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Nirvana or Bob Dylan?

M

mcblahflooper94

Aug 31, 2011
762
8
#1
Nirvana puts a lot of soul & feeling in their music, and for the most part their lyrics aren't really relevant, they kinda just write stuff that sounds good and rhymes (when I was an alien...) that OCCASIONALLY requires deep thought, usually for just one line of their song.

Bob Dylan... is kind of the opposite. He writes things that generally mean a lot and are very relevant to the song, but I haven't been able to hear feeling as much as Pennyroyal Tea by Nirvana. I'm probably going to get flamed for saying that, but this is my opinion. Feel free to give some evidence to prove me wrong. Also, his songs aren't really catchy.

Please, this is not a "who's better" thread, just give your opinion. This is MY opinion, please go ahead and prove my wrong, I'd love to expand my taste. Thank you.
 
#6
In 40 years, Bob Dylan songs will still be relevant, discussed, and interpreted and recorded by artists of all genres. I think it's a safe prediction that the most common comment on Nirvana in 40 years will be: "Who?".

While I'm not a huge fan of the man's performance capability, voice, or instrumental ability, Dylan has written songs that are nothing short of masterpieces.
 
#9
Smokin' Toaster said:
In 40 years, Bob Dylan songs will still be relevant, discussed, and interpreted and recorded by artists of all genres. I think it's a safe prediction that the most common comment on Nirvana in 40 years will be: "Who?".
Click to expand...

I couldn't disagree more. Nirvana will always be looked at as one of the bands that "saved" rock from the excesses of hair metal, and Cobain's early demise will ensure the legend lives on.
 
#10
Smokin' Toaster said:
In 40 years, Bob Dylan songs will still be relevant, discussed, and interpreted and recorded by artists of all genres. I think it's a safe prediction that the most common comment on Nirvana in 40 years will be: "Who?".
Click to expand...

Gross understatement. Here's why.

steamthief said:
I couldn't disagree more. Nirvana will always be looked at as one of the bands that "saved" rock from the excesses of hair metal, and Cobain's early demise will ensure the legend lives on.
Click to expand...

The good music always survives the test of time. Nirvana will be one of those bands that people my age will still crank the radio for in 20 years. By that time Dylan tunes will be re-packed for elevator muzak. In another 20 years, Smells Like Teen Spirit will suffer the same fate.

I guess I didn't really say anything...
 
#13
So utterly different that I'm not sure how to compare them.

I never got the Dylan thing for the longest time (couldn't get past his voice) but then I took part in a tribute gig a few years ago and was really floored by the craftsmanship of the songwriting.

I was in high school when Nevermind came out, but honestly Nirvana had not much of a lasting impact on me.
 
#14
armywalaby said:
The good music always survives the test of time. Nirvana will be one of those bands that people my age will still crank the radio for in 20 years.
Click to expand...

It's not just people your (my) age. The first time I played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" for my 7-year-old daughter, she stopped dead in her tracks and subsequently started dancing around our family room. She was immeidately captivated, and has requested I play that record (yes, folks, spinning vinyl!) many times since. It doesn't matter the age. Good music will grab you by the throat and say, "Listen here, beyotch!"

That said, everyone reacts differently to music, and just because I like it doesn't mean anyone else has to. Thankfully, there's lots of music out there to listen to.
 
#17
Ridiculous question. But to play the game, Dylan every time. Hands down. Game over.

Kurt Cobain is/was not fit to lace the boots of, for my money, the greatest songwriter/lyricist/wordsmith ever. Only Neil Fallon (Clutch) comes close IMO.
 
#18
Smokin' Toaster said:
In 40 years, Bob Dylan songs will still be relevant, discussed, and interpreted and recorded by artists of all genres. I think it's a safe prediction that the most common comment on Nirvana in 40 years will be: "Who?".

While I'm not a huge fan of the man's performance capability, voice, or instrumental ability, Dylan has written songs that are nothing short of masterpieces.
Click to expand...

And there you have it.

For me, Dylan was an acquired taste, because the man writes sophisticated stuff that requires a mature perspective to be appreciated.

Nirvana just babbled. Great energy to the music, but when you ask yourself, "What the hell am I singing?" you kinda come up empty.

And I find Dylan quite good as a tunesmith as well. It's folk music, and it has its root in Americana, so comparing that to minimalist grunge is an exercise in futility.
 

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