I really enjoyed Bruce's performance at the Super Bowl. One of the better shows in recent years. He had great energy and just nailed it. I thought to myself if that is what he could do in an abbreviated performance his concerts must be unbelieveable. Now I know why a lot of my co-workers would make sure to see the Boss whenever he was performing. |
I just revisited this thread and read the responses. Many are right, Bruce has always tried to write like Dylan, and
he just isn't! Noone is. However, to say that Springsteen's
name should not be used in the same sentence (as Audiofeil
said) as Dylan's, is well...ridiculous! |
Pardon jumping across types of music and across the centuries...but, Dylan vs. Springsteen is a little like comparing Mozart to Beethoven. Both are great, but I prefer one over the other most days of the week.
As it so happens, Dylan has a new album (OK gave away my age... a new CD) coming out at the end of April. |
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Hey I'm a Springteen fan and their were no signs of Dylan at the Super Bowl. However, I can't understand why Bruce and Little Stevie/Silvio thought it would be fun to perform as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards instead of themselves. It got even more interesting when Bruce began to spin his guitar around his shoulder. I think he was sending a message to Steven Tyler! |
"how can anyone imagine that Springsteen and Dylan can be compared? Why would you want to? When I think Dylan I think folk music icon and when I think Springsteen I think radio personality. apples and oranges IMO"
I agree totally.
We do it because it's fun and interesting! |
I think 1 recording of our scared music should be used before games.....I am tired of it sounding like "Show time at the Apollo" or other often silly takes on a National Anthem......its sad. |
how can anyone imagine that Springsteen and Dylan can be compared? Why would you want to? When I think Dylan I think folk music icon and when I think Springsteen I think radio personality. apples and oranges IMO |
OK, maybe I engaged in a little hyperbole, and, yes, Bruce has carved his own route. But I think there's a lot of truth in what I said.
Nobody is Dylan, and I can't think of somebody better to aspire to be. Bruce didn't invent it, but, yes, has refined it to his own style. It seems that 98% of his fans don't see that, and think that Bruce originated it. I realize I'm shifting my argument from the artist to his fans, but so be it.
I stand by my opinion, including the facts that Bruce is extremely talented, a great songwriter, and great live. |
Whilst Springsteen has clearly been influenced by Dylan-he certainly doesn't want to be him, he has carved his own route.
Utter nonsense. |
I will try to sort this out:
Bob:
Zimmie. MN. NY Coffee Houses. Baez. The Band. Traitor.
Motorcycle Crash. Sarah. Divorce. Eyeliner. Jesus. No Jesus. Tours. Daniel Lanois. Victoria's Secret. No Super Bowl.
Bruce:
Boss. NJ. NY Clubs. Ski Cap and Wife Beater. Wordy songs.
Chevys. Darkness. More Darkness. Hit Machine. Wedding. Divorce. Remarry. Sack Band. Nu Soul. Film Scores. Rehire Band. Tours. Super Bowl.
:) |
My issue is that I think that Springsteen wants to be Dylan, and always has. He's not.
I've seen Bruce live a number of times, and once I get past the hype and ego and the "Jersey", I think he's great live. But I've also seen Dylan - Bob Dylan sang "He Was a Friend of Mine" - and Springsteen, you're no Dylan. |
I like both Springsteen and Dylan.
They are related but different.Comparisons are difficult for a variety of reasons but to suggest Springsteen isn't fit to carry Dylan's guitar is wrong, badly wrong.
Both have incredible strong suits and both have flaws.
Dylan is less controversial (mostly) because he remained apolitical Springsteen has upset a lot of Americans by being very political.
In both cases you need to look beyond the surface, the myth and the popular conceptions-if you do that you will be deeply rewarded.
However Audiophiles in the main go surface deep with music and throw about glib statements and are stained with deep prejuidices a lot of the time...in the main and that's not aimed at you Audiofeil as you appear to understand music in the main. |
"I got the fortunes of heaven in diamonds and gold
I got all the bonds baby that the bank could hold
I got houses 'cross the country honey end to end
And everybody buddy wants to be my friend
Well I got all the riches baby any man ever knew
But the only thing I ain't got honey..."
A - no respect
B - a private life
C - political credibility
It must be tough being a superstar! |
I think the reason why Bruce is so polarizing is due to his politics. No one begrudges Mick Jagger for being a "Rock Star" because he doesn't try to be anything else. He is what he is.
There is nothing worse than a conservative politician shoving family values down my throat and then getting caught playing footsies in the bathroom stall. Except, when liberals, worth hundreds of millions of dollars try to tell me to drive a hybrid as they run around in jets. I agree with Cleaneduhippy, it's hypocrisy. |
Dylan is also a superior Kvetcher.
Being a superior Kvetcher is not necessarily a good thing. |
OK, now everyone has to choose. All card-carrying audiophiles must register one way or the other and will be monitored for listening out of registration.
