Best Tom Sumner Podcasts (2025)

We dive deep into Jeff Buckley's only studio album, "Grace," exploring its creation, impact, and the extraordinary talent behind this haunting masterpiece. And of course using our trademark competitive knock-out style format. • Examining Jeff Buckley's complex backstory, with almost no relationship to his famous father Tim Buckley • Discussing the …

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Blur (Blur) 1:19:00

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9M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

What happens when a beloved Britpop band dares to defy expectations and embrace a new musical frontier? Join us as we explore the iconic yet daringly different Blur album from 1997, where Britpop meets American indie rock in a glorious sonic experiment. We uncover fascinating backstories, from Blur's playful spoofing of grunge in "Song 2" to the in…

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Remain In Light (Talking Heads) 1:07:48

10M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

What if an album recorded over four decades ago holds the secrets to navigating today's musical landscape? Join us as we untangle the fascinating complexities of Talking Heads' "Remain in Light." From the Bahamas to New York City, we track the album's creation under the guidance of producer Brian Eno. The energetic dynamics of the album reveals the…

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Announcement: 2024 Holiday Update from Rusty Towers 3:26

11M ago3:26

3:26

Holiday announcement from CEO Alexander J Newall wrapping up an exciting 2024 ahead of an exciting 2025! We hope you have an excellent New Year! Transcript Links: Merch masterlist: www.rustyquill.com/support Jon and Martin perfume: https://sucreabeille.com/collections/all/products/jon-and-martin Ex Altiora perfume: https://sucreabeille.com/products…

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Christmas Song Showdown : Pop vs. Rock 1:22:42

11M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

We are back due to popular demand with our 2nd Christmas Song showdown. Coldplay versus The Ramones, Ariana Grande vs Bob Dylan (there's a festive fight we all want to see) —who reigns supreme in the holiday music arena, perhaps Queen? Our lively banter delves into what makes a Christmas song truly memorable, contrasting everything from Leona Lewis…

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Screamadelica (Primal Scream) 1:12:46

12M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Episode 53: Screamadelica (Primal Scream). McCartney In Goal is the podcast that debates the great albums of pop music, using a competitive knock-out format. Today we’re discussing, Screamadelica which was the third studio album by Scottish rock/indie band Primal Scream. It was first released on 23 September 1991 in the United Kingdom. The album in…

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Toxicity (System Of A Down) 1:40:50

1y ago1:40:50

1:40:50

Episode 52: Toxicity (System Of A Down). McCartney In Goal is the podcast that debates the great albums of pop music, using a competitive knock-out format. Today we’re discussing, Toxicity which is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down, released on September 4, 2001, by American Recordings and Columbia Records. I…

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The Velvet Underground & Nico (self titled) 1:37:10

1y ago1:37:10

1:37:10

Episode 51: The Velvet Underground & Nico (self-titled). McCartney In Goal is the podcast that debates the great albums of pop music, using a competitive knock-out format. Today we’re discussing, The Velvet Underground & Nico, which was the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band the Velvet Underground and the German singer Nico. R…

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Nevermind (Nirvana) 2:01:36

1y ago2:01:36

2:01:36

Episode 50: Nevermind (Nirvana). McCartney In Goal is the podcast that debates the great albums of pop music, using a competitive knock-out format. Today we’re discussing, Nevermind which was the second studio album by Nirvana. It was released on September 24, 1991. Unlock the story behind Nirvana's first release on a major label and the first to f…

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Backstage #20 - Final Thoughts 48:14

1+ y ago48:14

48:14

This week we wrap up with some last thoughts from David and Amani! Content Notes: Spoilers for Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes, Amani Zardoe, and Lowri Ann Davies Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davies Sound De…

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Backstage! #19 - The Proscriptions 31:04

1+ y ago31:04

31:04

This week we have a final chat with Dr. Emma Southon about what actually happened with the infamous Proscriptions. Content Notes: Spoilers for Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes, Amani Zardoe, Dr. Emma Southon…

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Backstage! #18 - Making Murder Funny 32:34

1+ y ago32:34

32:34

Things are heating up in Rome as murder, mayham, and malcontent run rampant. This week we look at how to find the humor in the macabre. Content Notes: Spoiler for Episodes 16 and 18 SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes, Grace Knight, Rob Vale…

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Backstage! #17 - Meet the Multi-Rolers 27:54

