Well, I think this makes me the 1,275,827,937th person to take on this comparison. I've heard numerous arguments before and against each musician. I even read an article yesterday claiming Eminem was the next Dylan (HA!). I think it's time to settle this debate once and for all.
To say that Bob Dylan is pretty popular is one of the greatest understatements ever made. The man is a legend. He's been making music for five decades and has shown no signs of decline in inspiration. I only wish I had been around during his rise to fame. To witness the man protesting wars and fighting for civil rights. Unfortunately, I wasn't.
However, I've been able to watch the maturity of another young musician from Omaha, Nebraska. The lead singer of Bright Eyes and now touring with The Mystic Valley Band, Conor Oberst has been recording since he was thirteen years old. Starting off with lo-fi recordings of songs obviously written by a thirteen-year old. But ever since his album, Lifted, people have started paying attention to this musical prodigy. His voice and music have both matured over the years and now he finds himself playing indie/folk songs about everything from politics to spiritualism. Politics only recently entered Oberst's cache of song ideas. His song "When the President Talks to God" was aired on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and immediately grabbed the attention of skeptics.
In my opinion, both men are legends. Each in his own time. I can never know what life was like in the sixties when Bob Dylan was king. I can only try to appreciate what music he has given me in my own time. I have to say that I can relate more to Oberst's material and that gives him the edge, for me. People will continue to debate this, but one thing is clear. Each person will have their own opinion, but there will never be a definite answer. People who grew up with Dylan immediately discredit Oberst and call it blasphemy to even consider, without ever listening to what he has to offer. While younger generations claim Dylan is outdated and irrelevant.
Both men are full of talent and amazing songwriters. To argue over who is better is pointless. Why not just enjoy the plethora of albums that these two men have given us? Seriously, I would take either one of these guys over the next Nickleback album that hits #1. Rather than argue who's better, let's just be thankful both are continuing their prolific music careers.
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