Bob Dylan

[lucas]

Hey Casey!! I agree with you on all, but have you heard Dylan's version of the Just Like a Woman on the Concert for Bangladesh album? George Harrison and Eric Clapton on guitars and harmonies.. I loved that. But you are right in saying that other artists help his songs come alive.Cher, as well as the Turtles did immortal versions of It ain't me, babeThe Hollies also did a very nice tribute album with Dylan songs, notably I shall be released which incidentally also got a definitive version from Cher.Garth Brook's version of To make you feel my loveI also agree that Bob probably wouldn't win a singing contest, but what he lacked in vocals, he more than made up for by writing songs like:- Forever youngBlowing in the windDon't think twiceLove minus zeroIs your love in vainIf not for youTo make you feel my loveBut then there's only one version of Positively 4th street and that remains Dylan's forever!!!Greetings allLucas ( On his way to pack gear for a Serious GIG this weekend)PS. Now where did I put the Mic Cables...?! ____________________________________Posted by Casey H on Yesterday at 10:17pm There are some songs for which I love Bob Dylan's version. Many songs really came to life when recorded by other artists. Some of my favs by other artists are:..... Cut for brevity

[horacejesse]

Huh? Dylan is the best songwriter of all time. He is to songwriting what Sugar Ray Robinson is to boxing or Isaac Newton is to science. He changed the rules in a big way. His singing is misunderstood and under-rated. He is a master of inflection, and knows how to make his words say more than another singer can.No one can compare. Even with his harmonic limitations, he still comes in first. That's how great a lyricist he was.

[Mark Kaufman]

I sounded miffed yesterday because I'm used to Dylanslamming, but I usually don't hear it from musicians...it would be a shame to learn that many in the industry are now rolling their eyes at him. Anyway, I'm one of those people who generally prefer the Bob versions. I always feel that Dylan when he's at his best sounds like he's channeling information from some higher place.

[arkjack]

I'm sorry I got you upset lyle. But I would say yes, I have heard a good bit of Dylanslamming from musicians and God forbid.... songwriters over the years. I think that may be due to the fact that in addition to being a great songwriter, he also is the epitome of "controversial". I would go so far to say that if he defines it, if not having invented it. I am one of those that thinks Dylan's singing is great, like lucas. I guess what got me going on it was that after two and half years in Taxi and on the boards, and all the 'rules' we have to follow about structure and rhyme, and conversational lyrics that make sense. (Iknow - its an unfinished sentence). I wonder, (and this is just for yuks), if the screeners have had the comments back at them after giving the usual critique comments .... "wait... what about Bob Dylan?" to the point that they're sick of it. Song number 1 in my set, the standby opener is 'Don't Think Twice'. I could play a gig with 50 minutes of every current song from Country Today on after the other, and look out at the audience yaking and not giving a hoot about what I'm singing or who wrote it. Then, I break into "Tangled Up in Blue', all 8 verses, and practically get a spellbound standing O everytime. And if I jump in with any group of players, "Watchtower' is almost a default. Used to have to pay $50 if someone didn't know it. All three of those songs have the structure V V V and V V V V V V with a one line hook.So my five fav Dylan tunes that are in my repetoire book...All Along the WatchtowerDon't Think Twice (Its Alright)Tangled Up in BlueSimple Twist of Fateand Like a Rolling Stone (the only one with a V C VC V C V C structure)ArkJack

[Mark Kaufman]

LOL, I'm sure the screeners still get plenty of wannabe Dylan lyrics. Say, what did you mean by "curfewed gull" anyway...?I got that same spellbound effect when I used to play "Isis"...and another less likely audience slayer? "Clothesline Saga". Nailed them every time.

[edteja]

Quote:Hey Casey!! IBut you are right in saying that other artists help his songs come alive.The Hollies also did a very nice tribute album with Dylan songs, notably I shall be released which incidentally also got a definitive version from Cher.I liked Rod Stewarts version of that. It was the flip side of Maggie Mae (the 45--remember those?).

[billg]

Ok, this is waaaay out there & I'm sure everyone will think (know) that I'm crazy but . . .I've always loved the way Dylan threw his rhymes in odd places & on odd beats. Sometimes firing off a bunch of words that rhyme in places where you wouldn't expect it & then dropping an "off the cuff" line in that doesn't rhyme , right where you would expect the opposite. I was surfing through the radio stations one day & hit a rap station & listened for a while & thought "hey, this phrasing is like what Dylan used to do". Just imagine a rap beat & another voice coming in to hit the words in caps; Once upon a TIME you dressed so FINE threw the bums a DIME in your PRIME . . . didn't you? Or, maybe I just drink too much.

[edteja]

I must drink the same amount of the same stuff, cause I agree completely Billg.

[sgs4u]

Ok, I'm ready to cop to it. Growing up, I thought Dylan sucked. Didn't get what the fuss was about, he was just a terrible singer to me. Are there Dylan police coming for me? Upon re-creating myself as a songwriter (it's taking a long time), I have grown to love him. But there is a little part of me, that is still fascinated by his press personality. He always reminded me of a Hollywood star that feigned reluctance at fame. Like the Brittany's of the world, who say in public how awful the paparazzi are, then do special exclusive interviews with competing rags. His quirky personality has become a very important part of his image. Sometimes he shows up to studios, when entire bands are ready to do his bidding, and then he starts writing. Completely blowing the image of a crafty writer, who polishes his lyrics, endlessly. It's almost like he became this icon by accident. The times were right. At this point in his carreer, anything he does will be waved around like it's God, making music. And depending on your definition of God, he actually is... Is Dylan bigger than Jesus, for songwriters? I'd love to hear him make some new recordings w Daniel Lanois, or Rick Rubin. Something REALLY moody, and nasty. Please don't think I'm saying anything negative about My Zimmerman. He is to me, the classic rocker icon, who made ALL of his own rules. That's what I love about him most, is his willingness to do whatever the hell he wants! I'm not at all advocating than any of us should or should not, adopt his methods. Do what makes you fell good. Bob is simply special.

[elser]

Not only do I love Bob Dylan, I also love Neil Young...I must have no appreciation for talent. Nyuck nyuck.