“Aufray’s translations (as well as recordings) of the early catalogue converted a whole generation of 1960s French-speaking pop fans to Dylan.
“Keep up your coverage of Dylan from a European perspective; it’s refreshing.”
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Hugues Aufray a Paris: non, merci - trop cher
Having only recently discovered Hugues Aufray’s French-language translations/cover versions of the early Dylan catalogue, I was thrilled at the weekend to stumble across a live performance by the Gallic baritone.
I was strolling around les Grands Boulevards in Paris last Saturday evening, wondering what to do, when, lo and behold, at the legendary Rex theatre, there it was - Aufray’s name, up in lights. He was due to take the stage an hour later.
Shall I, shan’t I… ? Hmmmm.
After a moment of indecision, I checked my Pariscope ents guide for ticket prices: “euros 30-55.”
The clincher: trop cher.
So I walked away. I simply don’t value any Dylan cover artist enough to justify paying over £10.
Pity. I’ll continue to enjoy the singer’s best compilation CD, Aufray Chante Dylan - it’s a lovely change from Hardy, Brel or Piaf (and even Malcolm McLaren) when in Paris/Paris mood.
And recommended.
Gerry Smith
“Good to see you reporting on Hugues Aufray again. But I think you underestimate Hugues’ importance: in France at least, he’s rather more than a ‘cover artist’.
“Aufray’s translations (as well as recordings) of the early catalogue converted a whole generation of 1960s French-speaking pop fans to Dylan.
“Keep up your coverage of Dylan from a European perspective; it’s refreshing.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hugues Aufray a Paris: non, merci - trop cher
Having only recently discovered Hugues Aufray’s French-language translations/cover versions of the early Dylan catalogue, I was thrilled at the weekend to stumble across a live performance by the Gallic baritone.
I was strolling around les Grands Boulevards in Paris last Saturday evening, wondering what to do, when, lo and behold, at the legendary Rex theatre, there it was - Aufray’s name, up in lights. He was due to take the stage an hour later.
Shall I, shan’t I… ? Hmmmm.
After a moment of indecision, I checked my Pariscope ents guide for ticket prices: “euros 30-55.”
The clincher: trop cher.
So I walked away. I simply don’t value any Dylan cover artist enough to justify paying over £10.
Pity. I’ll continue to enjoy the singer’s best compilation CD, Aufray Chante Dylan - it’s a lovely change from Hardy, Brel or Piaf (and even Malcolm McLaren) when in Paris/Paris mood.
And recommended.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, November 05, 2009
New Age Dylan: Oh Lord, please give me strength…
Thanks to Sarah Hunt:
“New Age Dylan? Oh Lord, please give me strength…
“This is certainly not ‘appropriate’. If people want to listen to this stuff, fine by me. Same with the Xmas album. But you couldn’t pay me to listen to either.
“Am I the only Dylan Daily reader who feels that a great body of art is being undermined here?”
“New Age Dylan? Oh Lord, please give me strength…
“This is certainly not ‘appropriate’. If people want to listen to this stuff, fine by me. Same with the Xmas album. But you couldn’t pay me to listen to either.
“Am I the only Dylan Daily reader who feels that a great body of art is being undermined here?”
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
New Age Dylan – soothing furrowed brows?
The record label have sent me details of a new album “which transforms popular rock bands [sic] like Bob Dylan, The Beatles and U2 into relaxing meditation music.”
But is this appropriate?
Having been surprised by some positive fan reaction to the Xmas album, I’m not sure any more…
Gerry Smith
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Information and song samples:
www.modernmeditations.com
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:
Slated for release November 17, the ³Modern Meditations² series¹ ³Rock Classics² and ³Modern Classics² 12-track collections feature meditative renditions of some of rock music¹s best-known
and most beloved songs. Also available on November 17 is an album dedicated to the songs of The Beatles. Aimed at introducing a brand new, modern rock perspective on ³new age² music fare, the ³Modern Meditations² series will be available for purchase at all traditional music retail outlets and online services, as well as distributed to many high-end lifestyle retailers.