1+ y ago27:54

27:54

This week, we analyze the many talents of our voiceactors playing multiple parts in one production. Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Ryan Hopevere Anderson, Karim Kronfli, Tom Crowley, and Lowri Ann Davies Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davi…

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Backstage! #16 - Writing the Triumvirs 35:54

2y ago35:54

35:54

This week, we chat with writer Grace Knight and creator David K Barnes about writing the Triumvirs and their particular fictional flavours Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes and Grace Knight Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davies…

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Backstage! #15 - Meet the Actors, Part 3 18:44

2y ago18:44

18:44

This week, we continue getting to know the cast. This time we discuss listeing to your own work, the differences from the start to the end of the series, and the difficult parts of recording Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lara Sawalha, …

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Backstage! #14 - Sex and Orgies 29:25

2y ago29:25

29:25

In this spicy behind the scenes, we talk with Amani and David about the historical and political context of orgies in Ancient Rome and the practical difficulties of desgining "the orgy episode" Content Notes: Discussions of sex and sexuality SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & A…

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Backstage! #13 - Writing Historical Fiction 26:24

2y ago26:24

26:24

This week we chat with Sarah Shachat and David K Barnes to talk about writing historical fiction Content Notes: Discussions of: Historical medical procedures, homophobia, misogyny, classism Mentions of: Covid-19 pandemic, quarantine, spiders, transphobia, sexual abuse, enslavement SFX: Crowds, beeps Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Da…

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Backstage! #12 - Directing 27:52

2y ago27:52

27:52

This week Lowri and Amani discuss directing such a large and in depth series Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies and Amani Zardoe Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davies Sound Designer - Lowri Ann Davies and Catherine Rinella Mas…

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Backstage! #11 - Writing Pirates 35:13

2y ago35:13

35:13

This week, we sit in with David K. Barnes, Octavia Bray, and Tom Crowley to discuss the making of the Pirate Arc! Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, David K Barnes, Tom Crowley and Octavia Bray Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann …

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1989 (Taylor's version) (Taylor Swift) 57:36

2y ago57:36

57:36

Episode 49: 1989 (Taylor's version) (Taylor Swift). McCartney In Goal is the podcast that debates the great albums of pop music, using a competitive knock-out format. Today we’re discussing, 1989 (Taylor's version) which was a re-recording of the fifth studio album by Taylor Swift. It was released on 27 October 2023. Unlock the story behind Taylor …

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Backstage! #10 - Meet the Actors, Part 2 20:02

2y ago20:02

20:02

This week, we hear a selection of cast members talk about the dream roles, the challenges of working in the audio medium, and what they love about their characters Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lara Sawalha, Sarah Lambie, Andy Secombe,…

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Backstage! #9 - Editing Perspective 27:56

2y ago27:56

27:56

Join the Lowri Katie and Cathy team for a peak into the specific challenges of editing together a large cast and sound design project like Cry Havoc! Content Notes ● SFX: Crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, Katie Seaton and Catherine Rinella D…

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Announcement: 2023 Holiday News from Rusty Towers 7:34

2y ago7:34

7:34

This announcement from CEO Alexander J Newall includes RQ Network shows to check out, a review of RQ Originals, including the brand new Neon Inkwell and the now fully released Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later, as well as a summary of the exciting new merchandise partnerships from this year (in case you need some last minute gifts!) There is also a Sp…

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Backstage! #8 - Creating a Cast 23:39

2y ago23:39

23:39

We took a long time making sure we had just the right talent to bring Rome to life, April and Amani talk about the process! Content Notes ● SFX: Crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, Amani Zardoe, and April Sumner Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Dav…

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Backstage! #7 - The Music of Rome 28:44

2y ago28:44

28:44

Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later is our first scored project, sit with us in a chat with the composer Sam Jones and director Amani Zardoe to hear how it happens! Content Notes ● SFX: Crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, Amani Zardoe, and Sam Jone…

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Backstage! #6 - Roman Theatre 34:52

2y ago34:52

34:52

Today we dicuss the real drama of Roman history: the theatre Content Notes: Discussions of: Historical Sexism Mentions of: slavery SFX: Crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, David K Barnes, Rafaella Marcus, Dr Emma Southon Dialogue Editor – Lowr…

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Backstage! #5 - Cults and Religion 31:42

