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can Bob Dylan sing? A few years ago I was a hardcore Bob Dylan fan, At the time I'd have answered this by sayin' that Dylan is possibly the only 1 who can sing.
This obsession has now been thoroughly shaken off. Still I meet people who don't rate him at all as a singer. Often non english speakers, who may also be talented musicians can't appreciate him. This always suprises me, it seems they have a completely different perception of what singing is about. But then, who am I 2 judge, I remember once arguing that lou reed was/is a good singer, I'm sure about Lous' abilities anymore. God bless 'im. Thoughts? | |
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I personally don't care for his singing voice, but I like what is voice is saying, and enjoy his songs. Wanna hear me sing?  www.ChampagneHoneybee.com | |
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I think he's an incredible vocalist.
Mississippi is one of my favorites. It's a late-era song, so his voice is worn and not much more than a sandy growl, but damn does he know how to use it. The tone and inflection he can get out of it is amazing... it adds so much to the meaning of his songs. He doesn't have a classic singers voice, no doubt, but his voice is perfect for what he does, who he is, and the songs he writes. | |
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NorthernLad said: I think he's an incredible vocalist.
Mississippi is one of my favorites. It's a late-era song, so his voice is worn and not much more than a sandy growl, but damn does he know how to use it. The tone and inflection he can get out of it is amazing... it adds so much to the meaning of his songs. He doesn't have a classic singers voice, no doubt, but his voice is perfect for what he does, who he is, and the songs he writes. For me this is what singing is about. It's his buisness 2 take the listener someplace else. He's made me both laugh and cry, Few musicians have done that. And you're right NorthernLad his vocal performances can b very complex. | |
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personally i love his singning, its a bit off but thats wat i love.
but for anyone who thinks he cant sing u should play them "lay lady lay" dude does the thing on there! Yesterday is dead...tomorrow hasnt arrived yet....i have just ONE day...
...And i'm gonna be groovy in it! | |
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No no no no and no! 2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740 | |
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UCantHavaDaMango said: I personally don't care for his singing voice, but I like what is voice is saying, and enjoy his songs.
Your avatar is almost as cute as mine! SupaFunkyOrgan grinderSexy¤ said, "no" and what do you mean with "NO"? You're crazy. | |
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thedribbler said: UCantHavaDaMango said: I personally don't care for his singing voice, but I like what is voice is saying, and enjoy his songs.
Your avatar is almost as cute as mine! [Edited 3/2/07 17:43pm] Wanna hear me sing? www.ChampagneHoneybee.com | |
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He's my favourite rock vocalist by far. Of course he doesn't have an attractive voice in the stereotypical sense, but he's a rocker, not a crooner, and there's a world of difference between having a great voice and having a great ROCK voice.
Dylan's vocals are one of my favourite things in the world, period. At his peak (Another Side through Blonde on Blonde), he possessed an almost inhuman sense of timing - just listen to the way he makes the phrase "Tax deductable charity organization" sound like the most natural and flowing line ever uttered in Ballad of a Thin Man. Or listen to the way he gets the punch-lines across in Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat - comedians hone their craft for years in order to sound so effortless and natural. He still sounds great as far as I'm concerned - he's completely blown his voice out, but that's just given it even more resonance and depth. As Mr. northerlad has mentioned, Mississippi is a perfect example of this. It's a raw and ugly instrument to be sure, but sometimes pop music is most effective when it's at its at its rawest and ugliest. [Edited 3/2/07 21:26pm] | |
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damosuzuki said: He's my favourite rock vocalist by far. Of course he doesn't have an attractive voice in the stereotypical sense, but he's a rocker, not a crooner, and there's a world of difference between having a great voice and having a great ROCK voice.