Featuring the work of renowned producers from across the globe, ³Modern Meditations² has transformed contemporary rock favorites into meditation music for the rock & roll generation. Shimmering rock guitars and warm percussion create lush instrumental soundscapes. While yoga, Pilates, and meditation have all entered the mainstream, the music has not. The ³Modern Meditations² series aims to introduce an alternative to traditional new age fare to the growing modern rock audience.
The first of two compilation releases, ³Rock Classics,² features serene instrumental versions of songs from classic rock¹s most revered artists including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Led Zeppelin and many others. ³Modern Classics² dives into the contemporary rock catalog with tranquil renditions of songs by The Verve, U2, The Cure, Oasis, R.E.M., Nirvana and more.
But is this appropriate?
Having been surprised by some positive fan reaction to the Xmas album, I’m not sure any more…
Gerry Smith
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Information and song samples:
www.modernmeditations.com
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:
Slated for release November 17, the ³Modern Meditations² series¹ ³Rock Classics² and ³Modern Classics² 12-track collections feature meditative renditions of some of rock music¹s best-known
and most beloved songs. Also available on November 17 is an album dedicated to the songs of The Beatles. Aimed at introducing a brand new, modern rock perspective on ³new age² music fare, the ³Modern Meditations² series will be available for purchase at all traditional music retail outlets and online services, as well as distributed to many high-end lifestyle retailers.
Featuring the work of renowned producers from across the globe, ³Modern Meditations² has transformed contemporary rock favorites into meditation music for the rock & roll generation. Shimmering rock guitars and warm percussion create lush instrumental soundscapes. While yoga, Pilates, and meditation have all entered the mainstream, the music has not. The ³Modern Meditations² series aims to introduce an alternative to traditional new age fare to the growing modern rock audience.
The first of two compilation releases, ³Rock Classics,² features serene instrumental versions of songs from classic rock¹s most revered artists including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Led Zeppelin and many others. ³Modern Classics² dives into the contemporary rock catalog with tranquil renditions of songs by The Verve, U2, The Cure, Oasis, R.E.M., Nirvana and more.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dylan Different: jazz singer Ben Sidran's new covers album
I’m not over-fond of Dylan cover albums, but when a favourite singer – Bryan Ferry, most recently – interprets Bobsongs, I usually buy and enjoy.
So I’m looking forward to Dylan Different, an album of covers by jazz singer/pianist Ben Sidran.
Sidran crossed my radar with his contribution on the grossly under-rated Van Morrison album, Tell Me Something (1996), a collection of Mose Allison covers which also featured Georgie Fame and Mose himself.
I searched out Sidran and saw him play a tiny London gig. He was outstanding – laconic, droll and a beautifully lyrical musician. Very similar to Mose Allison, in fact. Watching him perform at close quarters for a couple of hours a was sheer delight.
Ben Sidran’s Dylan Different, due 16 November, is a must-buy in these parts.
Tracklist:
Everything Is Broken
Highway 61 Revisited
Tangled Up In Blue
Gotta Serve Somebody
Rainy Day Woman
Ballad of a Thin Man
Maggie's Farm
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Subterranean Homesick Blues
On The Road Again
All I Really Want To Do
Blowin' in the Wind
www.bensidran.com
Gerry Smith
So I’m looking forward to Dylan Different, an album of covers by jazz singer/pianist Ben Sidran.
Sidran crossed my radar with his contribution on the grossly under-rated Van Morrison album, Tell Me Something (1996), a collection of Mose Allison covers which also featured Georgie Fame and Mose himself.
I searched out Sidran and saw him play a tiny London gig. He was outstanding – laconic, droll and a beautifully lyrical musician. Very similar to Mose Allison, in fact. Watching him perform at close quarters for a couple of hours a was sheer delight.
Ben Sidran’s Dylan Different, due 16 November, is a must-buy in these parts.
Tracklist:
Everything Is Broken
Highway 61 Revisited
Tangled Up In Blue
Gotta Serve Somebody
Rainy Day Woman
Ballad of a Thin Man
Maggie's Farm
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Subterranean Homesick Blues
On The Road Again
All I Really Want To Do
Blowin' in the Wind
www.bensidran.com
Gerry Smith
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Limited edition Dylan photographs at London gallery
Thanks to Sophie Kaila, Gallery Manager:
“The Proud Galleries would like to bring your attention to our beautiful collection of limited edition Bob Dylan prints by a selection of world-renowned and celebrated photographers from Jerry Schatzberg and Mark Makin to John Cohen and Elliott Landy.
