Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs

Subject: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 01:34 AM

How 'bout some nominations?

Let's get one detail out of the way first: The single greatest Dylan cover of all time, of course, is Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower." Now that that's established, let's get down to business.

Just dug out an old VHS tape of the 1992 (?) concret celebrating the 30th anniversary concert of Dylan's first record, where all kinds of artists each sing one or two of his pieces. Many of the performaces were memorable, and it made me ponder the very many other wonderful versions of Dylan songs sung by others.

Just a few highlights from the videotape:

Stevie Wonder, "Blowin' in the Wind."
Richie Havens, "Just Like A Woman" (goosebumps!)
Clancy Bros w/ Tommy Makem: "When The Ship Comes In"

There are all kinds of subcategories we could explore:

~Compare various different recordings by a given artist who has done multiple Dylan songs -- e.g., which is your favorite Byrds version of a Dylan song, which is the best PP&M, etc.

~Comparing different covers of a given song -- e.g., which is your favorite "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues": Judy Collins' or Neil Young's?

~Debating whether a recording of a Dylan song by The Band (e.g., "When I Paint My Masterpiece") even qualifies as a "cover," since they played so many of the songs as Bob's backing band.

All contributions are welcome. I'm looking forward to many reminders of great musical moments that I have forgotten, as invariably happens whenever I read through any of these "name your faves" discussions.

I realize that some folks can't stand to hear Bob sing, but enjoy his songwriting and prefer to hear his work delivered by other singers ~ tell us what you like best!

Those for whom Bob can do no wrong undoubtedly have favorite cover versions, too ~ what the hell, we sing the songs ourselves, and it's always interesting (and occasionally inspiring) to hear how other folks play 'em and sing 'em.

And then there are those who just don't like Mr Zimmy or "get" him at all; if you feel the need to tell us as much, please consider restraining yourselves, or at least keep it brief. We know you're out there, we respect your right to your opinion, etc. But let's just talk about performances we *like*!

Discuss!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: DonMeixner
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 01:48 AM

Jim Craig doing Gamblin' Willie and Threw it All Away. But then I can't think of any Bob Dylan songs I like all that much anyway. Those two are exceptional, probably due more to the artist than the author.

Don

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: DonMeixner
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 01:54 AM

And of course I thought of another couple.


Lorenzo and Henrietta Music doing Forever Young. And Hamilton Camp's recording of Chimes of Freedom.

Don

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:17 AM

Now we're talking!

Out of your four examples, Don, I only know one of them (Hamilton Camp's), and I had forgotten that over the years. Now I have some homework to do ~ I guess I need to familiarize myself with Jim Craig.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Peace
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:24 AM

I'm partial to Springsteen's version of "Chimes of Freedom." However, PP and M's "Blowin' in the Wind" and Baez's "Love is Just a Four Letter Word."

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:43 AM

I tried to google "Jim Craig," but all the references were to Foo Fighters (probably *not* who Don was referring to) and to the one Jim Craig I already knew about, goalie of the gold-medal-winning USA Olympic hockey of 1980 (subject of the fairly-recent film "Miracle").

brucie: The Boss ~ yes!

And that Joan Baez number is especially notable for having introduced many listeners to Dylan; I believe she was performing it before Bob started recording.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Big Tim
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:51 AM

I subscribe to the "No one sings Dylan like Dylan" school of thought, but some do not too badly.

Lou Reed doing "Foot of Pride", for example: an amazing song by a great performer. I sill prefer Bob's version though!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Terry K
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 03:23 AM

I'm with Big Tim, most cover versions seem so pale and insipid next to Dylan himself. What I get is that Dylan absolutely lives his songs, other people just sing them.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Peace
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 03:23 AM

I do know she recorded and released that before Dylan did--and come to think of it, I am not sure if Dylan ever did record it. Anyone know?

PG: Springsteens live version on the Manesty International tour was great, IMO. On that CD is another great song: "Tougher Than the Rest." I think The Boss wrote that. I'd have to check.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 03:43 AM

There must be dozens. I liked "Seven Days", which Ronnie Wood did back in the seventies.It seemed made for him and his sloppy, laid back style.
Mick Taylor played "Blind Willie McTell" when I saw him. He is still a great guitarist, but that was the only decent song he played all night.
Rod Stewart did a lovely version of "Tomorrow is a Long Time" back in the early seventies. I believe Lindisfarne's Ray Jackson played on that one.
Was it Bob Marley who originally did the reggae version of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" which Clapton had a hit with?
The Stones surprising cover of "Like a Rolling Stone" made sense - along with a chilling video.
Another of my favourites is Michael Chapman's version of "Ballad in Plain D".

