The Female Bob Dylan

We caught up with Rolling Stone Senior Research Editor Jonathan Bernstein about his recent interview with Lucinda Williams on her (and Dylan's) take on "the female Bob Dylan" label. Then we ponder the concept and construction of "the singer-songwriter" and go off the rails a little as we grapple with the role and efficacy of protest songs in our current political hellscape. In the mix: Tiktok-ification, mass movements (and the loss thereof), hopelessness and hope, the violence of the state, and the songs of the people. Special thanks to Ian Lynch and Lankum for the use of "Rocks of Palestine." We highly recommend Ian's excellent podcast Fire Draw Near: https://campsite.bio/firedrawnearSpecial thanks also to our guest Jonathan Bernstein. Read his article, “Lucinda Williams on Trump Bashing, New Album: ‘Should I Be Afraid?’” in Rolling Stone and check out his new book What Do You Do When You're Lonesome: The Authorized Biography of Justin Townes Earle: https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jonathan-bernstein/what-do-you-do-when-youre-lonesome/9780306833274/