Isis: A Bob Dylan Anthology

Book Description

ISIS is the best-selling, longest lasting, most highly acclaimed Dylan fanzine. This ultimate Dylan anthology draws on unpublished interviews and research by the ISIS team together with the best articles culled from the pages of the definitive Bob magazine. New updated edition.

"Astounding . . . Fascinating . . . If you're more than mildly interested in Bob Dylan, then this is an essential purchase."-Record Collector

Customer Reviews:

Buyer Be Wary.......2003-04-30

The review above sounds a LOT like a review of the book by Isis magazine reviewer Jim Gillian, which is posted on the Isis site... maybe should be signed "brown nose"...?

ISIS: A Bob Dylan Anthology.......2002-09-03

This is a CRACKERJACK book. Hugely enjoyable and one that I hope is on everyone's wish list.

Excluding the appendices (which include an opinion on "historic" live shows and on "essential" bootlegs), the anthology comprises thirty-three pieces, of which, twelve are either written by Derek alone, or in collaboration with others. And whilst most of the content has of course been drawn from past issues of ISIS Magazine, there are five entirely new essays. Of those that have appeared before, the earliest comes from ISIS #22 and the most recent from ISIS #96.

The structure of the anthology broadly follows Bob's progress through the years, which gives it something of a biographical feel, albeit a particularly selective one. The text is interspersed with photographs of Bob in concert and elsewhere, as well as being liberally sprinkled with "passport" sized photos of others; poster/ticket reproductions; cartoons; band signatures and so on. Collectively these give a good overall impression of Dylan and some of his world.

Derek also writes the introduction, which moves pretty briskly from what the book is about to Derek's own reasons for being "completely captivated" by Dylan. So although he states that "it is (about) a best of selection...arranged in chronological order...(which) can be read as a potted biography... or ...as individual essays," it gets its flavour from Derek's own enthusiasm for and perspective on Dylan. The result is that "ISIS A Bob Dylan Anthology" has a particular coherence that somehow accommodates the inevitably different styles of the other contributors, who, equally inevitably, have their own take on Bob. What emerges is a book drawn from a very rich mix indeed. A bit like Grandma's secret recipe fruitcake, which is stuffed full of goodies, yet is wonderfully digestible. And you always want more...

It helps enormously that Derek writes well. His style is accessible, engaging and inclusive of others. He brings rigour and considerable expertise to bear. This produces pieces that are informed, accurate (or as accurate as anything about Bob Dylan ever can be) and stimulating. At the same time, there is a total absence of malice about his writing, as well as an utter lack of arrogance. This is in marked contrast to some of the recent(ish) works by one or two "world authorities" on Dylan, where what they said was much diminished by how they said it.

Somehow (though I guess careful editing on Derek's part has a lot to do with it), the essays from the other contributors are pretty consistent with Derek's approach. Hence the general coherence of it all. By way of an analogy to illustrate this, it's a bit like listening to a "various artist's" CD, one where the tracks are based on a distinctive theme, rather than one intended to reflect the broad company catalogue.

Turning now to some of the pieces themselves. The opener, "Interview With Abe and Beatty Zimmerman" is prefaced with an introductory note by Ian Woodward. Even for people pretty familiar with the background to the interview and to Shelton's relationship with Dylan, this provides a really helpful context, one that encourages the reader to look at it as though present in the room all those years ago, rather than with the benefit(?) of over thirty years hindsight.

Shelton opens with some questions about the family background and how Abe and Beatty met. They talk about Bob's early years, his childhood ambitions and behaviour and, later, his growing success. To me at least, both Bob's parents, though especially Beatty, come across as pretty open. Oh sure, we know that some things were held back and that others had some sort of "spin" on them, but in general it feels very natural. Perhaps the most poignant, most eloquent moment comes towards the end, when Shelton asks if they think Bob will come back to Hibbing. Abe, who seems to have been looking at pictures of Bob in camp in the summer of 1954, does not answer and, even when prompted, remains silent. Maybe he was reflecting on what had been lost, rather than what had been gained. But who really knows? Three weeks later he died.

