Observer--I think the difference is that Dylan wrote "anthems"
(in the early years) that are more singable. Prine, on the other hand, makes some great points with the most simplest of words and rhymes. People may well think it simplistic---but, as Shakespeare said, "...brevity is the soul of wit".   

       I think as far as Dylan is concerned a better comparison is Phil Ochs (from the early Dylan years) and there I would chose Ochs for meaning---and anthems.   For depth ---and non-anthemlike music--there is David Massengill (also a contemporary of Dylan).

       But, back to Prine. Bottom line is---simple words and simple rhymes that say a lot. Which is why, I suppose, the Poet Laureate of the U S asked him to be there and sit for a 1 hour conversation.

       I do believe that his latest CD is without a doubt his best and most insightful.

   Bill Hahn

just trying out to see if HTML works. this shoud be italic