Ermanno Labianca
Like a Rolling Stone - 40 anni di cantautori americani da Bob Dylan alle nuove generazioni

In this review, I will write about a book that Giunti published way back in 2004, the title of the volume is "Like a Rolling Stone. - 40 anni di cantautori americani - da Bob Dylan alle nuove generazioni". The author is one of the most well-known and competent Italian journalists in the field; among the connoisseurs of American music, he is undoubtedly one of the top experts in the subject. In his long career, he has written for esteemed magazines. His name is Ermanno Labianca. Among the most significant collaborations, it is necessary to mention at least those with: "Mucchio Selvaggio", "Rolling Stone" and "Rockstar". This journalist, over the past two decades, has published essential books for any good music enthusiast. The most important was certainly one of those he wrote about Bruce Springsteen, titled: "American Skin. Vita e musica di Bruce Springsteen"; which so far is probably the best Italian book dedicated to the musician from Freehold. This one is no lesser, for the moment this is the only editorial work (published in Italy) dedicated to North American singer-songwriters (United States and Canada), therefore it is indispensable for any good enthusiast of North American music and culture. Reading the volume is precise, exciting, easy to consult, and it tells in detail 40 years of American singer-songwriter history. The author's passion is evident right from the first pages. In fact, the book is so precise and engaging that it makes you want to (re)listen to all those records mentioned.

The volume is structured like a real encyclopedia, divided into eight chapters, with in-depth studies and analytical indexes included. The sections dedicated to the most important artists are obviously the richest. In the sections, the most significant or important songs and albums (obviously some are the author's personal judgments) are highlighted, and for each of them, the most valid collections are mentioned, so anyone interested can get an initial and clear idea of the artist. For many of these, DVDs or VHS tapes to watch are also mentioned. Everything is enclosed in an excellent graphic design rich in beautiful, valuable photos.

Reading the sections attentively, it is evident that the author strongly loves America and the singer-songwriter scene, particularly some artists, today considered true living legends, among these we mention: Bob Dylan (considered the leader of modern singer-songwriters. See title), Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell, and John "Cougar" Mellencamp. Besides them, there are also the most important and young singer-songwriters of the nineties and the new millennium, such as: Beck, Ben Harper, Norah Jones, Ryan Adams, and Ani DiFranco.

P.S.: The preface was written by Willie Nile!