It's a fascinating piece that sets the stage for those following, which variously look at (amongst other things) Bob's background and early forays into music making; where the name "Dylan" might have come from; Dave Whittaker's recollections and observations; and early days in London. Then there is "A Chat With Martin Carthy," the other party being Matthew Zuckerman, and a fine job it is too. Carthy seems to enjoy talking about Dylan. He does so without any hint of envy but with a considerable body of knowledge about musical tradition, a real feel for the culture, environment and tensions of the whole early sixties "folk" thing and a lot of affection for a fellow performer, who happens to be Bob Dylan. I could go on but space dictates. The only piece that I did have a bit of difficulty with was, "Robert Johnson and Street Legal," though that was entirely of my own making.

Product Description

Over 60 Dylan favorites including: All Along The Watchtower, A Hard Rain s Gonna Fall, Tangled Up In Blue, Just Like A Woman, To Make You Feel My Love, and many more, in singable, playable song tab arrangements with complete lyrics.

Customer Reviews:

Usefulness Depends On Your Skill Level.......2006-06-22

I'll add my two cents here; If you are interested in playing these tunes exactly as you hear them on the albums, then I would have to agree with the angrier users below - this book usually does not present the tunes that way. However, I think it's a good book for a beginner to have in their library (1) because beginners find it especially difficult to figure out the chords to songs and this book can get you playing recognizable Dylan (and traditional) melodies pretty quickly; (2) since the arrangements are, yes it's true, repetitive and similar in approach, a beginner can get lots of practice at rudimentary techniques like pick-strumming and travis picking; (3) because once the beginner gets a little more comfortable with playing, he can use the book's simple arrangements as a starting off point to figure out more complicated versions of the songs, or versions which sound more like the ones on the records (by changing keys, using alternate tunings, etc.)

So, yes, maybe the book should say something about "Beginners" on the cover or in the title. That's the problem with buying books unseen on-line however (I found this cheap at an used bookstore, which also might explain my charitable review - I didn't pay very much for it).

And, for what it's worth, the book does have a good arrangement of Forever Young which, with very little tweaking (if any), is the same as my favorite recorded version of that song, the gentle demo on Biograph and a fun, easy arrangment of Like A Rolling Stone which, if you change it from 4/4 to 3/4 is pretty much the same as that goofy "waltz piano" version from Bootleg 1-3.

Playing tunes just like they are on the records is overrated anyway.

Wrong........2006-02-24

Some of these songs seem different than the studio versions that I am used to from Highway 61 and Blonde on Blonde. For example, on "Visions of Johanna" this book has it in the key of G. As far as I can tell it's in the key of A. You don't even use the G chord to play the song. The fact that they never tell you when to use a capo is also suspicious. I know it's hard to find tab for some of Dylan's classics but this book is no more helpful than some tab you might find on the internet. It just costs more.

Horrible. 1 star for the picture on the cover.........2006-02-13

This book left me so frustrated. I tried for a week to play some of the songs while listening to the cd's of his, but after some time I just gave up. The tabs are just wrong (supposedly they are right somewhere, but they don't come close the cd versions)

Now then. You have no options but to search the internet and try to find something that sounds close, and then try very hard to listen to the cd and add in little details that you won't find in the internet tab. This is probably a better route anyway because you are growing musically.

So.. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY, AND HAPPINESS ON THIS BOOK.

Terrible and Proud of It.......2006-01-24

Being not only an avid guitarist but also HUGE fan of the extensive works of Mr. Dylan's I was thrilled to receive this book. Unfortunately my excitement quickly turned to dismay as I began to play through some of the tablature. I immediately discovered from pre-existing knowledge that many of the songs were in the wrong key to start with. On top of that the complete lack of use of a capo or alternate tunings set off a huge red flag, being well aware that Dylan constantly used both. If all of this wasn't bad enough many of the songs aren't even playable. Many of the songs at best slightly (and that is an overstatement) resemble their original counterparts. As a matter of fact I was so angered by the poor quality of this book that I wrote a letter to the publishing company. In this letter I covered many of the things I have said in this review, and also mentioned that the transcriptions would be more at home in a book that is labeled "for easy guitar". This is the ambiguous response I received from Music Sales Editor; Heather Rammage:

