Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Bob Dylan: How Does It Feel To Win A Pulitzer?

So perhaps you've seen the news: Bob Dylan received a special nod from the Pulitzer Prize committee. It's the first time the award has been given to a rock musician. As I read online yesterday, this is interesting given the anti-establishment bend of the genre. It's supposed to be revolting against these high class honors and what they mean. But truthfully, there is no one in the industry more deserving of the literary merit. No one else who's body of work can be considered with the great writers. Dylan is a great writer. Despite what you may think of his voice (the Mrs can't stomach it). Despite what you may think of his music. Dylan is and was lyrically the best. On par with the prosody of the best.

Now there are other musicians who's body of work could be considered deserving of the award. Neil Young comes to mind. But most notably is Bruce Springsteen. The Nebraska album alone is a lyrical collection of short stories. Tom Joad is another astonishing musical panoply of short fiction. If Dylan, I say, then Springsteen.

Anyone else I'm missing?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe that you would talk about Bob Dylan, Who cares! What you should have been talking about is the Red Sox home opener win. I just can’t believe it. I’m disappointed.

Anonymous said...

I prefer 50cents or Snoop dog to be next in line for a Pulitzer Price. They are poets both in line with today's young people and the society at large.

AaronG said...

Agreed on the Sox. Only I'm sparing my Red Sox comments for the other blog, except, when upon occasion I should feel otherwise. And it wasn't a memorable opening day for me -- that had a lot to do with it. I've yet to watch a complete game this season -- very distressing.

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain. I also have not watched a full game. But still disappointed. Good thing I'm young and I will get over it.

Anonymous said...

Other worthy lyricists?
Harry Chapin (died to early)
Don McClean
William Cowper (18th C)
Who Let the Dogs Out? Priceless