Grateful Dead Music Forum

Ebick, Strange old guy who played scary songs! I loved that.

I've seen Dylan numerous times and would say he is like watching Robert Hunter or Neil Young play. Can't play guitar or sing for shit but they pen some great tunes and by gosh they are legends so you try to forgive their short comings and enjoy the show. Although I admit there was a time or two that I got up and left a Dylan show in the 80's. Actually in the 80's Dylan sounded like he was doing an over the top bad impersonation of Dylan. We would all be doing a Bob Dylan impersonation for weeks after the show for yucks.

Jimkkc wrote:Nope - keep in mind that Garcia made a stab at the lyrics very early on - as far as "rock" lyrics go, Hunter is right up there with the best . . .

That's not really a fair comparison, is it? I mean other than Cream Puff War what lyrics are credited to Garcia?

ronster wrote:I've seen Dylan numerous times and would say he is like watching Robert Hunter or Neil Young play. Can't play guitar or sing for shit but they pen some great tunes and by gosh they are legends so you try to forgive their short comings and enjoy the show. Although I admit there was a time or two that I got up and left a Dylan show in the 80's. Actually in the 80's Dylan sounded like he was doing an over the top bad impersonation of Dylan. We would all be doing a Bob Dylan impersonation for weeks after the show for yucks.

A little harsh on Neil there, I think he's a sublime guitarist, it's his own style it has to be said. It may not sound as if he knows what he's doing but you can't copy that and he gets the feeling across so well. Take the song On The Beach - listen to how he creeps in with a perfect solo with is almost Jerry-like in tone and timing. And if you've ever seen him live acoustic playing songs like Good To See You, then you know he can really pick too. Leaves Dylan in the water guitar wise.

I've seen Dylan many times, and also confirm the hit or miss syndrome. However, I find some of his electric playing during about 2000-2001 (w/Larry Campbell and Charlie Sexton) to be rather interesting. He has unusual phrasing, just like his singing.

Obviously, I'm in the minority here, and I wouldn't stretch this to mean I would say he's a great lead player. Rather, I find some of the live work during a few tours to be interesting and enjoyable.

ebick wrote:

Jimkkc wrote:Nope - keep in mind that Garcia made a stab at the lyrics very early on - as far as "rock" lyrics go, Hunter is right up there with the best . . .

That's not really a fair comparison, is it? I mean other than Cream Puff War what lyrics are credited to Garcia?

i think the golden road (to unlimited devotion) is

ebick wrote:

Jimkkc wrote:Nope - keep in mind that Garcia made a stab at the lyrics very early on - as far as "rock" lyrics go, Hunter is right up there with the best . . .

That's not really a fair comparison, is it? I mean other than Cream Puff War what lyrics are credited to Garcia?

i think the golden road (to unlimited devotion) is

I think The Golden Road is credited to the whole band.

ronster wrote:I've seen Dylan numerous times and would say he is like watching Robert Hunter or Neil Young play.

Yeah, a bit harsh on Neil. Neil can sing and play. Dylan is a much better songwriter than most anyone (except maybe Hunter), and he has a certain style to him, but Neil is a much better singer and musician than Dylan.

I have seen at least 20 Dylan shows and I admit that I walked out of a few Dylan/Petty shows but I keep coming back for more..

He won't come here unless he is in Ozzfest.