Bob Dylan: Performing Artist: 1974-1986 the Middle Years

Kept chair side to consult as I listen through the immense journey and library of language, thought, dreams and supporting musicians of the song or album. Have all three vol.s: Early, Mid and Later. If you have interest or a need to know, like I need, then Williams lays out generally what you are looking for and information that never even occurred to you. As opposed to Wikipedia (my previous source) where one never knows what one can count on and what is a guess or mistake. Once again: Want to know? Then must have!

If you love Paul Williams and if you love Dylan this is an unbeatable experience, focusing as it does on what some might call "lost years" of highs and lows of Bob's career. It is all the same for Paul Williams who takes it ALL in and lovingly dissects every speck of Dylan's output. Paul Williams was a lone voice in the wilderness back in the "Dylan: What Happened" days so this serves as an extension of that important book.

The second volume of "Bob Dylan, Performing Artist" covers the less understood, less appreciated, but often more rewarding second part of Dylan's career. Williams convincingly argues that much of Dylan's finest work came during this period, and his writing may have you digging out your old copy of "Shot of Love" or "Empire Burlesque" (or your bootleg tapes of those 1979-80 "born again" shows) to hear what he's talking about.