Dylan's vocals are one of my favourite things in the world, period. At his peak (Another Side through Blonde on Blonde), he possessed an almost inhuman sense of timing - just listen to the way he makes the phrase "Tax deductable charity organization" sound like the most natural and flowing line ever uttered in Ballad of a Thin Man. Or listen to the way he gets the punch-lines accross in Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat - comedians hone their craft for years in order to sound so effortless and natural. He still sounds great as far as I'm concerned - he's completely blown his voice out, but that's just given it even more resonance and depth. As Mr. northerlad has mentioned, Mississippi is a perfect example of this. It's a raw and ugly instrument to be sure, but sometimes pop music is most effective when it's at it's at its rawest and ugliest. [Edited 3/2/07 17:53pm] This is why I love you so much. You are fascinating  2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740 | |
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SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said: damosuzuki said: He's my favourite rock vocalist by far. Of course he doesn't have an attractive voice in the stereotypical sense, but he's a rocker, not a crooner, and there's a world of difference between having a great voice and having a great ROCK voice.
Dylan's vocals are one of my favourite things in the world, period. At his peak (Another Side through Blonde on Blonde), he possessed an almost inhuman sense of timing - just listen to the way he makes the phrase "Tax deductable charity organization" sound like the most natural and flowing line ever uttered in Ballad of a Thin Man. Or listen to the way he gets the punch-lines accross in Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat - comedians hone their craft for years in order to sound so effortless and natural. He still sounds great as far as I'm concerned - he's completely blown his voice out, but that's just given it even more resonance and depth. As Mr. northerlad has mentioned, Mississippi is a perfect example of this. It's a raw and ugly instrument to be sure, but sometimes pop music is most effective when it's at it's at its rawest and ugliest. [Edited 3/2/07 17:53pm] This is why I love you so much. You are fascinating Thank you. What a wonderful (and completely unexpected) compliment! | |
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damosuzuki said: SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said: This is why I love you so much. You are fascinating Thank you. What a wonderful (and completely unexpected) compliment! Well I really wanted to save this for when I reveal the thread but you made my "friends" list. There are over 100 orgers on it though so it's taking me some time to comment on what I love about them all  But i have noticed you for forever and I always am truly fascinated and interested in what you have to say. In whatever forum, it doesn't matter.2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740 | |
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Check out this version of Girl From The North Country...it's a beautiful song but his voice is perfect for what he's singing.
http://www.youtube.com/wa...fJO6_lk-lM What I think people don't realise is how diverse his vocal style has been as well. His early Woody Guthrie folk voice, his cool as fuck mid 60s Like A Rolling Stone - Blonde on Blonde voice, his late 60s countrified croon, etc. He's sublime. | |
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SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said: damosuzuki said: Thank you. What a wonderful (and completely unexpected) compliment! Well I really wanted to save this for when I reveal the thread but you made my "friends" list. There are over 100 orgers on it though so it's taking me some time to comment on what I love about them all But i have noticed you for forever and I always am truly fascinated and interested in what you have to say. In whatever forum, it doesn't matter.I'll agree here, Damosuzuki you're comments are always worth the read, I don't think I've ever skipped your comments when I'm tryin' 2 make sense of an old thread. I wish I could make so much sense. Good 2 have u around. | |
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thedribbler said: SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said: Well I really wanted to save this for when I reveal the thread but you made my "friends" list. There are over 100 orgers on it though so it's taking me some time to comment on what I love about them all But i have noticed you for forever and I always am truly fascinated and interested in what you have to say. In whatever forum, it doesn't matter.I'll agree here, Damosuzuki you're comments are always worth the read, I don't think I've ever skipped your comments when I'm tryin' 2 make sense of an old thread. I wish I could make so much sense. Good 2 have u around. I understand bob dylan is revered. I usually cannot stomach him because he sounds like he's wretching. But I know he is a poet and a lyricist to be contended with and being a writer I totally respect the hell out of him for that reason alone and see, damo's post makes me actually want to listen to him, which is amazing since I never want to otherwise 2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740 | |
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damosuzuki said: He's my favourite rock vocalist by far. Of course he doesn't have an attractive voice in the stereotypical sense, but he's a rocker, not a crooner, and there's a world of difference between having a great voice and having a great ROCK voice.
