Philosophy of Modern Song by Bob Dylan (2022, Hardcover)

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Dylan’s take on music and modern songs.

About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherSimon & Schuster
ISBN-101451648707
ISBN-139781451648706
eBay Product ID (ePID)18057277023

Product Key Features

Book TitlePhilosophy of Modern Song
Number of Pages352 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2022
TopicPersonal Memoirs, Composers & Musicians, Genres & Styles / Pop Vocal
IllustratorYes
GenreMusic, Biography & Autobiography
AuthorBob Dylan
FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height1.3 in
Item Weight36.1 Oz
Item Length9.1 in
Item Width7.4 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade
Reviews"[ The Philosophy of Modern Song ] is less a rigorous study of craft than a series of rhapsodic observations on what gives great songs their power to fascinate us. Dylan, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, worked on these for more than a decade, though they flow more like extemporaneous sermons." --Ben Sisario, The New York Times
Dewey Edition23
TitleLeadingThe
Dewey Decimal782.4213
SynopsisThe Philosophy of Modern Song is Bob Dylan's first book of new writing since 2004's Chronicles: Volume One --and since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016. Dylan, who began working on the book in 2010, offers a master class on the art and craft of songwriting. He writes over sixty essays focusing on songs by other artists, spanning from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello, and in between ranging from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyzes what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song, and even explains how bluegrass relates to heavy metal. These essays are written in Dylan's unique prose. They are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny. And while they are ostensibly about music, they are really meditations and reflections on the human condition. Running throughout the book are nearly 150 carefully curated photos as well as a series of dream-like riffs that, taken together, resemble an epic poem and add to the work's transcendence. In 2020, with the release of his outstanding album Rough and Rowdy Ways , Dylan became the first artist to have an album hit the Billboard Top 40 in each decade since the 1960s. The Philosophy of Modern Song contains much of what he has learned about his craft in all those years, and like everything that Dylan does, it is a momentous artistic achievement., The Philosophy of Modern Song is Bob Dylan's first book of new writing since 2004's Chronicles: Volume One --and since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016. Dylan, who began working on the book in 2010, offers his extraordinary insight into the nature of popular music. He writes over sixty essays focusing on songs by other artists, spanning from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello, and in between ranging from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyzes what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song, and even explains how bluegrass relates to heavy metal. These essays are written in Dylan's unique prose. They are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny. And while they are ostensibly about music, they are really meditations and reflections on the human condition. Running throughout the book are nearly 150 carefully curated photos as well as a series of dream-like riffs that, taken together, resemble an epic poem and add to the work's transcendence. In 2020, with the release of his outstanding album Rough and Rowdy Ways , Dylan became the first artist to have an album hit the Billboard Top 40 in each decade since the 1960s. The Philosophy of Modern Song contains much of what he has learned about his craft in all those years, and like everything that Dylan does, it is a momentous artistic achievement.

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Ratings and reviews

4.9
13 product ratings
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  • Most favourable review

    Must-Have Book by a Brilliant Guy with a Crappy Voice

    Zimmerman (Bob) can't sing his way out of a wet paper bag, and never could. We all know it by listening to any of his records, at random. Sorry, Bob - you should have been born Irish! That said, his song choices are wonderful springboards for some of the best writing about Pop Music since Phil Elwood Died. Or Robert Hillburn , but I am not sure if he's among the living... For example: I saw on the table of songs in the front, the title WHERE OR WHEN; and flipped to it hoping against fear that Dylan chose the Dion & the Belmonts version, because it's the best. Presto! He did! so he has taste that lines up with my own. At least in one song. I have not read it all, because it is gift for my domestic partner - & she things he walks on water & can do no wrong. She and I as musicians do a lot of his songs. She also believes Springsteen has this great voice. I can't stand anything he ever did...But some of Dylan I love - despite the wretched non-musical voice. How's that for a review, gang?

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Most critical review

    well said..kind of like the radio show

    anything by Bob is worth taking seriously but this particular work is full of 'catch phrases' instead of in depth analysis or introspection regarding the workings of his mind or the songwriting process in general. I'm sure he has a lot of bills to pay so in light of this, he came up with a marketable product so thumbs up to that. He certainly doesn't owe the world any other masterpieces having far exceeded any expectations in that regard. One cannot help but respect the amount of his business.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • My Review of Bob Dylan's Second Book

    I am glad to have a copy of Bob Dylan's second book Modern Philosophy of song in my book collection. It is interesting to me to know what songs Dylan finds of great importance in modern music. There are many songs that I have heard before, but there are also many I have not. I think this is a must have for die hard Dylan fans, especially fans who want to know what songs he found great and inspriring.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Bob Dylan on music - what more could anyone ask?

    Even though I've been a long time Dylan fan, The Philosophy of Modern Song amazes me. There is so much information about the music I've grown up with - and some I've not grown up with - and the people making that music. Bob isn't just a musician, as I've long known, he is a student of the music and he shares that knowledge in this book. It's fun to read and educational, both. Once again I say thanks, Bob.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Thumbs up for hardcore Dylan fans.

    Dylan has a third eye. He's on a 'whole nother level' as they say. I think his first book is an easier read, but this one makes you think and then go listen to a lot of other artists and songs Dylan writes about.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • A weird one by Dylan. Book in great shap...

    A weird one by Dylan. Book in great shape -- thanks.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Great book for Dylan fans!

    Bought for a gift, I know they will love the book!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: New

  • Bob Dylan on famous songs.

    I didn't purchase for me but my brother who is turning 60 and has been a fan of music history and Dylan. He is really enjoying this book because of the content about famous songs.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Nearly new. Most beautiful memorial to ...

    Nearly new. Most beautiful memorial to John Trudell.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • I'm not to the philosophy part yet, but it's worth pursuing.

    The writing is spectacular and intense. That's not a surprise, but I'd recommend it.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned