Riley, Tim (Dylan, Bob)

Hard Rain: A Dylan Commentary

New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992. First Edition. Hardcover. “All I can be is me–whoever that is.” —Bob Dylan. The most important American rock ‘n’ roller since Elvis Presely, Dylan is widely considered a visionary song writer, matchless poet, and the voice of his generation. With an oeuvre that spans not only a number of genres from bluegrass, to folk, to rock, but also is filled to the brim with memorable hits such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963), “The Times They Are a Changin’” (1964), and “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965), just to name a few, Dylan’s career has been a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that Riley traces with incredible precision and detail. Tim Riley is a music connoisseur and critic whose previous works include “Tell Me Why: A Beatles Commentary” (2009), numerous reviews and articles in the Washington Post, and as commentator on a number of radio shows/stations. The subject of this particular curation, “Hard Rain”, is a work of musical commentary that is as astounding as it is detailed. Riley tracks Dylan’s career for a span of thirty years, going song by song, album by album including: bootlegs, unreleased tracks, live concert tapes, and concert films. Riley manages to avoid linking Dylan’s lyrics as “personal struggles” turned “public metaphor” (ala James Taylor) and rather vivisects his humor, satire, and manipulations of his persona. With razor sharp criticism and enthusiasm, Riley does a dissection of Dylan’s career so thorough and precise that it would make a surgeon weep. This volume is perfect for rock historians, lovers of the 60’s musical renaissance, and even the most die-hard Dylan-commentators and Dylanologists. [ISBN: 9780394578897]. Hardcover in unclipped dust-jacket; first edition with no reference to subsequent editions or printings as stated on copyright page. Book is in very fine condition with some wear to fine edges and staining/discoloration to same; dust-jacket is in fine condition with moderate smudging and staining to front and back covers and wear to fine edges. Overall a very fine volume. Very Fine / Fine. [Item #5563]

Price: $40.00