By Hampton Peek
I must admit that I am not a fan of Bob Dylan. I just can’t get into his music. The lyrics may be good, but he absolutely cannot carry a tune. However, when I heard that he would be in Topeka, I knew that I could not miss the opportunity to go. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the concert hall, the staff confiscated my basket of tomatoes.
When the concert started, I was taken aback. I was expecting a typical rendition of some of his most popular songs, but that is not what Bobby D had in store. I only recognized two songs in the entire show- “Desolation Row” and “All Along the Watchtower”. Dylan had completely reinvented the musical style of all of the songs he played. The songs were a lot more blues-y jam band-y than his previous work. Dylan’s voice sounded much more accessible live, his signature singing style toned down for his live performance. The gruffness poked through at times, but the main performance was smooth and almost in key.
Dylan sat at the piano like a toddler at a toy keyboard. His harmonica pierced the musical atmosphere like an air raid siren. You would think that after ~60 years in the music industry, you would at least pick up some rhythm. The backup band was phenomenal, but even the greatest band in the world could not mask the catastrophe of Bobby D.
Towards the end of the concert as Dylan caterwauled through the bridge of Mother of Muses, a thought struck me. “If Bob Dylan was a woman, would he be as famous and influential as he is right now?” I brought this idea up with my father on the car ride home, and he dismissed it to point out that Joan Baez is popular. I don’t think Joan Baez is anywhere near as recognized as Dylan is, songwriting-wise. I thought about Yoko Ono, who was infamous for her singing. I had just heard the male equivalent of Yoko’s screams, but Dylan received a standing ovation for his yowling.
I have to say after reflecting on my concert experience, while Dylan put on a superb show, my previous opinion was not changed. I was not a fan of his music, but I am glad that I experienced a more accessible version than I was expecting. Bob Dylan may be renowned for his music, but I cannot stand it.