Targaryen v. Baratheon, Ali v. Fraser, Dylan v. van Zandt…all cerebral incumbents facing off against challengers driven by pure heart. Bob Dylan was the greatest, to be sure, but van Zandt brought something he could never quite touch.
I’m joined by lurker anon Elmore Collins to discuss his fascinating piece in Man’s World, “On Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan: a Quiet Poet and a Dishonest Activist.” Given Dylan’s vital role in the Toxic Boomerality that has come to dominate the universe, it’s no surprise that he draws criticism. But his dominance is also undeniable, even for Collins.
PS. The Carousel is in part named for van Zandt’s Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel, particularly this verse:
116. Bob Dylan vs. Townes van Zandt