Still On The Road: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Vol 2 – 1974- 2008
by Clinton Heylin

Writing man’s blues #2

Well, it was bound to happen; one glance at the dates and anyone even vaguely aware of Heylin’s critical stance on Dylan can see what’s coming.

But before we get to that, the pros are many. Picking up where last year’s superlative Revolution In The Air left off, Heylin continues his mission to catalogue Dylan’s entire songwriting output – whether released, recorded, or even just scribbled on some hotel notepaper – in chronological order; charting the influences, steals, declines and, as the years roll on, small victories. His access and research is unparalleled, and even the most committed bootleg collector won’t be able to find everything herein. The born again era alone is awash in song titles you’ll likely have never heard of.

The problem is, Dylan’s inexorable 80s decline and intermittent peaks have been well documented. Having that continually pointed out to you makes Still On The Road a less enjoyable read than its predecessor (which you really do need to start with). At times, Heylin seems to take too much glee in rubbishing what we already know are terrible efforts; at worst, you feel like you’re being told off for even enjoying something the author relentlessly scorns (“Love & Theft”, say). There’s a wealth of information here that you just won’t get anywhere else, and the trail’s still fun to trawl; problem is, the guide’s not always great company.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

ISBN 9781849010115, 526 pages

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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