I'm not talking about classic artists that don't move you by their musical style. I'm talking about those you just can't understand anyone liking. For example, I'm not into the Beatles but I can understand what some people might see in them.

For me, Bob Dylan is that artist. I've heard all about the complexity and nuances of his lyrics. And how he made such a big stir when he moved away from the acoustic folk scene and went electric. I've read about and listened to a lot of Dylan over the years so it's not like I don't have any knowledge of the man. But all of that said, I don't think he's compelling as musician, singer or song-writer. I swear to god, he's like one big SNL skit to me. Dylan heads go nuts when I say this but that's just the way I feel. I'm a pretty open person when it comes to music. I like to listen to stuff that I know isn't really even my style. I like to try and listen with other ears and understand what people that like that sort of style hear in each artist. I can do this with country, rock, traditional jazz and a lot of other forms of music I'm not personally connected with. But I've just never got Dylan. Anyone else have a classic artists they just don't get?
[Edited 9/29/05 11:23am]

dylan i don't get, either...

The Grateful Dead. Why they were as huge as they were, I will never understand. Can't stand them or any other jam band.

Bob Dylan's lyrics are like poetry. That poetry just doesn't speak to me.

Co-sign Grateful Dead.

Jimi Hendrix.

I know it's probably technically amazing but a lot of it sounds like somebody slowly letting air out of a balloon.

BinaryJustin said:

You're joking, right?

ELVIS PRESLEY

sinisterpentatonic, i don't think it should be surprising that certain types of performances don't make sense to certain listeners. especially artists that weren't popular in our time. that's what this thread is about!

It's hard to think of any legends I don't appreciate, but there are some musicians who get respect in some quarters that I don't really get.

Jay-Z--He just sounds bored to me, and his rhymes make me kinda bored.

Notorious BIG--Better than Jay Z, with a nice natural flow, but there didn't seem to be anything important about his rapping, unlike the other "G.O.A.T" 2Pac. Like Jay Z, I don't hear anything really innovative about his rhythm or rhymes, either.

Madonna--I don't get why anyone would rate her as a great artist. She's got good taste, has made good choices, but musician? Nope.

The Cure--Yech!!!!

Depeche Mode--Yech!!!

Morrissey--Yech!!!

Motley Crue--Their image is far more dangerous than their music.

CinisterCee said:

I can understand someone not liking Hendrix, but that description was totally wrong. Slowly letting air out of a balloon? That analogy needs to be explained to me.

CinisterCee said:

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

i'm totally aware of what the thread is about and don't have much trouble believing someone doesn't like an artist, just came as a shock hearing that from Justin, that's all.

sextonseven said:

You know that squeaking annoying noise balloons make? I think that's what he means.

Honestly, I love Dylan & Hendrix & Nirvana, but not all the sounds they made were pleasant.
[Edited 9/29/05 11:58am]

sinisterpentatonic said:

hehe sorry, I just want other orgers to feel comfortable on this thread. Takes balls to say you don't like certain artists!

joe cocker.

i mean, what the hell is that?!

CinisterCee said:

especially Hendrix!

Anxiety said:

don't like his instinctive dance style either?

Rick James! Never liked his music or anything I ever heard about him personally.

Notorious BIG - I can barely understand a word he says
Madonna - I just don't get the hype
Nirvana - same as Madonna

CinisterCee said:

there is absolutely nothing appealing about that. nothing.

and the voice is no great shakes, either.

Anxiety said:

I know.

CinisterCee said:

i love joe cocker...


my vote has to go to The RollingStones...when i hear them i just hear watered down soul music.....

Bruce Springsteen
Bob Dylan
Sex Pistols

ooh yeah Bruce Springsteen. I tried asking my family what the big deal about him was.

sinisterpentatonic said:

I can't be the only one - surely?

Everybody I tell this to, looks at me like I'm mental.

Stevie bloody wonder.

Jesus, people think he walked on water on here.



madonna ain't all that.

Cant stand the beastie boys. They bring out the worst parts of rock and rap. Its in your face torture.

thesexofit said:

But do you really have a hard time understanding what people see in his music? I love Stevie and R&B but even if I didn't, I'd still understand what people see in him much the same way I do the Beatles. Both have written so many classic songs it's easy to "get" them.

Radiohead.

intha916 said:

Oh, yeah, i do totally respect him (i respect anyone really, but stevie is up there with dylan, the beatles etc...) but i just dont like most of his music, barring the odd song or 2.

thesexofit said:

Then you misunderstood this post

I'm talking classic artist you see absolutely nothing in. This isn't about who's overrated.
[Edited 9/29/05 14:37pm]

intha916 said:

oh right. Sorry, i just read the title.

Whats the fuss about stevie? I do find it odd, everyone on here likes him, but then, there u go.

CinisterCee said:

I guess it depends which Springsteen you're talking about.

His early records featured sprawling songs with romanticized visions of street life and hints of folk/rock, r'n'b and even a little jazz, here and there. I'm not crazy about these. This period culminated in Born to Run.

Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River, Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A. all took a more stripped-down approach to telling tales mostly of the working class. Darkness did so with hard-edged guitar rock. The River was more eclectic, stylistically. Nebraska consisted of demos recorded at home on a 4-track cassette recorder, featuring voice, guitar, harmonica and little else. Born in the U.S.A....well you know about that one. As these records went along, the melodrama diminished and the lyrics became more straight-forward.

Tunnel of Love, Human Touch and Lucky Town are records with very adult lyrical concerns. Tunnel was written during his first marriage and takes a very sophisticated look at relationships; the music is very AOR. Human Touch and Lucky Town (released simultaneously)are records that delve into the grey areas of life, with Lucky Town mostly celebrating the pleasures of coming to terms with who you are and finding someone to share that with. These are my favourite Springsteen records.

The Ghost of Tom Joad is a mostly acoustic record that tells tales of the poor (especially Mexican immigrants). Not crazy about it.

Most of the songs on The Rising were inspired by 9/11 and it's a moving record.

Devils & Dust is another acoustic record of story songs focusing on the downtrodden.

Springsteen is an excellent lyricist (especially post-Born in the U.S.A.) and an amazing live performer. His concerts are really something to witness (I would suggest checking-out the Live in Barcelona DVD).
[Edited 9/29/05 15:11pm]