An In-Depth Analysis of Bob Dylan's Artistry in 'Song & Dance Man', Plus Reviews on Richard Thompson Band and Fats Domino

Michael Gray's expansive work, Song & Dance Man: The Art of Bob Dylan, has been a vital resource for Bob Dylan enthusiasts since its UK debut in 1972 and subsequent releases in the U.S. and Japan. This thorough examination, tailored for the Dylan connoisseur, has now returned in a new American edition, formatted into three approachable volumes.

The first volume titled 'Language & Tradition,' plunges into Dylan's creative output during the 60s and 70s, exploring its relationship with diverse musical and literary genres. The second volume, 'Yonder Comes Sin,' navigates through Dylan's spiritual journey in the latter part of the 70s. The third volume, 'World Gone Right,' reflects on his music produced in the 90s. While the present reissue does not address Dylan's more recent works, future volumes may be a possibility pending sales success.

Gray's study, unlike other extensive works such as Mark Lewisohn's Beatles-focused Tune In, hones in on Dylan's discography rather than his personal life. The text is described as dense, with copious footnotes, and presents Gray's well-researched insights and connections between Dylan's lyrics and various cultural references.

Each of the nearly thousand-page volumes showcases Gray's scholarly approach and the attention paid to particular works, such as the 24-page dissection of the song 'Every Grain of Sand' and the 64-page discussion on the Under the Red Sky album. Despite the depth and occasional esoteric focus, Gray's acumen makes for engaging reading for die-hard Dylan fans.

Also Noteworthy

The Richard Thompson Band's live recording, Historic Classic Concert—Live in Nottingham 1986, brings listeners into the heart of Thompson's impressive career up to that year. This two-CD concert recording is packed with Thompson's vibrant guitar work and his potent vocals, delivering songs from his early days with Fairport Convention to his successful solo albums.

The collection, unfortunately, also includes a lesser tribute to Fats Domino with the release of The Best Of/Live, which falls short in capturing the true essence of Domino's performances. The two-disc set, criticized for its subpar vocal mixes and absence of concert atmosphere, does not meet the expectations of documenting Domino's live showmanship.

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