A Darker Shade of Pale: A Backdrop to Bob Dylan

by Wilfrid Mellers

Book Overview

With the Beatles, Bob Dylan is one of the most talented performers to emerge from the sixties. For more than twenty years Dylan has been a spokesman for the young--a representative of a generation and a way of life. While Dylan's originality is his strength, his art has roots in Amercan folk, country and pop music.
In this exciting new book, Wilfrid Mellers, author of the acclaimed study of the Beatles, Twilight of the Gods, examines Dylan's musical heritage, from the British folk ballads that influenced his lyrics to the American folk-singers who influence his music. Mellers looks at how Dylan's vocal and instrumental style was affected by such greats as the Carter family, Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Elvis Presley and Woody Guthrie. He goes on to consider what Dylan did with this musical legacy, and how he made these musical forms his own.
Mellers offers illuminating commentary on virtually every song recorded by Dylan, and shows why his individual contribution has spoken so powerfully to millions of people.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195036220
• ISBN13: 9780195036220
• Release Date: June 1985
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

And a good backdrop it is....

A Darker Shade of Pale is a very good book for anyone who likes Bob Dylan or is interested in early influences on modern music. The book deals with many aspects, especially influences on Dylan. It tells about people such as Blind Lemon Johnson, who were essential to Dylan's music. It also gives a sort of history of Dylan's life, from his humble beginnings near Hibbing, Minnesota up to his stardom at the time of the books publishing. The only potential problem with the book is that it isn't the easiest read. Many younger readers will be certain to have problems with the books content, and may even stop reading it. Older readers, especially Dylan fans, will probably enjoy the book much more. On a positive note, unlike most books about music stars, this book lacks the fluff. It tells the story how it was, no holds barred.