Bob Dylan

[arkjack]

I thought I'd throw this out there today. And I'll try to set up a poll to track.I guess I am afraid to say that I am a Bob Dylan fan. Sometimes in the music scene, I almost feel like I have to be a closet Dylan fan. Is it just me? For some reason I seem to get a "vibe" from a lot of people at different levels of the music business, that its not a good thing to like Bob Dylan. I get a lot of frowns, comments about his singing, and arguments about whether he is or is not a really great songwriter. I guess the other place I "sense" some negativity is the fact that I know I am influenced by Dylan's style in a lot of my own songwriting and music. The screeners come out with comments that something sounds "Dylanesque" and slightly implies it is therefore.... not suitable for human consumption. Kind of a pooh pooh attitude.Its pretty easy to research how much of an iconic influence he has had on all genres of music for probably three generations now. Itunes has 82 albums for sale just under Bob Dylan alone, which doesn't count hist joint efforts with other artists and bands. If you look at the artists and bands that have done covers of his songs or even entire tribute albums, the list is phenomenal compared to the majority of american songwriters. All Along The Watchtowerr alone has been a hit cover for Hendrix, Dave Mason, the White Stirpes, and the Grateful Dead. The artists go from Natalie Cole, Nick Drake, Elvis, Pearl Jam, Dixie Chicks, Stevie Wonder..... He has 15 Grammy honors including Album of the Year, Golden Globe, and and Oscar. A member of the Rock, Songwriters, and Nashville Songwriters hall of fame.I guess the first song I ever learned by heart, 'Don't Think Twice', and growing up through the seventies and eighties with his songs as standards, I know the influence is very strong, just as it is throughout music around the globe.So I'm out of the closet, I'm a Bob Dylan fan. Heres to a great American writer.ArkJack

[tedsingingfox]

Can we vote more than once? Yes, there is no doubt he's an American icon, but his music (his voice) is just tooo painful for me to listen to. I've even gone to see him LIVE, twice, hoping to come away a new 'convert'.It didn't work.I'll sign this post "anonymous" to avoid the potential for flame for speaking my truth.

[tedsingingfox]

Quote:no flaming intended there tedsingingfox.....;)None taken, Chris. Not to worry.

[tedsingingfox]

don't know where you got THAT idea. No one has belittled his craft. That's WHY he's an American icon....

[Casey H]

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:My Back Pages - The ByrdsMr. Tambourine Man - The ByrdsAll Along The Watchtower - Jimi HendrixJust Like A Woman - Richie HavensIt Ain't Me Babe - The TurtlesBlowin' In The Wind - Peter, Paul & MaryThese are all GREAT songs, no doubt. Sometimes folks other than Mr. Dylan really brought them to light. Casey

[jchitty]

I'm a HUGE Dylan fan, and I'm not ashamed to say it....if people don't like it, tough. I have fond memories of 1965 and being 11 years old. My mother, sister and I went on a trip to White Sands, New Mexico. We were driving down the road following that long yellow line straight toward the horizon....nothing but beautiful white sand, blue sky and 'dust devils' were surrounding us. All of a sudden, a new song called 'Like A Rolling Stone' came on.....we were blown away by the 'organ' intro. Even my mother who wasn't into rock-in-roll said, "oh, what a nice song." Everytime I hear that song, it brings back memories of my mother, me and my sister riding in the desert. It will always be my favorite Dylan song, and I think it's one of his best. It really opened up a new phase of his career back in '65.Dylan is the best!

[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

[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.