The Dylan Flick

Posted: December 27th, 2024 | Filed under: Book Review, Cinema, Music, Personalities | 6 Comments »

A new film has just dropped, another attempt to pin down the unpindownable.

It’s about Bob Dylan. The early years.

It’s called “A Complete Unknown” and  stars Timothée Chalamet, who it is said spent a half decade learning how to mime the Unwashed Phenomenon’s affectations, speak and sing with the Original Vagabond’s inflections.

Whatever.

This is not a review of that film.

Haven’t seen it.

A goodly number of my pals, long term Dylan acolytes like myself, saw it first day.

I understand the obsession.

For several reasons, I chose not to. I’m sure I’ll get around to viewing it. Though I may wait until it’s streaming.

The main reason: What’s the point? Read the rest of this entry »

“Coming Home: A Stranger In The Smokies”: Review

Posted: June 6th, 2023 | Filed under: Book Review, Ruminations | 2 Comments »

Before advising why you should consider reading John Wade Christensen’s “Coming Home: A Stranger In The Smokies,” allow me please to answer the question being asked by the elephant now staring over my shoulder.

Were it not so worthy of your time, would I be reviewing this book for public consumption?

Transparent answer: Yes.

John Christensen — the Wade he included to distinguish himself from another author — is my good friend.

During the halcyon daze of the 70s, when he wrote features, music reviews and sports for the Louisville Times, he was my next door neighbor.

He was my runnin’ podner.

There are tales. Some of which could be shared if there was time. Many of which shall remain sealed in a lock box hidden beneath the floor boards.

(I am referenced twice in the book, once in the acknowledgments, once in the text.)

For decades, he desired to write a book about his spiritual quest and evolution.

So he has. Read the rest of this entry »