I do agree with Audiofeil about apples and oranges. I think of Dylan as more of a poet/musician and Springsteen as a musician/songwriter. |
"As far as Columbus he was a pirate"
Technically, that is a true statement.
"As for Bruce,could anyone possibly be more boring?"
Based on his record sales and long-time popularity, the answer is also yes.
I am ambivalent regarding Springsteen myself. I like him at times and he has some classic tunes but I am also often bored by him as well.
If I had to choose between foregoing either Dylan or Springsteen, I'm afraid it would be "Bye Bye Boss". |
Audiofeil: How is Slothman's comment about John Hammond (who also worked with or discovered Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, Robert Johnson, etc) irrelevant when what you said was "it's ridiculous to mention Bruce in *any* sentence with Bob Dylan"? (my emphasis).
This whole thread is **opinion**; who we like and dislike, etc., including John Hammond's opinion (who happened to love Springsteen's music). Would you really think it fair if someone simply called one of your opinions irrelevant? I respect your right to disagree; but irrelevant? |
John Hammond discovered Bob Dylan like Columbus discovered America.From all reports his "Production" on the first LP consisted of reading the newspaper in the booth.Robert Zimmerman discovered Bob Dylan and made him what he is.As far as Columbus he was a pirate.People were living here when he discovered America.As for Bruce,could anyone possibly be more boring? |
He was good and a good original All-American/Joisey fit for the event. |
>>LOL, and John Hammond was an idiot for discovering them both!<<
Irrelevant.
Bruce is just another rock and roll "super"star.
Dylan is the single most prolific songwriter in the history of rock. Bruce couldn't carry his guitar and/or harmonica.
It's an apples and oranges comparison.
Hope that helps you to understand better. |
@Audiofeil: It's ridiculous to mention Bruce in any sentence with Bob Dylan. LOL, and John Hammond was an idiot for discovering them both! I suppose the image of Bob Dylan singing about Pepsi alongside hip-op artist Will.I.Am appeared less ridiculous than else seen that day. |
Bg1968:
If it sounded like ****, then there is something wrong with your audio/video system - seriously. |
>>02-04-09: Philjolet
I could not tell<<
It was quite obvious they were fake performances.
Speaking of which, sing the national anthem and stop making a 5 minute production out of it.
It's painful hearing some of these wannabe entertainers scream, moan, wail, and butcher the song in what seems like an eternity. |
Why did they not book the 'new look' Jessica Simpson?
Same quality of music, but a million times better to look at.
Actually they should have just canceled the super bowl and let Bruce just do one of his concerts, they would last about the same. Early Bruce is much better than late Bruce especially 'the river', Early Bob is a 1000 times better than the late stuff, his voice is now shot, sounds more like a cat being strangled. |
Both Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill had to submit a tape of their performances (for lip synching) 1 week before the super bowl as does everyone who performs there every year. I guess it is up to us to determine if they used it as this person on TV did not say, I could not tell. |
I thought the performance was pitiful all around and sounded like ****. What was up with the the guitar swinging, throwing (the guy almost dropped it) and the stage slide. It looked to me Bruce tied a good buzz on before the show. I have to think he might be a little embarrassed after viewing the act he put on. |
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I agree.
Jennifer Hudson gave one of the finest fake singing performances in the history or pre-recorded music. |
Slothman,
It was indeed pride that I too had felt. Watching Jennifer Hudson give such an exceptional performance after such a horrible personal tragedy was more than just uplifting, it was quite moving as well.
Moving to Freehold NJ in 1967 from the Bronx introduced me to the music of Springsteen at a very early age and to see him come so far and do it with such Class and humor was nothing short of incredible. The fireworks, the laughter, the hometown hero. It was inspirational for me.
Not to mention that interception where the guy ran for 100 yards. It was a fun night of TV. |
I will apologize for the sarcasm. Everybody is different from everybody else and even the same person is different from who they used to be (at least creatively). I mostly appreciate the differences, but I also understand people being influenced by those that came before them. I won't give up my Dylan favorites, but I also like "Lucky Town"... |
Speaking of fat slices of Americana did you notice that it's "big Steve" instead of "Little Steven"? |
The Superbowl is one fat slice of Americana. This is an event where the world is watching and allows an opportunity to display our American spirit. I thought it was an exceptionally well done event. The opening was quite moving with great performances by Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson. The salute to our troops and the introduction onto the the field of US Airways Flight 1549 flight crew evoked a tremendous sense of pride in my fellow Americans.