When presenting the works of great songwriters it is often the song, not the performance, which is considered most important. In the case of Bob Dylan, whose prolific career spans several decades and whose songs have been recorded by him and countless others many times, it is difficult, if not impossible, to decide upon a definitive version. Throughout his career, Bob Dylan has played the same song in many different keys, with or without a capo, in standard or altered tuning, and with completely different arrangements or entirely new melodies. Dylan¹s ³free² folk style also contributes to the difficulty in transcribing his performances.
These arrangements are meant to be accessible to everyone, in the case of piano/vocal/guitar arrangements, or in other cases to present the most playable versions of classic tunes, with obvious mistakes or questionable anomalies edited out to stay true to the intent, rather than the execution, of each song.

: Apparently this is the best way they could excuse themselves for their rancid piece of literature. Will somebody please explain to me 1. how other people's performances of Dylan's songs would have anything to do with a Bob Dylan tablature book? 2. Although Dylan does perform his songs in different ways, isn't it considered pretty standard to transcribe the version on studio album? 3. If the book states in the title it is arranged for guitar, why does the access of piano and voice matter at all? Heather Rammage, one of the head editors at the book's publishing company, clearly couldn't explain. Do yourself a favor and get a different Bob Dylan guitar book and avoid this set of loose interpretations.

Mediocre and unfaithful........2005-07-19

I was very excited about this book when I first saw it -- as a relatively new guitarist and Dylan buff, it looked like it was a good anthology to learn how to play most of Dylan's songs. It does have strumming patterns, chord diagrams, and picking patterns.

However, they dumbed it down even more than that. They ignored the actual way that the song is played, and opted instead for a standard tuning, uncapo'd 'this kind of sounds like the song' approach. (I think they only mention capo'ing one song in the whole book, and I've never seen any manner of alternate tunings in it at all.) It's possible that these are all faithful to some live performance Dylan did some time, as he does have a tendency to play things differently quite often, but many of the tabs seem especially dubious.

The bottom line, if you want to buy a book to play the songs the way Dylan did in the studio recordings, or even in the more prevalent live recordings, pass on this book. Or buy a different book. Or buy the book to get help on rhythm, but consult a webpage (Eyolf Østrem has an excellent such page) for actual tunings, capo's, chords, and, well, everything else. Just don't buy the book expecting it to tell you how to faithfully play the songs, because you'll be sorely disappointed.

Average customer rating:

A mixed blessing...
Great companion songbook
Dylan is never really easy.

Bob Dylan: Anthology (Bob Dylan)
Bob Dylan
Manufacturer: Amsco Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0825612403
Release Date: 1990-12-31

Product Description

Includes All Along The Watchtower, Blowin In The Wind, Forever Young, Just Like A Woman, and Tangled Up In Blue.

Customer Reviews:

A mixed blessing..........2004-02-12

This book is an adequate representation of Dylan material, with many songs missing that one might want (forcing the purchase of a second book).

I didn't like this book for several reasons:
1. When I was first learning guitar, I purchased it and was dissapointed by Dylan's complex chord phrasings. I couldn't play them, and at the level of a beginner, there were only a few songs that I could play.

2. As I got better, I yearned to learn how to play the songs like Dylan played them. As this book was written primarily for piano and vocal, it only has the guitar chords, and many of his songs contain wonderfully complex fingerpicking patterns and arpegios. Once I got to the level of playing where I could play the chords appropriately, I wanted more than this book could give. I pulled it off the shelf recently to play a few of the oldies that I remembered from many years ago, but put it back quickly for the same reason.

3. The book has a standard binding, so if you want to lay it reasonably flat on your music stand or piano, you will have to split the spine.

