[Jyqm]

Originally Posted by face of glass

Without Dylan there is no Young, without Dylan there is no Springsteen. Dylan is the master, the other two are just apprentices, even though highly skilled ones at that.

You're absolutely right, and this is probably why I will eventually end up voting for Dylan in this. Although I think it's a bit reductionist to call Young and Springsteen merely "apprentices," especially as both have released a lot of work that amounts to much more than mere Dylan influence, it's completely true that neither would be what the other had Dylan not come before tham and paved the way.

Dylan's voice has gone through more changes than Stevie Nicks', listening to his back catalogue gives the impression of listening to different lives passing through your eardrums. Even though there are several great Dylan covers out there, only Dylan can do his originals to full impact. His voice has been and still is one of the most moving instruments there is. Even though he has had a patchy career, I daresay that Time Out Of Mind and Love And Theft are no hair worse than the often-praised late-period Springsteen/Young output (and hell, those other two have their share of clunkers too, would you like to listen to Young's '80s albums and claim that those are the best things he's ever done? Or praise things like Tunnel Of Love or Human Touch?).

Well, I agree with you that in general only Dylan does his own songs true justice, and I agree that especially "Love & Theft" is right up there with much of Bob's earlier output, and I'm with you on most of Neil's 80's output, and yes, Human Touch is a pretty subpar album. But ****, Tunnel Of Love should indeed be praised. It's a beautifully subtle "concept" album and should really be required listening for anybody who thinks they don't like Springsteen, dislikes his more socially self-aware output, or simply doesn't care for the bombast of the E Street Band. Songs like "Valentine's Day," "One Step Up," and the title track stand among Bruce's best compositions, and there aren't many better adult relationship albums out there.

Dylan at his peak, from 1963-1976 was absolutely untouchable in his various genres. There is nothing that approaches the mystique of Blonde On Blonde or John Wesley Harding in the catalogues of Springsteen and Young.

Not even Nebraska or On The Beach?