“With prices starting from £250 ex VAT your fan members could be part of the elite group of people who own some of the world’s most exciting photography.
“In response to outstanding interest we couldn’t resist exhibiting a few special images of Bob Dylan in our Best of Proud collection. Please pop down to Proud Camden to take your first look whilst enjoying our outstanding venue adorned by rock royalty throughout.
“We have a favourite Dylan print shot by Jerry Schatzberg. It is available from our Proud Camden Gallery for £2000 ex VAT.
“As one of the most popular privately-owned photographic galleries in the UK, Proud always endeavours to offer an efficient, personalised service for photography fans who care as much as we do about preserving and sharing history’s greatest photographic images.
“If you have any questions about our prints, enquiries about forthcoming exhibitions or are simply trying to track down a special image or photographer in the run up to Christmas, please do give me a call and I will be happy to help.”
Proud Camden
(Proud Publishing Ltd)
The Horse Hospital
Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London NW1 8AH
T: +44 (0) 207 482 3867
E: sophie@proud.co.uk
http://www.proud.co.uk
“The Proud Galleries would like to bring your attention to our beautiful collection of limited edition Bob Dylan prints by a selection of world-renowned and celebrated photographers from Jerry Schatzberg and Mark Makin to John Cohen and Elliott Landy.
“With prices starting from £250 ex VAT your fan members could be part of the elite group of people who own some of the world’s most exciting photography.
“In response to outstanding interest we couldn’t resist exhibiting a few special images of Bob Dylan in our Best of Proud collection. Please pop down to Proud Camden to take your first look whilst enjoying our outstanding venue adorned by rock royalty throughout.
“We have a favourite Dylan print shot by Jerry Schatzberg. It is available from our Proud Camden Gallery for £2000 ex VAT.
“As one of the most popular privately-owned photographic galleries in the UK, Proud always endeavours to offer an efficient, personalised service for photography fans who care as much as we do about preserving and sharing history’s greatest photographic images.
“If you have any questions about our prints, enquiries about forthcoming exhibitions or are simply trying to track down a special image or photographer in the run up to Christmas, please do give me a call and I will be happy to help.”
Proud Camden
(Proud Publishing Ltd)
The Horse Hospital
Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London NW1 8AH
T: +44 (0) 207 482 3867
E: sophie@proud.co.uk
http://www.proud.co.uk
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Bob Dylan in LA: very enjoyable
Thanks to Rob Schultz:
“Bob in LA: not a lifetime highlight show (my 41st) but very enjoyable.
“Highlight has to be the return of the great guitarist Charlie Sexton, news which will cheer every Bobcat.
“Recent setlists are the usual ever-changing mix – standards for the casuals, recent highlights for product promo, and a lucky dip for those knowledgeable enough to recognise rarity and great art when they hear it.
“Setlist (though I’m not 100% sure of the order towards the finale):
I’m Gonna Change My Way of Thinking
Shooting Star
Beyond Here Lies Nothin’
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
Cold Irons Bound
Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)
My Wife’s Home Town
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
High Water (for Charlie Patton)
Highway 61 Revisited
I Feel a Change Comin’ On
Thunder on the Mountain
Nettie Moore
Ballad of a Thin Man
Like a Rolling Stone
Jolene
All Along the Watchtower.
“Keep up the good work – I call into Dylan Daily regularly and admire your unique take on all things Bob.”
“Bob in LA: not a lifetime highlight show (my 41st) but very enjoyable.
“Highlight has to be the return of the great guitarist Charlie Sexton, news which will cheer every Bobcat.
“Recent setlists are the usual ever-changing mix – standards for the casuals, recent highlights for product promo, and a lucky dip for those knowledgeable enough to recognise rarity and great art when they hear it.
“Setlist (though I’m not 100% sure of the order towards the finale):
I’m Gonna Change My Way of Thinking
Shooting Star
Beyond Here Lies Nothin’
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
Cold Irons Bound
Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)
My Wife’s Home Town
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
High Water (for Charlie Patton)
Highway 61 Revisited
I Feel a Change Comin’ On
Thunder on the Mountain
Nettie Moore
Ballad of a Thin Man
Like a Rolling Stone
Jolene
All Along the Watchtower.