Great companion songbook.......2000-09-01

This is a wonderful songbook as a companion to the album "Under the Red Sky". The songs pic up where the travelling wilburys left off. Dylan is clearly having fun here. And the songs are as much fun to play as they are to listen to.

Dylan is never really easy........2000-06-23

"BOB DYLAN Made Easy for Guitar" is more title than description. Featuring 22 songs ranging from the well known (Tangled Up in Blue), to the obsure (Man Gave Names to All the Animals), Dylan Made Easy doesn't give any hints or suggestions to accomplish that promise. This is simply a songbok featuring Dylan's material in their orginal keys; however, the songs are notatated with chords and rythm slashes. The songs themselves are not necessarily easy. Most songs quite often contain barre chords or would be easy to play with barre chords or capo's. I was hoping that this book would explain simpler, easier, methods to obtain the melodies and rythms that pervade Bob Dylan songs. This book is good is a fairly good songbook if your looking for a variety of Dylan material.

Bob Dylan: Anthology Volume 2: 20 Years of Isis

Average customer rating:

An enjoyable read!
Best of the Best
ISIS Anthology 2

Bob Dylan: Anthology Volume 2: 20 Years of Isis

Manufacturer: Chrome Dreams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1842403095

Book Description

Bob Dylan changed the face of music in the 1960s with his poetic lyrics and raspy voice, and 40 years later, he continues to be a respected songwriter and musical force. Isis, the premier Dylan magazine, has covered the movements of this cultural icon for 20 years, and this anthology combines the best interviews and articles culled from the magazine's archives. Coupled with previously unpublished photographs, these chronological essays provide a unique take on Dylan-related events such as tours and new albums. Both casual and hardcore fans will appreciate this treasure trove of Dylan information.

Customer Reviews:

An enjoyable read!.......2006-01-18

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays by a variety of authors, as it gives different views of Dylan and is at times very funny. This book covers some great topics and tells some fantastic stories of Dylan not previously covered in other books. Not only does this book span Dylan's career, but also the 20 years of ISIS. Derek Barker has lovingly put this collection together and it is an enjoyable read for any Dylan fan.

Best of the Best.......2005-12-12

This book is really great, WoW, WHAT A READ! I'd consider it a MUST for all Dylan fans, veterans or newcomers. It was impossible to put down. I'd give it 10 Stars if I could. This Volume, like Volume 1, is even beyond great, as is the magazine it comes from, ISIS, which has been publishing informative, thought provoking articles and opinions about Dylan for twenty-years. This book is the place to come if you're a thinking Dylan fan who wants to read the finest, most creative and most interesting Dylan writing on the planet.

ISIS Anthology 2.......2005-12-09

I've just finished reading the new ISIS Anthology book and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. I brought the fist ISIS Dylan book a few years back and although it was a fantasic read this one surpasses it! As with vol 1, the essays about Dylan make great reading but Vol 2 has the edge because it's more than just essays and interviews. This vol is closer in content to the wonderful long running magazine from which the Anthology is complied and therefore it contains many great asides, anecdotes and interesting facts that help create just the right balance. This is a must for all fans of Bob Dylan.

Average customer rating:

Great Poetic Expressions

Bob Dylan, the Man with a Vision
Khalid Reza
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1412077834
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Book Description

Bob Dylan, The Man With A Vision is a book of poetry. Some of the poems here are written about Mr. Bob Dylan. Mr. Dylan is not only a musician; he is a mentor, guide and teacher. Men like him come only once in a lifetime. He changed the theme of traditional music into a powerful tale of life. There are about 15 poems written on Mr. Dylan. Other poems are written on recent events; the September 11th tragedy, Mothers, Love, Separation, Accidents; poems against drugs, alcohol, war etc.; poems about the Staten Island Ferry accident and everything else in our daily life. These poems are prolific. Everyone has, in some way, encountered these situations in their life.

Customer Reviews:

Great Poetic Expressions.......2006-06-10

Khalid Reza in his book entitled Bob Dylan: The Man With a Vision has successfully put his feelings into written words through poetic expressions. The author reminded me that many times what individuals can't express in spoken words is easily conveyed through poetry and music. His words appear to flow freely, unencumbered by man-made fences that restrict style and presentation. Although he admired the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats, in the late sixties, he discovered Bob Dylan who inspired him to write what he felt in his own unique style.