2y ago31:42

31:42

Today we dicuss cults and the history of religions in Ancient Rome, in particular Mithras! Content Notes: Cults & Rituals Alcohol & Alcohol Use Knives Discussions of: Human Sacrifice, fraternities SFX: Crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, David…

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Backstage! #4 - Gladitorial Games 36:31

2y ago36:31

36:31

Today we continue chatting with Dr. Emma Southon about the history of Rome, in this case the famous entertainment of Gladitorial competition Content Notes: Murder Violence & Injury Enslavement Dehumanising Animal Cruelty Disscusions of: Weaponry, inc. knives, swords, javelins, enslavement, prisoners of war, death, blood, suicide Mentions of: Execut…

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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (The Beatles) 1:53:13

2y ago1:53:13

1:53:13

Episode 48: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (The Beatles). McCartney In Goal is the podcast that debates and dissects the great albums of rock music, using a competitive knock-out format. Today we’re discussing, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band which was the eighth studio album by The Beatles. It was released on 26 May 1967. The McCartne…

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Backstage! #3 - Write Your Story! Ask a Historian Later 28:18

2y ago28:18

28:18

Today we meet Dr. Emma Southon, a brilliant historical consultant, and every historical audio drama needs a brilliant historical consultant. Even if those audio dramas then go on to take occasional liberties with the facts provided.... Content Notes: Discussions of: Alcohol Mentions of: Murder, political corruption, food SFX: Crowds Directed by Ama…

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MiG SHORTS: Is Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band a 'concept album'? 3:51

2y ago3:51

3:51

Have you ever debated whether The Beatles' legendary album 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' could be considered a 'concept album'? The McCartney In Goal team debate this often asked question. Plus, Brett shares a fascinating familial connection to a World War II veteran that may well have inspired the album's title (spoiler alert: it didn't).…

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Backstage! #2 - Meet the Actors: Part 1 19:15

2y ago19:15

19:15

This week, we hear a selection of cast members talk about the dream roles, the challenges of working in the audio medium, and what they love about their characters Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lara Sawalha, Sarah Lambie, Andy Secombe,…

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Backstage at Cry Havoc! 29:14

2y ago29:14

29:14

Welcome to the first instalment of Backstage at Cry Havoc! In this weekly companion series we'll be going backstage with the cast and creatives of Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later to find out more about the creation of the show. This week, host Lowri Ann Davies talks to director Amani Zardoe and writer David K. Barnes about the origins of the show, t…

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Cry Havoc! #20 - Underworld 54:20

2y ago54:20

54:20

All roads lead to Rome and the stage is set for a mighty comeback. Everyone has their part to play – whether they’re aware of it or not… Content Notes: Violence Mass murder Sexual Reference/Innuendo Classism Explicit Language Discussions of: Financial Insecurity, murder Mentions of: Drowning, strangulation SFX: Mobs, loud vocalisations, loud noises…

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Blood Sugar Sex Magic (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) 1:35:48

2y ago1:35:48

1:35:48

In 1991, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers retreated to a mansion with Rick Rubin at the controls and forever changed the direction of their funky spaceship. Suddenly, actual singing, meaningful lyrics and (whisper it) ballads were on the table. Some fans felt cheated: what were their funky heroes playing at? But it mattered little, because the rest of th…

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Cry Havoc! #19 - Roman Comedy 25:13

2y ago25:13

25:13

Everything’s gone wrong and it’s going to get even wronger. Can Mark and Gaius save the Roman Republic and – far more importantly – keep their jobs? Content Notes: Decapitation Sexual Reference/Innuendo Classism Explicit Language Discussions of: Financial Insecurity, murder Mentions of: Drowning, strangulation SFX: Mobs, loud vocalisations, loud no…

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Cry Havoc! #18 - Hit List 25:09

2y ago25:09

25:09

The Palatine Players stage a prison break and it all depends on Antyllus. Elsewhere in the capital, three men take a joke way too far… Content Notes: Alcohol & Alcohol Use Prisons Decapitation Discussions of: Financial Insecurity, murder Mentions of: Classism, slavery SFX: Mobs, loud vocalisations, loud noises, retching Transcripts: https://bit.ly/…

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Cry Havoc! #17 - To Summon a Queen 24:27

2y ago24:27

24:27

As a gleeful Gaius puts Cleopatra on trial, Mark doesn’t know who to side with… Content Notes: Alcohol & Alchohol Use Arguments Prison Restraints Discussions of: Blackmail, murder Mentions of: torture, classism, slavery SFX: metallic clanking & scraping Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3MNrckc Created by David K. Barnes Directed by Amani Zardoe Executiv…