“Keep up the good work – I call into Dylan Daily regularly and admire your unique take on all things Bob.”
Monday, October 12, 2009
Christmas In The Heart – reviewed by Matthew Zuckerman
Well, Christmas In The Heart arrived in the post today -- nice efficient service from Isis. They always manage to get the new releases on the doormat the day before official release. Many thanks to Derek and Tracy (& great to see you at the Mott the Hoople reunion show!)
The deluxe version is just the regular jewel case in a cardboard sleeve, with five cards -- blank inside -- all with the album cover and envelope.
As for the album, I downloaded it on to my iPod and listened to it as I walked the dog around the local cemetery. What immediately struck me -- well, not immediately, but what started to dawn on me by the second or third song and was clear by the fourth -- was that this is not just a little dashed off side project.
Like it or not, the emotional commitment that Dylan has given to these songs makes Christmas In The Heart very much the new Bob
Dylan album.
For many people, certain albums -- Bringing It All Back Home,
Highway 61, Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait, Slow Train Coming, Saved, Shot of Love -- were too associated with something they hated (rock & roll, country, schmaltz, Christianity) for them to want or be able to appreciate the albums for themselves.
You can add Christmas In The Heart to that list.
Those who cannot accept the fact that Bob might want to have such an album in his catalogue -- as Bing Crosby, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington and many other of his favourite singers have done -- will find the album a closed door.
But for anyone else, it could be a small delight.
I have only listened to the album once, and do not have time to write more than the most fleeting impressions. All I would say is listen to the musicians (Bob's road crew plus David Hidalgo and a few others -- and a startlingly fine piece of harmonica playing on one track); the really very fine melodies; the instrumental and vocal harmony arrangements that both recapture the slick 1940s/50s studio sounds that Bob grew up with and breathe life into them, humanizing them; the battered and beaten voice sometimes flaring and phlegming up but still hitting all the notes – and singing with the same intense intimacy that he invested in A Simple Twist of Fate.
And then there's Must Be Santa. Bob Has often talked about his love for polka. And with this manic -- yet always controlled -- performance you can see why. I wonder what the world would have done if Bob had mixed his folk lyrics and surreal verse with a polka outfit like the one backing him here instead of a rock & roll band. Would we have booed?
And would we all -- supporters and booers alike -- follow him down his various roads, as we have done in this layer of the multiverse?
I digress, and I must end. I have much to do and time is short.
The deluxe version is just the regular jewel case in a cardboard sleeve, with five cards -- blank inside -- all with the album cover and envelope.
As for the album, I downloaded it on to my iPod and listened to it as I walked the dog around the local cemetery. What immediately struck me -- well, not immediately, but what started to dawn on me by the second or third song and was clear by the fourth -- was that this is not just a little dashed off side project.
Like it or not, the emotional commitment that Dylan has given to these songs makes Christmas In The Heart very much the new Bob
Dylan album.
For many people, certain albums -- Bringing It All Back Home,
Highway 61, Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait, Slow Train Coming, Saved, Shot of Love -- were too associated with something they hated (rock & roll, country, schmaltz, Christianity) for them to want or be able to appreciate the albums for themselves.
You can add Christmas In The Heart to that list.
Those who cannot accept the fact that Bob might want to have such an album in his catalogue -- as Bing Crosby, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington and many other of his favourite singers have done -- will find the album a closed door.
But for anyone else, it could be a small delight.
I have only listened to the album once, and do not have time to write more than the most fleeting impressions. All I would say is listen to the musicians (Bob's road crew plus David Hidalgo and a few others -- and a startlingly fine piece of harmonica playing on one track); the really very fine melodies; the instrumental and vocal harmony arrangements that both recapture the slick 1940s/50s studio sounds that Bob grew up with and breathe life into them, humanizing them; the battered and beaten voice sometimes flaring and phlegming up but still hitting all the notes – and singing with the same intense intimacy that he invested in A Simple Twist of Fate.
