Wicked Messenger: Bob Dylan and the 1960s; Chimes of Freedom, Revised and Expanded

by Mike Marqusee

Book Overview

Bob Dylan's abrupt abandonment of overtly political songwriting in the mid-1960s caused an uproar among critics and fans. In Wicked Messenger, acclaimed cultural-political commentator Mike Marqusee advances the new thesis that Dylan did not drop politics from his songs but changed the manner of his critique to address the changing political and cultural climate and, more importantly, his own evolving aesthetic.
Wicked Messenger is also a riveting...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1583226869
• ISBN13: 9781583226865
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Seven Stories Press
• Length: 376 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Razor-Sharp Prose

This book is arresting in its intelligence and exceptional prose. It is a must-read book about Dylan's political development. Marquesee is a careful listener and has grasped the zeitgeist of the age. Marquesee clearly sympathizes with Dylan's use of song as a political weapon, and he explains with great zeal and fervor how Dylan wielded that weapon. I think he misses an emerging spiritual consciousness in Dylan's songs, though, by the exclusive focus on the politics. Still, anyone who wishes to understand the political world in which Dylan sang should read this book for its keen insights and unfailingly precise language. --Lawrence J. Epstein, author of Political Folk Music in America from Its Origins to Bob Dylan

Where have all the 60's gone?

Have you ever wondered where Bob Dylan got some of his inspiration? Have you ever wondered what went on behind the scenes when the politically active youth culture was born in the 60's? Starting with stories about Bob's relationships with the "Dust Bowl Balladeers" and wandering along with the concert tours and digging deep into the history of SNCC (Students Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and SDS ( Students for a Democratic Society), and everywhere else that was relevant this book masterfully chronicles the connection between the songs and times of the 60's and beyond. The reader is treated to a deep view of what was going on as many of Bob's most beloved songs were written. You are given a clear picture of why Bob was such an honest and faithful reflection of our times and has become America's favorite balladeer. I have to say that I think the title is unfortunate, there is nothing "Wicked" about this messenger. The things he protests are outrageous things and he finds exactly the right words and the courage to sing them out with songs that can not be ignored. He also has made some of the most touching and romantic love songs that I have ever heard. I'm very glad to have been able to see some of the background behind his inspiration. Finally, I understand why Bob was not at Woodstock, why he "went electric", what went on during the London tours, who was the "girl on that album cover", and many other things. This is clearly a fascinating book that has helped me to better understand the times that I lived through even better.

Draws some important connections between Dylan's musical approach, its message, and how and why it a

Wicked Messenger: Bob Dylan And The 1960s represents a revised, expanded edition of the 2003 hardcover Chimes Of Freedom, and is a recommended pick for Dylan fans and especially newcomers who missed Chimes and here will enjoy the benefit of a new chapter on his 2004 memoir and his 2003 film. Wicked Messenger shows that Dylan didn't turn away from his famous political music but instead changed the style of his message to address changing politics. In providing a concurrent social survey of the atmosphere of the U.S. during the 1960s, Wicked Messenger draws some important connections between Dylan's musical approach, its message, and how and why it affected his times.

Interesting book

This book is very interesting!!!! It provides a wonderful background of the period of time that influenced Bob Dylan's life and music. The book describes the history behind his songs and the history of what was going on in America during that era. It was more than I expected and I could hardly put the book down.