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Cry Havoc! #16 - Daggers 27:16

2y ago27:16

27:16

Murder is planned. Hearts will break. Lepidus may nap. But how many assassins does it take to kill a Roman Triumvir? Content Notes: Sexual References & Innuendo Knives Discussions of: Blackmail, murder Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3MNrckc Created by David K. Barnes Directed by Amani Zardoe Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Writte…

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Cry Havoc! #15 - Let Slip 24:01

2y ago24:01

24:01

Gaius goes to an orgy and nobody is happy about it. Content Notes: Sexual References & Innuendo Alcohol & Alchol Use Vicarious Embarrasment Arguments SFX: Crowds, moaning, additional tasteful orgy sounds Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3MNrckc Created by David K. Barnes Directed by Amani Zardoe Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Writ…

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Cry Havoc! #14 - Rome, Open City 22:54

2y ago22:54

22:54

Rome offers much for young lovers, but it’s not all fun and games. Also: Mark and Gaius might have the plague. Whoops. Content Notes: Infection & disease Pandemic Quarantine Isolation Arguments Poverty Alcohol & Alcohol use Discussions of: Classism, prejudice, financial & housing insecurity child neglect & death Mentions of: Food, slavery, burns SF…

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Cry Havoc! #13 - The Prodvcers 22:05

2y ago22:05

22:05

When Gaius takes over her latest production, Octavia resorts to drastic measures to get him out of her theatre for good. Content Notes: Alcohol & Alcohol Use Family Conflict SFX: Loud vocalisations, metallic clanking & scraping, crowds Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3MNrckc Created by David K. Barnes Directed by Amani Zardoe Executive Producers Alexan…

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All Things Must Pass (George Harrison) 2:14:06

2y ago2:14:06

2:14:06

It's a monster! Post Beatle George unleashes his triple (?) album on the world and people go wild. Get ready for a Wall of Sound, some classic tunes, some jamming, a load of friends and more God than you were probably hoping for... It's All Things Must Pass! Support the show Twitter - https://twitter.com/mccartneyin Website - https://mccartneyingoa…

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Cry Havoc! #12 - Hostage to Fortune 27:09

2y ago27:09

27:09

It’s Romans vs Pirates in the ultimate stand-off. There’s danger and drama aplenty – so why can’t Octavia keep her eyes off Charmian? Content Notes: Kidnapping Food Alcohol & Alcohol Use Sexual References & Innuendo SFX: Loud vocalisations, metallic clanking & scraping, waves & wind, creaking Created by David K. Barnes Directed by Amani Zardoe Exec…

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Cry Havoc! #11 - Workshop 23:20

2y ago23:20

23:20

Unable to devise a rescue plan, Mark and Gaius are at their wits’ end. It may be Cleopatra’s time to shine – for a price. Content Notes: Kidnapping Food Arguments Alcohol & Alcohol Use Sexual References & Innuendo SFX: Waves & Wind, creaking, eating & drinking, misophonia, loud vocalisations Transcripts: https://bit.ly/3MNrckc Created by David K. B…

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Hiatus Announcement 0:49

2+ y ago0:49

0:49

"Good people of Rome, and fans of Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later, this is Harry Roebuck, voice of Gaius, letting you know that our team will be taking a planned hiatus for the next two weeks. This short pause in the release schedule is to ensure our production team can remain on track without having to go through crunch as they put the finishing to…

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Cry Havoc! #10 - The Pirate King 22:31

2+ y ago22:31

22:31

The pirates have struck! Rome is in uproar! Octavia is writing it all down! But has she really got the measure of the infamous Sextus Pompey? Content Notes: Kidnapping Threats of death Alcohol & Alcohol Use Food Sexual References & Innuendo Arguments SFX: waves & wind, creaking, loud vocalisations, glass and croockery smashing, eating & drinking, m…

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Blood On The Tracks (Bob Dylan) 1:35:28

2+ y ago1:35:28

1:35:28

Over ten years into his career, Dylan delivers an album which is more than simply the cliched 'return to form'. Many still consider it to be his finest recorded work. Almost a concept album in execution, the album covers love affairs in all their ups, downs, triumphs and tragedies. Coming with the usual Dylan complications (why bother letting any o…