And then there's Must Be Santa. Bob Has often talked about his love for polka. And with this manic -- yet always controlled -- performance you can see why. I wonder what the world would have done if Bob had mixed his folk lyrics and surreal verse with a polka outfit like the one backing him here instead of a rock & roll band. Would we have booed?
And would we all -- supporters and booers alike -- follow him down his various roads, as we have done in this layer of the multiverse?
I digress, and I must end. I have much to do and time is short.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Bob Dylan explorations
Thanks to Martin Cowan and Andrew Robertson (from Adelaide):
* Martin:
“I am envious of someone who has only just got into Bob Dylan and has that wealth of music to discover! A few recommendations:
“Best compilations: Biograph/Bootleg Series 1-3/Tell Tale Signs: 8 cds worth of famous greats and unreleased gems, from 1962 to 2006.
“Best album - Street Legal: a pivotal album, mixing poetic lyrics and great tunes with a hard rocking sound.
“Best book - Heylin's "Behind The Shades" and Nigel Williamson’s "Rough Guide" are both highly recommended.”
* Andrew:
“To which I would add two important bookends from Dylan’s (official) discography: Live 1964 and Tell Tale Signs.
“Live 1964 because it is Bob Dylan live as you’ve never heard him. He is young and vibrant, ebullient and irrepressible, confident and so, so commanding.
“Singing solo acoustic, other than a few songs beautifully accompanied by Joan Baez, his vocals have a power and clarity that I think is unmatched. Any debate about his voice and his ability to sing ends instantly upon listening to this concert – he is nothing less than masterful.
“Perhaps it’s because the songs are still relatively new that he imbues them with such power and passion. Indeed, some of them were being performed for the first or second time – songs that were to become legend, like Gates of Eden and It’s Alright Ma.
“You almost get the sense that Dylan was hearing them for the first or second time too, there was a real sense of newness and discovery – as if he was being as delighted as the audiences by his lyrical wizardry!
“But even more than the performance power, was the power of the person – Dylan was more engaged with the audience than I’ve ever heard him, talking and laughing, joking and teasing. Spellbinding stuff!
“And between the deeper meanings of his masterpieces like Hard Rain, was the playfulness and irreverence of If You Gotta Go, Go Now, surely one of the wittiest songs of its time.
“Live 1964 is a fantastic – no, essential – introduction to Dylan, both lyrically and as a performance artist.
“Tell Tale Signs is my second recommendation, because it is the other side of the gold coin that is Bob Dylan – more recent works that showcase the mature artist that the young Dylan of 1964 evolved into.
“The voice has changed, the instrumentation has become more sophisticated, and the lyrics reflect the wisdom of his years. They are no less powerful and if anything, perhaps they carry greater meaning through being more nuanced, but they still portray the same unique talent. It is a more personal view than the worldview of the one-time “voice of a generation” but no less relevant for that.
“Again, in terms of an introduction to Dylan, Tell Tale Signs is essential listening.
“Then, depending which of the two resonated more, our friend could explore the canon from the start moving forward, or from the present moving back – either would be a journey to be savoured!”
* Martin:
“I am envious of someone who has only just got into Bob Dylan and has that wealth of music to discover! A few recommendations:
“Best compilations: Biograph/Bootleg Series 1-3/Tell Tale Signs: 8 cds worth of famous greats and unreleased gems, from 1962 to 2006.
“Best album - Street Legal: a pivotal album, mixing poetic lyrics and great tunes with a hard rocking sound.
“Best book - Heylin's "Behind The Shades" and Nigel Williamson’s "Rough Guide" are both highly recommended.”
* Andrew:
“To which I would add two important bookends from Dylan’s (official) discography: Live 1964 and Tell Tale Signs.
“Live 1964 because it is Bob Dylan live as you’ve never heard him. He is young and vibrant, ebullient and irrepressible, confident and so, so commanding.
“Singing solo acoustic, other than a few songs beautifully accompanied by Joan Baez, his vocals have a power and clarity that I think is unmatched. Any debate about his voice and his ability to sing ends instantly upon listening to this concert – he is nothing less than masterful.
“Perhaps it’s because the songs are still relatively new that he imbues them with such power and passion. Indeed, some of them were being performed for the first or second time – songs that were to become legend, like Gates of Eden and It’s Alright Ma.
