Bob Dylan, have an opinion?

sdcambell summed up my feelings quite nicely

Sd. Try Joan Baez in concert volume II on Vanguard records, preferably on Black first issue LP. Listen to her version of "dont think twice its allright". More need not be said.

Thanks, everyone, for not crucifying me (with Good Friday just past). Individual tastes vary, and some of the jazz singers I like certainly don't appeal to everyone -- a good example is the late Betty Carter. Or in the folk vein, maybe Odetta would be a good example. In thinking more about Dylan, I like some of the song lyrics he wrote, and the reference to Joan Baez's version of "Don't Think Twice" is a good example -- I like her version a LOT better.

SD rather than crucify you ironically enough I really can relate to where you are coming from. Until that 1st time I saw him in that August evening of 29-30 summers ago my sentiments concerning Dylan could have been summed up similar to yours. Maybe it was the venue of that warm summer evening when he performed and all that could be heard were the sounds of the crickets and his guitar/harp and words that moved me for the very first time. “The Times They Are A-Changin” sure connected with that point in my life. I came to a different realization of the man from then on. It was a connection thing plain and simple.

SD, in terms of uniqueness of delivery, the analogy with Betty Carter (whom I love) is not too shabby. Dylan's songwriting prowess (both lyrics and music) is for the ages, I think, and maybe as good as any way to appreciate it is by listening to other artists' covers. This morning, I listened to a cover of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by a reggae artist named Arthur Lewis that is really cool.