Bob Dylan Vs. James Brown

[Theophilus Punoval]

I'll get strung up by the heels for uttering such blasphemy, but James Brown is hands-down better than Bob Dylan, and pulling away at the finish line. Very few people have attempted to cover JB tunes; only Otis Redding and Van Morrison ever did it well. (Listen to The Who try "Please Please Please" for a textbook example of weak)

Not only did his songs have more feeling - try "Lost Someone" or "Oh Baby Don't You Weep" - but the GFOS was instrumental (no pun intended) in moving popular music forward on more than one occasion.

He stood pop on its ear by risking every dime he had (something no one would suggest Dylan would do) in order to release "Live At The Apollo" when Syd Nathan refused.

"Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" galvanized R&B and spurred on soul artists to take more risks.

"Live At The Apollo 1968", "Revolution Of The Mind" and "Love! Power! Peace!" are singularly fantastic live albums, hands down among the ten best ever by anyone. Most artists are lucky to release just one great live set; counting "Live 62" JB did four. Before you take issue with my premise, say "Dylan And The Dead" three times.

And then there's funk. George Clinton et al are great, but JB didn't just open the door, he tore it to shreds.

I'd go on, but it would only be piling it on.

I can't wait to read the responses.

 

[Jack Lord]

Personally, I think it an inane comparison. They are (were in JB's case) incredible at what they do. But they were in two different universes. Sure, JB sang and certainly danced better than Bob Dylan- most people do. But Dylan is the poet artist.

 

[Tarl Of Gor]

You're comparing apples to oranges IMO.

Soul and folk are two completely different genres.

And James Brown never bit the head off of a dove.

 

[Wornears]

Didn't you see John Stewart's Springsteen intro at the Kennedy Center Awards?

“Bob Dylan and James Brown had a baby, and that baby was Bruce. However, the era was not quite ready for a same-sex, inter-racial couple, and they abandoned the child somewhere between Exit 8A and 9 on the New Jersey Turnpike. It was at this point that he was raised by feral vaudevillians and vagabond troubadours."

 

[Theophilus Punoval]

Inane Is Right

Inane is what Dylan's lyrics are.

I can't think of more insipid lyrics than on "Lay Lady Lay". 1960s interviews with Dylan have him admitting he was only concerned with selling product (his word, not mine). That's OK, but it doesn't do much for the "genius" label.

An insincere pose makes for insincere music. And insincere music is NOT the work of a giant.

 

[KeninDC]

Both in classes by themselves, transcending mere R&B and Rock & Roll mortals.

The only greater artist in all of recorded time and beyond is Jimmy Page who was touched by the Gods of Valhalla.

And, "inane" lyrics. "Pass the Peas" anyone?

Your rockabilly thread is fine. Stop trolling.

Ken

 

[opt80]

Too much attitude in this thread.