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Vladimir Vysotsky

08 Dec 07 - 03:35 PM (#2211461)
Subject: Vladimir Vysotsky
From: GUEST,Volgadon

Vladimir Vysotsky
Vladimir Semyonovich Vysotsky was one of the greatest Russian artists of all time. He doesn't fit any category well. The easiest way to describe him would be as the Russian Dylan, but even that isn't a very good comparison.
You won't find anyone more Russian than him. Vysotsky had a way with words, and could bring out the humour in anything very poignantly.


08 Dec 07 - 04:18 PM (#2211492)
Subject: RE: Vladimir Vysotsky
From: Stringsinger

I think he might be compared to Jacques Brel, the Belgian cabaret singer who also had a way with words.

Dylan is of a different genre, I think. His approach was to reflect the issues of the times that he felt would have an impact on the Folk Boom.

Vysotsky seemed to emanate more from the Russian people's culture at the time.

This is not to denegrate Dylan's ability as a songwriter in any way. Some of his songs are
masterful. But he is stylized in a show-biz sense and embraced by the music biz. I don't know that Vysotsky would quite be that. He seemed closer to being a folk hero rather than a media image.

I'd say Vysotsky was closer to Woody Guthrie or Brel.

Frank Hamilton


08 Dec 07 - 04:31 PM (#2211499)
Subject: RE: Vladimir Vysotsky
From: GUEST,Volgadon

Good points. How about a Woody with the lasting popularity of Dylan.