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This is actually an ongoing debate at another message board I occaisonally waste time on. I'm just starting to get into both artists now, so I don't really have an opinion as of right now, but I'd like to see what you guys think and see what type of discussion this provokes.

This one is easy for me. I've admired Bob Dylan from a distance for decades, but I never feel like listening to his music. I think I like absolutely everything about him except his music.

I especially like his approach to shows and recordings -- he does whatever he feels like, and if he likes it as it is, nobody can move him off it. If he doesn't like it, he might take another lap and do it again. In any case, he keeps it interesting for himself and he does it sincerely.

On the other hand, I can listen to Zuma four times running and still not get enough.

Neil in a trot.

These guys get compared to one another like this a lot despite the fact that they are so different musically. I love Highway 61, Bringin' it all back home, Blood on the Tracks (especially side 1) and even a few tracks off Desire. Blonde on Blonde I also remember being cool but haven't heard it in a couple of years. People tend to focus on Dylan's lyrics more than his music, but these records are really great musically, too.

Dylan is great, but I gravitate more toward Neil because of Zuma, especially 'Cortez the Killer'. For beautiful, loud guitar rock that record is about the best there is. Television's 'Marquee Moon' is the only record I can think of off the top of my head that goes to that same place. Both of those records have a kind of transcendant quality, for lack of a better word.

Most of Neil's 70's stuff is great and his newer records are pretty good, too. I vote for Neil but also like Dylan a lot.

I have been listening to Dylan's 'John Wesly Harding' and 'Blonde on Blonde' lately. Both are really great records. Also, the documentary 'Don't Look Back" is riveting...

But I too have to give it to Neil. I am always in the mood for Neil Young. Crazy Horse or Stray Gators, whatever! 'After the Goldrush' may be my favorite. He has had some weaker moments in his career (the Shocking Pinks?) but his great moments out shine them all.

I've admired Bob Dylan from a distance for decades, but I never feel like listening to his music.

This is exactly right, but it doesn't make any sense.

If I listen to Dylan I have to turn it off.

If I listen to Neil Young I have to turn it up.

Bob Dylan has his qualities.

but this one is Neil Young, all the way.

Let's put it this way:

If Bob Dylan was playing a concert in Boston, so what.

When Neil Young played, I took the Greyhound from up here in Maine, spent a small chunk of change, and saw one of the best shows I've ever attented.

Musically, I will choose Mr. Young every time, hands down.

bob dylan has probably written more great songs, but neil has made more great records. it's probably about ten to six. and bob has several years on him.

plus neil is one of the top couple electric guitar players

so neil young!!!!!!

both are the best in the world when they're on, both are frighteningly awful when they're off. plus i just counted and i have the same amount of albums from each. so, i'm wasting a post and saying i'm split right down the middle.

steve wrote:On the other hand, I can listen to Zuma four times running and still not get enough.

Yes indeed, funny hat man. I am especially fond of Danger Bird and Stupid Girl. I also think it's amazing that such a great sounding record was made in a small room in a rented beach house.

I went through a big Dylan phase several years ago. I've never had a Neil Young phase because I've never stopped listening to his records for more than a week. Neil wins.

Lately I've really been enjoying Sleeps with Angels and the self titled Crazy Horse album. Check that shit out, peeps.

Chas.

there couldn't possibly be an easier question for me. bob dylan all the way.