Dylan's vocals are one of my favourite things in the world, period. At his peak (Another Side through Blonde on Blonde), he possessed an almost inhuman sense of timing - just listen to the way he makes the phrase "Tax deductable charity organization" sound like the most natural and flowing line ever uttered in Ballad of a Thin Man. Or listen to the way he gets the punch-lines accross in Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat - comedians hone their craft for years in order to sound so effortless and natural. Excellent. Subterranean Homesick Blues is another example of his ability to spit lines that shouldn't normally work rhythmically. And his voice on Positively 4th Street is just dripping with the right amount of cynicism and disgust... When you know as well as me You'd rather see me paralyzed Why don't you just come out once And scream it No, I do not feel that good When I see the heartbreaks you embrace If I was a master thief Perhaps I'd rob them And now I know you're dissatisfied With your position and your place Don't you understand It's not my problem I wish that for just one time You could stand inside my shoes And just for that one moment I could be you Yes, I wish that for just one time You could stand inside my shoes You'd know what a drag it is To see you There are a few "non-technical" singers who are tailor made for the types of songs they're singing... Bob Dylan Tom Waits Donald Fagen ...just to name a few. The main thing about this type of vocalist is that they're singing about something which makes all the difference in the world. And nobody can tell me Louis Armstrong singing Wonderful World doesn't break you down. 
tA  Tribal Disorder
http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431 "Ya see, we're not interested in what you know...but what you are willing to learn. C'mon y'all." | |
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That last post was excellent!
Thanks theAudience! u make your point short and sharp, like a bullet. | |
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thedribbler said: NorthernLad said: I think he's an incredible vocalist.
Mississippi is one of my favorites. It's a late-era song, so his voice is worn and not much more than a sandy growl, but damn does he know how to use it. The tone and inflection he can get out of it is amazing... it adds so much to the meaning of his songs. He doesn't have a classic singers voice, no doubt, but his voice is perfect for what he does, who he is, and the songs he writes. For me this is what singing is about. It's his buisness 2 take the listener someplace else. He's made me both laugh and cry, Few musicians have done that. And you're right NorthernLad his vocal performances can b very complex. Well said, that's exactly what singing is all about | |
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damosuzuki said: He's my favourite rock vocalist by far. Of course he doesn't have an attractive voice in the stereotypical sense, but he's a rocker, not a crooner, and there's a world of difference between having a great voice and having a great ROCK voice.
Dylan's vocals are one of my favourite things in the world, period. At his peak (Another Side through Blonde on Blonde), he possessed an almost inhuman sense of timing - just listen to the way he makes the phrase "Tax deductable charity organization" sound like the most natural and flowing line ever uttered in Ballad of a Thin Man. Or listen to the way he gets the punch-lines accross in Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat - comedians hone their craft for years in order to sound so effortless and natural. He still sounds great as far as I'm concerned - he's completely blown his voice out, but that's just given it even more resonance and depth. As Mr. northerlad has mentioned, Mississippi is a perfect example of this. It's a raw and ugly instrument to be sure, but sometimes pop music is most effective when it's at it's at its rawest and ugliest. [Edited 3/2/07 17:53pm]  | |
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damosuzuki said: He's my favourite rock vocalist by far. Of course he doesn't have an attractive voice in the stereotypical sense, but he's a rocker, not a crooner, and there's a world of difference between having a great voice and having a great ROCK voice.
