Note: I just typed this up and intended this to be posted on my facebook page, but I figured I should put this here also, as my blog lacks text. enjoy.
So I remember a few years ago reading a music review about a Bright Eyes CD, in which Conor Oberst was called the next Bob Dylan. I think that is completely ridiculous in so many ways. Now, don't get me wrong, its not that I'm against the man or anything, I caught him live once, and I enjoy his CDs, but in no way would I consider him Dylan-like, or would I consider ANYONE the Next Dylan. Bob Dylan was/is truly something special. His voice of protest and unrest about the war(s) and the civil rights movement spoke for an entire generation of people who wanted change and piece. As far as I know, he was one of the few mainstream acts taking such a stance at this time.
Im not too sure if many musicians at the time were really fighting for these causes such as Dylan was. Which brings me back to Oberst, who has written a song or two about our current government and its unjust wars - but so has so many bands and artists. Not to take away from anything he has written, but its just that at this current time, it is popular to bad mouth our current administration. Sure, the Dixie Chicks may have gotten banned from clear channel radio stations for speaking out against George W. Bush right after 9/11, but other then that, calling out Bush's bullshit is now a commonplace. Which is exactly why I do not want to grace Oberst with that tag. He is speaking out against something that everyone else is speaking out against. Which is great, just not dylan worthy,am I right?
But to be honest there is someone more legitimately acceptable to give a 'Dylan' title to. This man was NOT given the 'next Dylan' status, but instead he was crowned with "Ireland's Bob Dylan", which still is sketchy, but more legitimate I suppose. His name is Damien Dempsey. Damo; as he is referred to is from Ireland, and sings songs about Ireland's past and present. U2 has written a few songs such as 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' dealing with Northern Ireland's brutal struggle and also The Cranberries 'Zombie' deals with IRA bombings, but Damien Dempsey speaks beyond common historical events. Damo's music is rather hard to describe as he combines several genres of music. Ultimately the man writes folk songs, some are mellow acoustic songs, but that is not what he sticks with. Many of his songs have more of a reggae, rock, or even hiphop vibe. Reggae and rock are not so much of a stretch to imagine, but hip-hop is something worth noting. Not so much instrumentally, but vocally. Some songs find Dempsey straight up rapping. The end of the song "Colony" has Damo speaking rhymes quickly and passionately, it makes you really focus on what he is saying.
I know, what you are thinking, Ryan Thompson spent a few months in Ireland, which makes him biased. That may be true, but honestly anyone can take something from these songs, not only because they are solid songs, but they have a good message. As previously mentioned, some songs are about the cruel treatment of the Irish people during British rule, others are about Irelands current struggle with drugs and recent economic growth - but many of his songs have a move universal message. Damo preaches positivity. Several of his songs deal with being true to yourself, loving life for what it is, and treating people how you would want to be treated.
I realize that this comes off as some press release or something, but I just felt that this man deserves a listen, thats all I ask. I really doubt you would dislike any of his music. Next time he comes around to Chicago, (For whatever reason he usually plays 21 and over shows) I expect someone to want to go with me. Give him a listen eh?
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