I thought that Bruce's appearance was just the icing on the cake. Criticism aside, he's supplied the sound track to many American moments in my life. I missed the opening song due to entertaining duties, however I had just sat down with a fresh beer at the beginning of 'Born to Run' when I saw that the camera man had zoomed in on an exceptional rack bouncing in the front row - Yooooh! The room exploded! Bruuuuuce! Say what you will folks, but living in a country where my friends and I are free to enjoy a moment like this together in the comfort of my home - this was indeed a great day to be an American! |
>>02-03-09: 2muse
Almost as long as some people have been saying that Bob Dylan is not Bob Dylan.<<
Are you saying Bob Dylan isn't Bob Dylan?
Hokie smokes Bullwinkle. |
I thought Silvio was in a coma and not expected to survive. I was gratified to see him. |
Do you know how long I have been hearing that Bruce Springsteen is not Bob Dylan? Almost as long as some people have been saying that Bob Dylan is not Bob Dylan. And Cisco Houston is not Woody Guthrie (at least they were friends so people didn't paint them as rivals, which is probably what would happen today). That's OK with me. I wouldn't have it any other way! |
What a bunch of wankers!
Bruce did the first public performance with the Seeger Sessions Band at the New Orleans JazzFest the year after Katrina. It was extraordinary -- like a revival meeting for a community that really needed it. His songwriting may not be what it once was, but his power as a performer remains undeniable, and he knows how to use it for the benefit of us all.
By the way, Dylan also played that day and was quite forgettable. And I'm a huge Dylan fan.
Funny how quick many people are to declare that rockers should quit while they're on top, but do you hold jazz greats or classical performers to that same standard? Sonny Rollins is hardly at the top of his game. Should he stop performing? |
Cleaneduphippy said:
"What has Springsteen done in the last twenty years that can measure up to Dylan's last three?
Time Out of Mind
Love and Theft
Modern Times
Truth is, one is still an artist, and one has become a "politically correct" rock star, very much attuned to public opinion."
My response:
The Ghost of Tom Joad
The Rising
Working on a Dream
The *truth* is that what you've said and what I'm saying are simply personal *opinions*.
Re the Walmart thing: did you actually hear the full explanation Springsteen gave for how that happened? I ask because it doesn't sound like it. In any case, as far as I know he makes mistakes just like everyone else I've even encountered in life.
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Bongo has it right.
I like Springsteen. "Nebraska", "Tom Joad", and "The River" are all excellent but........
It's ridiculous to mention Bruce in any sentence with Bob Dylan. |
That whole crotch into the camera was a metaphor for his entire political being, he has become an in your face dick! |
I thought is was OK. It served it's purpose and didn't completely suck.
I saw Bruce when I was 17 on the darkness tour and to this day it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen.
But...
Bruce lost me with "Born in the USA." I can't stand the way it sounds and the lyricks had nothing for me. I have seen him since and frankly listening to a 55 year old sing Rosalita is a joke as well as watching him jump off pianos. It makes me cringe to see those old knees make that landing.
Bruce just enjoys being a celebrity way too much.
Here's a list of senior super stars that I think are still putting out dignified and meaningful work:
Mark Knopfler
Neil Young
Robert Plant
Eric Clapton
Emmylou Harris
BB King
James Taylor
You may not like their music but it would be hard to argue that they are making a joke of themselves. |
Tough crowd! No, it wasn't perfect (what is?), but Bruce at the SB was still the best in years. Yes, some of his latest albums have had some weak spots, just like some of
Dylan's middle years, but his early albums (like Dylan's),
were really great. He's in my Top 20, and if you have ever
seen him live, you know why they call him the "Boss". |
I thought it was a good show. He gave the people what they wanted to see. Sorry the rest of you didn't like it.
It didn't matter if he couldn't hit the high notes anymore. I can't hear them anyway! :) |
Next stop...your local county fairs. Just kidding, but not Bruce at his best. He is starting to remind me of an ex-Packer QB who should just fade away. Where is the shame of going out on top? |
Always give Bruce credit. He saved what was left of Rock when disco and the Stones could only shake a booty.
Long live THE BOSS! |
I hope his new album is mixed better than Magic; Magic is the worst sounding vinyl LP I have ever purchased! Be warned! |
Sorry. He should have retired on top. Use to be the real thing. Loved him when he was coming up. I was working in NYC + living NJ then. Saw him at local bars in Hoboken and Jersy City. Now it's all showmanship. And quite poor showmanship at that. Rock 'n Roll and B.S. had parted ways some time ago. That's my belief. You're entitled to yours.
I just couldn't watch too much of him at the S.B. He's too far gone from rock 'n roll... . |
Well at least he didn't expose a breast.........8^) |
Let's face it - regardless of who is a still relevant and who is not, playing at the SB halftime show isn't a format that will allow anybody to show their relevance. I thought the performance came off alright - it looked like everybody was having a good time, he played all the expected songs. No costume malfunctions - it's all good.
I've never been the biggest Bruce fan, but I'm definitely not a detractor. I thought his voice was weak, his energy high, the fans into it. I also thought Bruce looked stiff - like he needed to stretch out a bit. |
