Bob Dylan, a name synonymous with lyrical genius and musical innovation, has captivated generations with his profound songwriting. For many musicians, discovering Dylan’s work is a transformative experience, a moment of artistic awakening. Scott Avett of the Avett Brothers vividly recalls such a moment, pinpointing Bob Dylan’s Desire as his entry point into the legend’s vast catalog. This album, gifted by an art-school professor when Avett was 21, served as a powerful introduction to Dylan’s unique storytelling and musical depth, ultimately shaping Avett’s own musical journey.
Avett’s initial musical inclinations leaned towards hardcore music, with Mike Patton of Faith No More being a significant influence. This background highlights the diverse appeal of Dylan’s music, transcending genre boundaries to resonate with artists from vastly different sonic landscapes. Desire, in particular, struck a chord with Avett due to its distinctive qualities. He describes it as “edgy” compared to the more intimate Blood on the Tracks, emphasizing Dylan’s persona on Desire as a “hardened, mysterious figure.” This perception speaks to Dylan’s masterful ability to embody different characters and moods within his music, constantly reinventing himself and his artistic expression.
“Romance in Durango,” a standout track from Desire, is particularly praised by Avett for its compelling melody. He notes that the melody is crucial to the song’s success, driving its serious and intense atmosphere. Avett astutely points out the repetitive nature of “Romance in Durango” and much of Desire and Blood on the Tracks, yet emphasizes this repetition as a strength rather than a weakness. He explains that crafting compelling repetition that keeps listeners engaged is a significant and often underestimated skill in songwriting. This observation provides valuable insight into Dylan’s compositional techniques and his ability to create hypnotic and immersive musical experiences.
Lyrically, Avett admires Dylan’s capacity to immerse himself and the listener in a specific scene. “Romance in Durango” paints a vivid picture of a “lone renegade in the desert,” engaging in dangerous and daring activities. Avett highlights how Dylan convincingly portrays these masculine archetypes, drawing the listener into the narrative and making them feel part of the story. This ability to create immersive lyrical worlds is a hallmark of Dylan’s songwriting and a key element in what makes his Best Bob Dylan Songs so enduring.
The Avett Brothers’ connection to Dylan extends beyond admiration. They had the unique opportunity to perform “Maggie’s Farm” with Dylan at the Grammys, a moment Avett describes with pure joy. He recounts Dylan as “superpolite and very straightforward” during rehearsals, dispelling any preconceived notions of a temperamental artist. Through Donnie Herron, a member of Dylan’s band and a friend of the Avett Brothers, Avett gained further insight into Dylan’s deep musicality. Herron revealed Dylan’s constant engagement with music, playing songs all day and possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of music. This reinforces the image of Dylan as a dedicated and lifelong musician, constantly exploring and creating.
Avett concludes by expressing a sense of camaraderie with Dylan, seeing themselves as “comrades” in music. He acknowledges Dylan’s greater wisdom and experience, positioning Dylan as a figure they “look up to.” This perspective underscores the profound influence Dylan has had on generations of musicians, serving not only as an artistic inspiration but also as a guiding figure in the broader landscape of music. Exploring best Bob Dylan songs through the eyes of a fellow artist like Scott Avett offers a unique and insightful perspective on Dylan’s enduring genius and his profound impact on the world of music.
