newmen

dylans songs changed a generation, they were at the figure head of new movement during the early to mid sixties, hell he even played after martin luther kings speech. at that monolith thing near whitehouse with all those people gathered there.
His songs are timeless and whilst he produced alot of crap songs he also produced some of the best songs ever written. The number of times blowin in the wind was covered is insane. I think its unfair to compare neil young to the most influencial musical artist of the last century. He is undoubtedly mroe refrenced as being an inspriation to musicsians and celebrities in general over the beatles and even elvis.

BastardofYoung

Well, I think saying Bob is THE most influential artist of the last century is pretty debatable. He is one of them, but I would not go as far as to say he is THE most influential.

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last.fm

‎"I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people." - Jack Handey.

someonecompletelyrandom

It's not infeasible to me, Like a Rolling Stone was pretty revolutionary. I'm a little unsure of it, but I could definitely see it.

newmen

i think the difference between bob dylan and 99% of other artists is that he came at exactly the right time, people dont understand the times that he appeared on the scene of music. He was only 20, he couldnt really sing and he was singing folk music. Something that was never played on the main radio stations and never signed to major labels. Dylan was the first folk singer to sign onto a large label like Columbia records. He was also the first popular artist that would admit he couldnt sing, giving hope to those who couldnt also sing but could play instruments or had something to say.

His music at first was political, yet he was not a political person. During the early 60s few artists spoke out against the goverment and nobody had whilst signed to a major label until dylan came along. During those times racisim was a big problem in america and Dylan was one of the figure heads against it, many couldnt understand why a young white boy was singing for equal rights.

I think the main difference here is the world of music would be a very different place today without dylan. However if you take away neil young (a very talented artist) i doubt it would be all that different Regardless of what your individual tastes are theres no denying dylan is up there with both elvis and john lennon.
Its just a shame that alot of people who dont know about what dylan did during the 60s and 70s will only find out once he dies and hes all over the news once again
a sample of people i know were influenced by dylan during their careers..
Jimi hendrix, wyclef jean, syd barret, john lennon, paul mcartney, johnny cash, paul simon

someonecompletelyrandom

Nice, informative post there. It'll be a very sad day when he dies.

William Zanzinger

Neil is great, but he just is not in the same league as Dylan.
To put his career into perspective, you have to realise that in 1965 or thereabouts, at the (then) peak of his career as a folk singer, he turned his back on his core audience.
Dylan didn`t "sell out"-work such as "Like a rolling stone" or "It`s alright Ma" were totally uncommercial.
It was like nothing else which had gone before-to this day, I consider lyrics like-

"Disillusioned words like bullets bark
As human gods aim for their mark
Make everything from toy guns that spark
To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It’s easy to see without looking too far
That not much is really sacred"
- to be both relevant and ground breaking.
(From the same song-"He not busy being born is busy dying"!)

It`s not a fair comparison-Neil is a brilliant singer/songwriter.
Dylan is a genius.

Howard the Duck

it would if it made any sense

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Malaise is THE dominant human predilection.

William Zanzinger

Well, usually interpreted as an attack on commericalism, the insincerity of politicians and the corruption of religion, it`s generally acknowledged as reasonably sensible.
Can you name anything comparable?
Maybe you prefer Gary Glitter?

Howard the Duck

just like anything in the Bible, anybody can ascribe any kind of meaning to it

like when I was so into The Wall, I came up with a million explanations of the lyrics

at the end, i came to the conclusion it's just about Roger masturbating, and The Wall is the bathroom wall blocking him from his mother's view

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Malaise is THE dominant human predilection.

William Zanzinger

Yup.Just like the Bible.