In the author's first selection entitled Bob Dylan, The Man With a Vision, one understands why he chose this writing for the title of his book. He describes Mr. Dylan as someone who fell to earth as a shooting star with a mission to fulfill. His mission was to create a new kind of music--a straightforward hit in the nucleus of the social disease. Though not a president, politician, scientist, or Noble Prize winner, the author sees greatness in Dylan that surpasses such titles; he believes that Dylan is a mentor, teacher, and a guide who will remain in hearts forever. It seems to this reviewer that the author needs Bob Dylan in his life as a source of inspiration. But don't we all need heroes?

The poetry goes beyond Khalid Reza's admiration for Mr. Dylan. Although the author says that he is not a poet but simply an individual who tries to put words together, he does this very well. The author admits that he doesn't follow the rules; perhaps that is why his words come through as real, not stuffy and hemmed in by tradition. He discusses wars and asks if the Lord is sleeping or simply stunned by those trying to destroy his creation by making filthy plans. The author speaks of life and the things that are neglected because of the restraints of time. He says time is cruel--that what it takes away, it never gives back. His thoughts are honest, and at times his despair all too real.

Khalid Reza talks about losing love and finding it, allowing readers to feel both pain and joy. He dedicates some poems to his wife, thanking God for the precious gift He has given him. He wishes to be born into the world again and again only to love her. This was a refreshing selection, a change of pace from the many dark, thought-provoking poems. There are other poems that tell stories, rather than express emotion--stories about life such as a wonderful adoption that changes the life of a boy with no name. One poem that touched my heart was about a wedding anniversary that occurred on September 11th. Though Rosemary prepared for an intimate celebration with flowers, cake and a gift, her husband did not come home to her that evening because he worked in the World Trade Center. One poem discusses how children betray their parents, but says that their turn is coming as these children become old with children of their own. Then who will be in the nursing homes? Who will be wishing for their parents to die so they can claim what the parents worked so hard to accumulate?

The author touches on many different subjects and writes with great intensity. From one selection to the next, readers will not know what to expect; they will not be bored. The author was born in Bangladesh in 1959 and graduated from the University of Dhaka with a Bachelor's Degree of Arts and Laws. Though he takes poetic license with the English language, his work is original--from the depth of his soul--and the reality of his words will stimulate the emotions of readers. Despite the fact that the book--especially the back cover--should have been edited in regard to proper punctuation and grammar, the book is a worthwhile read. It will make you think about all facets of life. Whether or not you are a Bob Dylan fan, you will find music in the darkness of night and the light of day in the various selections and philosophical words--music that stirs the soul and music that calms the spirit.

An independent professional book reviewer

Bob Dylan Anthology 2 (Bob Dylan Anthology)

Average customer rating:

Bob Dylan Anthology 2 (Bob Dylan Anthology)
Bob Dylan
Manufacturer: Music Sales Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Bob Dylan: Made Easy For Guitar (Bob Dylan)

ASIN: 0825615305

Product Description

Forty-two classic songs from the one-and-only Bob Dylan. Includes It Ain t Me Babe, Like A Rolling Stone, and Maggie s Farm.

Jewels and Binoculars: Fifty Poets Celebrate Bob Dylan

Average customer rating:

Jewels and Binoculars: Fifty Poets Celebrate Bob Dylan
Phil Bowen
Manufacturer: Stride Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1873012691

Average customer rating:

Bob Dylan Anthology

Manufacturer: OMNIBUS MUSIC SALES
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GSOC1Y

Average customer rating:

Bob Dylan Anthology: v. 2
Derek Barker
Manufacturer: CHROME DREAMS (TURN)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K2T356

Book Description

Investigates a broad range of contemporary fiction, film, and architecture to address the role of history in postmodern cultural productions.