Oh, I don't know about that. His voice is sweet as Tupelo honey on Nashville Skyline. He'd quit smoking and was emulating Roy Orbison then. Dylan's vocals are one of my favourite things in the world, period. At his peak (Another Side through Blonde on Blonde), he possessed an almost inhuman sense of timing - just listen to the way he makes the phrase "Tax deductable charity organization" sound like the most natural and flowing line ever uttered in Ballad of a Thin Man. Or listen to the way he gets the punch-lines across in Leopard-skin Pill-box Hat - comedians hone their craft for years in order to sound so effortless and natural. He still sounds great as far as I'm concerned - he's completely blown his voice out, but that's just given it even more resonance and depth. As Mr. northerlad has mentioned, Mississippi is a perfect example of this. It's a raw and ugly instrument to be sure, but sometimes pop music is most effective when it's at its at its rawest and ugliest. [Edited 3/2/07 21:26pm] Yes, I agree with you there as far as his studio stuff is concerned. He sounds fuck-awful live these days though. And I mean really really bad. [Edited 3/2/07 23:53pm] There are three sides to every story. My side, your side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each one differently | |
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thedribbler said: That last post was excellent!
Thanks theAudience! u make your point short and sharp, like a bullet. Why thank you. I try. 
tA Tribal Disorder
http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431 "Ya see, we're not interested in what you know...but what you are willing to learn. C'mon y'all." | |
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I always wanted Bob Dylan to do a album of Cher Songs. The Most Important Thing In Life Is Sincerity....Once You Can Fake That, You Can Fake Anything. |
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Shapeshifter said: Oh, I don't know about that. His voice is sweet as Tupelo honey on Nashville Skyline. He'd quit smoking and was emulating Roy Orbison then. That is very true - I was referring only to the classic Dylan voice that most people know, not the four or five other voices he's taken on over the years - though most of those voices are "ugly" as well. Yes, I agree with you there as far as his studio stuff is concerned. He sounds fuck-awful live these days though. And I mean really really bad.
I haven't heard any recent boots or seen any live shows, but I'm sure you're absolutely right there. He does sound ragged these days, and while that is being used to great effect in the studio, he's probably not going to be up to nightly/semi-nightly performing. | |
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Can Prince sing? | |
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damosuzuki said: Shapeshifter said: Oh, I don't know about that. His voice is sweet as Tupelo honey on Nashville Skyline. He'd quit smoking and was emulating Roy Orbison then. That is very true - I was referring only to the classic Dylan voice that most people know, not the four or five other voices he's taken on over the years - though most of those voices are "ugly" as well. Yes, I agree with you there as far as his studio stuff is concerned. He sounds fuck-awful live these days though. And I mean really really bad.
I haven't heard any recent boots or seen any live shows, but I'm sure you're absolutely right there. He does sound ragged these days, and while that is being used to great effect in the studio, he's probably not going to be up to nightly/semi-nightly performing. I avoid recent bootlegs. When I saw him in London in 2003 he had this vocal style that can best be described as "gargling". Then I saw him again a couple of years later and the gargling had been replaced by growling. He is oretty crap live these days, frankly. There are three sides to every story. My side, your side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each one differently | |
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mynameisnotsusan said: Check out this version of Girl From The North Country...it's a beautiful song but his voice is perfect for what he's singing.
http://www.youtube.com/wa...fJO6_lk-lM What I think people don't realise is how diverse his vocal style has been as well. His early Woody Guthrie folk voice, his cool as fuck mid 60s Like A Rolling Stone - Blonde on Blonde voice, his late 60s countrified croon, etc. He's sublime. 
I really adore this song. |
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CarrieMpls said: mynameisnotsusan said: Check out this version of Girl From The North Country...it's a beautiful song but his voice is perfect for what he's singing.
http://www.youtube.com/wa...fJO6_lk-lM What I think people don't realise is how diverse his vocal style has been as well. His early Woody Guthrie folk voice, his cool as fuck mid 60s Like A Rolling Stone - Blonde on Blonde voice, his late 60s countrified croon, etc. He's sublime.
I really adore this song. Me too - it's one of my favourite pre-electric Dylan tracks. Hard Rain is the only one that I might rate more highly. | |
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I prefer his later singing on albums like 'Time Out of Mind' - the voice of experience. I'd def. compare him to Johnny Cash in later years. On that record, Dylan has a voice of wounded dignity infused with subtle irony.
How's that for good rock crit. speak? | |
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