“You almost get the sense that Dylan was hearing them for the first or second time too, there was a real sense of newness and discovery – as if he was being as delighted as the audiences by his lyrical wizardry!
“But even more than the performance power, was the power of the person – Dylan was more engaged with the audience than I’ve ever heard him, talking and laughing, joking and teasing. Spellbinding stuff!
“And between the deeper meanings of his masterpieces like Hard Rain, was the playfulness and irreverence of If You Gotta Go, Go Now, surely one of the wittiest songs of its time.
“Live 1964 is a fantastic – no, essential – introduction to Dylan, both lyrically and as a performance artist.
“Tell Tale Signs is my second recommendation, because it is the other side of the gold coin that is Bob Dylan – more recent works that showcase the mature artist that the young Dylan of 1964 evolved into.
“The voice has changed, the instrumentation has become more sophisticated, and the lyrics reflect the wisdom of his years. They are no less powerful and if anything, perhaps they carry greater meaning through being more nuanced, but they still portray the same unique talent. It is a more personal view than the worldview of the one-time “voice of a generation” but no less relevant for that.
“Again, in terms of an introduction to Dylan, Tell Tale Signs is essential listening.
“Then, depending which of the two resonated more, our friend could explore the canon from the start moving forward, or from the present moving back – either would be a journey to be savoured!”
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
How do I start to explore Dylan? New fan seeks advice
Thanks to Pierre L:
“I’ve just seen the light! After avoiding Dylan for many years, I finally get it.
“But Dylan’s work is so vast. Where do I start? Best studio album? Is there a recommended compilation? Best book to guide me – there seem to be dozens? Any good DVDs? Is it worth going to live shows? Does he play France?
“Suggestions from the expert readers of Dylan Daily will be gratefully received.”
“I’ve just seen the light! After avoiding Dylan for many years, I finally get it.
“But Dylan’s work is so vast. Where do I start? Best studio album? Is there a recommended compilation? Best book to guide me – there seem to be dozens? Any good DVDs? Is it worth going to live shows? Does he play France?
“Suggestions from the expert readers of Dylan Daily will be gratefully received.”
Friday, October 02, 2009
Striking new Dylan drawings by Feliks Topolski
A couple of months ago, I stumbled across an engrossing new art gallery on London’s South Bank, near Waterloo Station.
Topolski Century showcases the work – drawings, cartoons, paintings - of Feliks Topolski, a Polish expat well-known in London creative circles in the 1960s/70s/80s. He documented major events of the twentieth century.
Two of his 1960s images are pencil drawings of Bob Dylan. Strikingly evocative pieces, they’re available to buy as postcards (and, I think, posters).
This is little known, but important artwork. Highly recommended.
www.topolskicentury.org.uk
Gerry Smith
Topolski Century showcases the work – drawings, cartoons, paintings - of Feliks Topolski, a Polish expat well-known in London creative circles in the 1960s/70s/80s. He documented major events of the twentieth century.
Two of his 1960s images are pencil drawings of Bob Dylan. Strikingly evocative pieces, they’re available to buy as postcards (and, I think, posters).
This is little known, but important artwork. Highly recommended.
www.topolskicentury.org.uk
Gerry Smith
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Christmas In The Heart: revealing a supreme vocal stylist
Thanks to Jane Swann:
“Listening to Christmas In The Heart on You Tube tonight strengthened my view that that the songs themselves are simply not worth listening to.
“But, less expected, it confirmed that Dylan is a supreme vocal stylist – I’d hesitate to call him a singer any more – his vocals express real emotion, he seems to have plenty in reserve and he makes the carols his own. Great voice: who cares if the range is so narrow?
“And the album is surely an important statement about Dylan’s religious beliefs these days.
“I’ll be buying!”
“Listening to Christmas In The Heart on You Tube tonight strengthened my view that that the songs themselves are simply not worth listening to.
“But, less expected, it confirmed that Dylan is a supreme vocal stylist – I’d hesitate to call him a singer any more – his vocals express real emotion, he seems to have plenty in reserve and he makes the carols his own. Great voice: who cares if the range is so narrow?
“And the album is surely an important statement about Dylan’s religious beliefs these days.
“I’ll be buying!”
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