Book Description

TV: Sex, Lies & Promos is a sizzling insider's how-to guide for anyone who has ever dreamed of a career in television, working with famous people and making great money.

Customer Reviews:

Makes for fascinating armchair reading.......2002-01-12

TV: Sex, Lies & Promos is a self-study guide to all the various aspects of pursuing a successful television career, from creating, pitching, and scheduling a TV show, to the ratings system and affiliate promotion. Written by knowledgeable authors Deirdre Hanssen and Jodi Gottlieb who have previously worked for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, UPN, WB, and various cable channels, TV: Sex, Lies & Promos contains hard-to-find inside information as to what a day job in TV is truly like and what it really takes. Not only is TV: Sex, Lies & Promos enthusiastically recommended for anyone with an interest in a TV or media-related career, it also makes for fascinating armchair reading if you are happy with your current day job but curious about the complex machinations that take place on the other side of the silver screen!

Waste of Paper.......2000-11-09

Sometimes writers need to learn that secrets are best kept to yourself. A waste of money.

Those who can't ...write.......2000-11-09

Though an interesting topic...there is a reason why good promotion is short and sweet - perhaps they should have remembered this while writing this trivial book.

TV: The Story of Smoke & Mirrors comes alive!.......2000-04-16

These ladies hit the industry right between the proverbial "rabbit ears". Witty, crazy, ballsy and bold! They tell it like it is and take no prisoners. It certainly motivates you to want to get into promo and be creative to break the old rules and make up some new ones... "Must See TV" move over - this is "Must Read TV"!

TV:Sex, Lies & Promos.......2000-04-16

Wow, how complete! I've been in TV for over 30 years and I have never seen as informative a piece of work about the industry. The book covers all aspects of the TV World from a extremely knowledgeable position. The authors did themselves proud and preformed a service for anyone who wants the "inside skinny" about our truly American Industry. Good read for the insider and the causual viewer alike.

Book Description

Adobe Photoshop is the world's leading image manipulation software. Used by both professional and amateur graphic designers, it is the de facto standard for print and Web publishing. Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Photoshop in 24 Hours is an easily accessible tutorial that uses a friendly, conversational approach to teach readers the basics. Photoshop is an immense tool and can be intimidating for the beginning user, but the book makes it easy to learn the basic techniques involved in creating and manipulating images with Photoshop.

Download Description

One of the most accessible - yet detailed - step-by-step tutorials on the most recent version of the world's leading image editing and manipulation tool. The book's author has a loyal following, excellent rapport with readers, and the demonstrated ability to teach to most important features of a complicated product to the beginner. Includes a 16-page full-color insert of images from the book. New edition covers all the features and capabilities of the latest version of Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Photoshop is the world's leading image manipulation software. Used by both professional and amateur graphic designers, it is the de facto standard for print and Web publishing. Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Photoshop in 24 Hours is an easily accessible tutorial that uses a friendly, conversational approach to teach readers the basics. Photoshop is an immense tool and can be intimidating for the beginning user, but the book makes it easy to learn the basic techniques involved in creating and manipulating images with Photoshop. Carla Rose has authored or co-authored more than two dozen computer books, including Maclopedia, Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 in 24 Hours and Sams Teach Yourself Digital Photography in 14 Days, as well as books on desktop publishing, telecommunications, and more. She is a contributing editor for Photoshop User magazine and has written for publications ranging from the Atlantic Fisherman to Adobe Magazine to The New Yorker.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2004-11-18

i didn't know you weren't allowed to print out the pdf document. the text is impossible to comprehend when your toggling between adobe cs and adobe pdf reader....beware!

Disappointing.......2004-03-11

I purchased this book to help transition from Photoshop elements to CS and while this book did help in that regard, overall it was disappointing. I was looking for a text with work along photos and examples which this book does provide as a download. When working through the examples though several important photos are missing and in many cases the example steps are incomplete or inaccurate. I also found several key basic techniques to be totally missing and in particular only one of the lessor used photo correction techniques is covered in a less than detailed example. As a beginning tutorial, or for someone transitioning to CS I would not reccomend this book.

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