Bob Dylan in America

Wilentz (The Rise of American Democracy) presents an expansive and thorough analysis of Bob Dylan's career and songwriting influences. Mixing nonchronological biography with deep research and personal interpretation, Wilentz bounces from era to era without losing his overall focus on Dylan's place in American musical history. Unlike many other Dylan analysts and chroniclers, he spends as much time on the postgospel years as on the more renowned and overanalyzed Sixties. Chapters on Dylan's lightly regarded 1990s acoustic folk covers albums are especially insightful and finally add something new to Dylan studies. The author's narration is adequate and unobtrusive. This audio, which includes welcomed snippets of blues and folk tunes Wilentz believed influenced Dylan as well as classic songs by Dylan himself, is strongly recommended for informed listeners looking for a fresh spin on the hackneyed theme of Dylan's musical and cultural influences. [The Doubleday hc also received a starred review, LJ Xpress Reviews, 8/5/10.—Ed.]—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia