But this posting from The Dylan Daily posed the question and started the discussion. So, FWIW, here is what one die-hard Dylan fan said after seeing Neil in London last week:
“Neil Young upstaging Bob? You better believe it!
“Having seen Bob over 100 times (an amateur compared to some, I know), I was struck last week by Neil doing a full one hour acoustic set, the like of which we haven’t seen from Bob since the 1960s, and a storming electric set … active, prowling the stage, playing his own lead …
“I was left with the feeling that going to see Neil was an altogether more satisfying experience than Bob in recent years, stuck behind the piano, or even doing his few guitar songs. “Sad to say, my conclusion is that Bob will never undergo the kind of renaissance that Neil obviously has!”
More on the musical influence of Bob Dylan and Neil Young on one another.
Yep, fully agree with this.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big Dylan fan through, mainly, my dad who has been a huge fan for decades, and know other massive Dylan fans who saw Neil in Machester and concede that Neil blows him away show-for-show. Don't get me wrong, as Thrashers' says, this isn't a competition, just likenesses get drawn through greatness i guess. Seen Dylan 3 times in last year or two, and although it's always fantastic, a lot of that is just the fact you've seen this guy live! a lot of the time it's quite difficult to really get into the music because of the slant Bob feels he needs to put on this. He has an amazing ability to speed up, slow down and strip his songs - but to a certain extent he mangles his songs. Hey, he can do what the hell he wants and it's still a great gig. But a comparison? well, NY walks on stage, you can hear a pin drop and then he delivers FHTH with sublime perfection, then an hour later he's looking as though he's gonna kill someone, guitar as weapon of choice, in spirit road.
Just following their own path I suppose
CC
Forgive me if I offend any Dylan fans - In fact, I 'm a big Dylan fan. But, in my opinion there is no comparison between Neil and Dylan in terms of whose shows are better presently. Do I consider Dylan to be the greatest singer-songwriter ever? 100%. But today, and this tour proves it, Neil is in his own league and nobody is close. Right now I'm listening to "Helpless" from Manchester on Rust Radio ... unreal ... Neil's ability to break out classic after classic from his deep cannon of songs and then play them as good or BETTER than he's ever played them is simply breathtaking. His ability to maintain the integrity of the original version of a song and simultaneously breath new life into it is unparalled. His acoustic sets are like watching an artist or craftsman plying his trade at the highest level, getting better, more experienced, more skilled with time. His electric sets are pure energy, greatness, excellence, joy .... he plays the new songs as good as the old ones and with Neil's passion for new, the new ones in certain ways surpass the old one's .... the band is tight and Neil enthusiasm is timeless... In summary Neil's dogged persistance, unwavering drive to move forward, to innovate, to keep moving, places him today in rare if not solo company among the classic performers.
ReplyDeleteDan
Neil-Rolls Royce
ReplyDeleteDylan-Bently
Both mint, just a little different ride
Having seen both on their last go-rounds, it is VERY difficult to say one or the other is better. Both take you to the limit. Take your pick - some like blondes some brunetts - a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman. As far as influence, song writing, etc. that also is a dead heat/photo finsh.
I'm just glad they are still on the road, still writing new music. With each, no 'reunion' shows are necessary
Neil might be a better performer these days, i think I agree, but Neil still have to write one single song half as good as any bob dylan song
ReplyDeleteNow that you found yourself losing your mind
ReplyDeleteAre you here again?
Finding that what you once thought was real
Is gone, and changing?
Now that you made yourself love me
Do you think I can change it in a day?
How can I place you above me?
Am I lying to you when I say
That I believe in you
I believe in you.
Coming to you at night I see my questions
I feel my doubts
Wishing that maybe in a year or two
We could laugh and let it all out
Now that you made yourself love me
Do you think I can change it in a day?
How can I place you above me?
Am I lying to you when I say
That I believe in you
I believe in you.
"one single song"???? Introspection brother
"Neil might be a better performer these days, i think I agree, but Neil still have to write one single song half as good as any bob dylan song"
ReplyDeleteEven though that statement was probably a joke I'll say that Neil probably has a song or two better than Wiggle Wiggle.