Dylan's new Christmas Album; Lovely!, indifferent or "cringe - hey, it's an oxymoron, dude"?
Asked by
NewZen (
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November 1st, 2009
The reason I ask is that a Jew singing Christmas carols, albeit in his own, ahem, style, is strange to me. I can’t imagine, say, Jermaine Jackson or even a Travis Tritt (colour means nothing to me – does it to you?) singing Hanukkah songs. Adam Sandler? Now that was funny – google Sandler and Hanukkah if you don’t know what I refer to.
But Jews for Jesus and Goyim singing the Gemarah is just a little, well, irritating to me.
Your thoughts, fellow flutherite?
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12 Answers
Oh – you beat me to the punch, NewZen. I was going to ask this. I find it very strange and annoying on a lot of levels. I don’t know how much he identifies as a Jew at this point so that’s not so much my issue. But considering who he was as a young rebel and the quality of the music he’s done since, it really bothers me. It seems like selling out, unless it’s some kind of ironic joke? He needs the money? (Actually I guess he’s giving it to charity.) It’s his life and his career but it still bothers me.
@janbb Sorry. Actually, this q had been simmering on the back burner of my mind for a while; I haven’t seen it (are there still record stores?) but I just caught the review in a Time issue, rather belatedly.
I never liked Bob Dylan. Sue me
@PretentiousArtist Do you at least like his material – wishing other real singers would do them for him?
Dylan can do what he likes. Should the Jewish community censor him? He’s an artist. If people don’t like his music, they’re not obligated to listen to it.
It’s not blasphemy.
Spirit in the Sky was written by a non-christian and that song is bloody awesome.
@The_Compassionate_Heretic Brought up the point I was going to make—as long as they make good music, I couldn’t care less who is writing or singing it. Thus, I am an atheist who adores the very Christian Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum, a practicing Jew.
Yes, that is a valid point. I have always loved the song from Paul Simon’s Live Rhymin’ album, Jesus is the answer. Strangely, I couldn’t find a clip for the song.
Aw, Bob. He can do what he wants musically. Masters Of War alone gives him a free pass in my book.
Criiiiinge. Though not because of the religion thing. Simply because Dylan should stick to writing music and stop torturing people with his voice.
Bobbie the Z gets a free pass from me as well. I haven’t heard the CD, and worry his voice isn’t up to it, but he’s a damn genius. I remember seeing him doing “Gotta serve somebody”, which was definitly Christian oriented music.
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