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*ft%ftt%Music ComerBob DylanBy Don SchwartzAn idol to the young, indigestion to the old, Bob Dylan is one of the most controversial folk performers to appear in recent years. Certainly, his work is not appealing to every taste. Stating that his voice is “anything but pretty” is a euphemism, that his guitar playing is far from scintillating, a gross overstatement.Spokesman For GenerationWhat, then, is the spell-binding attraction that Dylan holds over so many members of the folk crowd? The answer lies in the songs he sings. For Bob Dylan is a very gifted, if erratic, songwriter. Many of us are, of course, aware of the fact that he composed “Slowin' in the Wind” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” two songs popularized by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Yet, Dylan has written myriad other songs, many of which are, in my opinion, just as impressive as the above mentioned ones. His “Girl From the North Country” exhibits uncommon sensitivity and melody, while his “Talkin’ New York” is just plain hilarious. Through the media of music, Dylan has become a spokesman for a new generation. This, perhaps, is the greatest reason for his wide-spread appeal. His lyrics, straight-forward or sarcastically bitter, express the discontent and idealism felt by so many of today’s young people. He is a “singing rebel” who strongly sees a need for a change in our world.Dylan and SuccessThere is only one question in my mind. Has success spoiled Bob Dylan? The answer is, I think, “not yet, but it’s beginning to do so.” In my opinion, his latest album “Another Side of Bob Dylan” (Columbia) is his poorest showing. I found many of the selections—all of which he composed:—to be very trite and somewhat forced. They lack power, and the sparkle that was once there is waning. Whether this affliction is temporary or permanent remains to be seen with the release of his next album.Talented ArtistIn spite of the above criticism, there can be no doubt that Bob Dylan is an. amazingly talented folk artist. He will probably remain in a prominent position in American folk music for many years to come.Winne1Thlt; A met■1 Euro] Polartal uthe t somei seeing sprav board and, ston ing tc Wins' ettereallystude more and AmerWhtourisBrestUnioiAmerThepearimmevironimostwhelrproduencetravelby thvertisbeforvast
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Schenectady Concordiensis
Schenectady, New York, US
Fri, Oct 02, 1964
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