Dylan vs. Pynchon

[robinlandseadel at comcast.net]

My prediction is that "Against the Day" will be regarded as a return to form as some of Pynchon's favorite literary models (as exemplified by Henry James, James Joyce and other, experimental, writers of the turn of the previous century) will no doubt be mimicked/appropriated. It was hard for pointy headed "Scholarly" types to get into "Vineland" (the Elect don't want the Preterite to win), and Pynchon's mode of speech, the authorial voice, in Mason & Dixon, could be hard to locate in all that late 18th century typography and  all those antique modes of speech. I'll bet that (simply due to the historical period covered in ATD) the new book will be to Pynchon what "Time Out of Mind" was to Dylan. That might be comparing Avocados to Salmon, but timing/freshness was/is a crucial factor for both.

And tell me: what will be (in future generations) the touchstone of the Counterculture? GR or Highway 61? As much as I love GR, I'm betting on the Zim.
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From: kelber at mindspring.com

My best prediction is that I'll respond to Pynchon's new book the same way: some parts I'll love, and other parts will seem mediocre and disappointing.  But the critics will trash him.  It just bugs me, is all.