Some interesting thoughts there. I completely disagree with the first essay, which says that Dylan's work is better performed by others -- the Byrds, Hendrix, or a hypothetical Quincy Jones production. I always thought that, when he was at his best, Dylan's delivery was as compelling as his songs. But this first piece was written by a youngster, who may be excused for not hearing the same things in these songs that old guys like me hear.

Much as it pains me to say so, the second essay has a point. Bob has done a lot of coasting in recent decades, and if we're honest with outselves, most of us would probably agree that there has been more bad than good. I'm sure Dylan realizes this as much as we do, but probably he can't do much about it (other than quit, which he doesn't want to do -- and why should he?). I look at him like I looked at late-period Picasso, or Muhammed Ali -- even after their best years were behind them, and they frequently embarrassed themselves, they occasionally displayed some of the old brilliance, and we kept watching for those moments.

Bob has earned our praise, and our thanks, even if he hasn't always achieved the level of brilliance of his best work. He doesn't owe us a thing at this stage.