Dylan VS. Donovan

[NARCO STATES]

I just wanted to start a fistfight out there! They have been compared and contrasted. They are iconic, ironic and perhaps a little over blown. But everyone has a favorite. I prefer Donovan what about you??

[kopper]

I can honestly say that I don't listen much to either of 'em. Won't get much of a fight out of me!

[KK Dirty Money & Las Drogas]

I don't really give this argument much thought, and you won't get much of a fight out of me, but they were only compared simply because they were contemporaries and toured together a little bit. Otherwise, I don't think they compare. 

I like them both, but I don't really get terribly excited over either of their music.

I gotta say, though, I don't think there is too much of a comparison because Dylan draws way more water than Donovan for many reasons. Dylan can easily overshadow many musicians that have come and gone. There is a reason why many people consider him such a big deal and he's won so many awards (including the Medal of Freedom).

I don't really see Donovan stacking up so high, even though he did write some fun tunes.

Someone may argue that Dylan never wrote a song quite as poppy or fun as Sunshine Superman.

[Boaby Digital]

Donovan definitely had his moments, and is possibly a slightly better singer but in terms of a catalogue of songs he can't really compete with Dylan. Not a huge fan of either but Donovan is groovier!

[John Battles]

 People forget , before Donovan REALLY started having hits in The U.S. , he was regarded as one of the first "Answer To Bob Dylan" artists.....I'm not a huge fan of either one. I like other people's versions of Dylan's songs better than most of his originals. But , I like Donovan more , if only because he can actually sing (It's hard to be Welsh and unable to sing , unless you're somebody like Jon Langford.), and , yeah , he had some catchy Psych/Pop flavored hits.

When people ask me what my favorite Led Zeppelin song is , I tell 'em "Hurdy Gurdy Man". 

[Grazianohmygod]

I feel like if a sort of quality vs. quantity argument comes in to play, Dylan wins on both counts. Donovan's output is absolutely miniscule compared to Dylan's. I also think Dylan has aged better and I love how he will play older songs in a fashion that make them unrecognizable from their original versions. In terms of output and songwriting, Dylan's got it wrapped up.

Another thing is that Dylan could never really sing, but his writing and persona make up for that.  The tragedy about Donovan is that he really can't sing anymore. Seeing him on Conan earlier this year, I was downright embarrassed for him.

That said, I think Donovan might have a wider emotional range in his songs. His tracks run the gamut from elation to downright frightening.

[KK Dirty Money & Las Drogas]

I agree, Donovan is "groovier" and fun. 

But Dylan, whose voice is a bit more of an acquired taste, blows most people away in pure persona and stature, songwriting ability and lyricism, legacy, etc.

He is way more of an icon around the world. He never really faded too terribly much. Now, he is making yet another comeback. 

Again, I don't prefer to sit around listening to his music all day, but he really is a fascinating musical figure as well as musician.

[swt]

Oh Dylan for certain. If only for Highway 61 Revisited. But I like stuff from throughout his career. His last 3 or 4 albums aren't his best, but they're better than most the stuff her did in the 80s. He wrote some great gospel songs too.

But Donovan did some fine stuff too. Others have mentioned "Hurdy Gurdy Man." There are a couple of cool rockers on the Sunshine Superman album,  "The Trip" and "The Fat Angel."

My favorite Donovan covers:

"Sunshine Superman" by Husker Du

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" by Butthole Surfers

"The Fat Angel" by The Jefferson Airplane (Live versions available on a couple of albums."

[Stoned Again Productions]

I grew up in a Podunk town. The radio stations there were top 40 for the most part. So I heard Dylan more than Donovan. If you hear someones music enough times it eventually starts to grow on you. At least for me that is what happened. The only Donovan song I think I heard for the longest time was Sunshine Superman.

[Erik]

Dylan wins simply because he never wrote somthing as awful as mello yellow!

 

[Grazianohmygod]

"Quite right slick!"

Erik said:

Dylan wins simply because he never wrote somthing as awful as mello yellow!

 

[John Battles]

Like Billy Miller said , I like select Dylan soundalikes more than the man himself - "Same Lines" by The Trashmen , "Christmas Spirit" by The Wailers , "Food" by Nick Lowe , Mouse and The Traps' entire back catalogue (Except Wicker Vine , And I Believe Her , The Bottom LINE AND A FEW OTHERS.).

[John Battles]

BUT , TO BE FAIR , DONOVAN DID'NT WRITE THE REMAINDER OF THE "PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID" SOUNDTRACK  AFTER DYLAN COMPLETED "KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR".

DYLAN'S ACTING IN THE MOVIE IS DELIGHTFULLY BAD , TOO.
 
Grazianohmygod said:

"Quite right slick!"

Erik said:

Dylan wins simply because he never wrote somthing as awful as mello yellow!