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 03:46 AM

I should add that along with Big Tim, I was also very impressed by Lou Reed's "Foot of Pride". I had never realised that Lou Reed could sing if he wanted to. I had always just associated him with that "Sprechgesang" style of vocals.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 04:02 AM

Yeah, but it can't touch Bob himself doing "Foot of Pride".

Well...there are a lot of great covers of Dylan out there, such as:

Joan Baez's whole double album full of them called "Any Day Now" (I think that's what it's called...)

Joan Baez:

Farewell Angelina
Love is Just a Four Letter Word
Daddy You've Been on my Mind
Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall

Shawn Colvin:

You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

Various by Judy Collins...

Various by the Band.

If Not For You - George Harrison

But in most cases (if not all) Bob's own version is best. Why? Because it's totally real. It's pretty darned real when Joan sings his stuff too...I think they are spiritually brother and sister, that's what's I think. Totally different, but surprisingly connected.

As Joan put it: "And we haven't got too much in common...except that we're so much alike" (from the song "Our Time is Passing Us By")

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Nick
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:26 AM

My Back Pages - Clapton/Tom Petty/Neil Young/Roger McGuinn
Don't think twice it's alright - Eric Clapton

Both from 30th anniversary Dylan concert from 1993 (first one might not truly be a cover as Dylan sings a verse - thanks for the memory jog I'll listen to this tonight!)

Forever Young - Trevor Lucas

Tomorrow is a Long Time - Judy Collins

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Chris Green
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:39 AM

"I'll keep It With Mine" By Fairport Convention (from the album "What We Did On Our Holidays") Sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 08:03 AM

Martin Simpson's "Boots of Spanish Leather" (A Nod to Bob). He also did a ripping live version of Masters of War at Cambridge in 2003.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 08:08 AM

Country Pie by The Nice

Jerry

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Peter T.
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 08:36 AM

I'm told that Sinead O'Connor did a great version of "Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat" -- which she should have sung on that illfated occasion.

Judy Collins' Dylan album was very disappointing, except for "What's A Nice Girl Like You Doing In a Dump Like This".

The A Tribute to Bob album had one or two good things on it.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 08:42 AM

I'm quite taken by the version of All Along the Watchtower on the new Paul Weller album.

Oh, and Gifford Rolfe and I played a cracking Forever Young last night at Osset Singers Club to celebrate his 65th birthday and my 58th.

R

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Brakn
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 08:53 AM

Johnny Winter - Highway 61

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 08:59 AM

I think Sinead O'Connor was scheduled to sing "I Believe in You" at the 30th Anniversary show. Too bad it didn't happen that way.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:27 AM

Finest Kind's version of "The Times (They Are a-Changin')." I always thought the song would sound good unaccompanied, and it certainly does when they do it!

I meant to learn it, but that final verse about slow-fast first-last didn't make sense. Sounded like he ran out of song-writing steam when he got to it and went for an easy rhyme. Sure made sense before the election though, will make sense before the next one, and probably will make sense to some people before any election.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Once Famous
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:32 AM

"Blowin' In the Wind" by Peter, Paul, and Mary

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: the one
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:43 AM

chimes of freedom flashing say's it all.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:49 AM

My version of Baby Blue - but I accept I may be a little biased (Oh yes - I forgot - I banged my head this mornin' - ouch!)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:53 AM

"Just like Tom Thumb's Blues" Nina Simone - even better than Dylan's live in Liverpool version.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 11:18 AM

Are you kidding? That last verse is the best of all.

"The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast
The slow one now will later be fast
As the present now will later be past
The order is rapidly fading
And the first one now will later be last
For the Times They Are A-Changing"

I guess you do not appreciate spiritual allegory and metaphor, Jeri? Read the Bible or any other variety of great spiritual books for interesting insights on what Bob was talking about in that last verse (and don't think literally!).

Give you an example: Nixon was among the "first" when elected. Where was he after Watergate wrapped up? Chickens have a way of coming home to roost, whether or not you see it in religious terms.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: MojoBanjo
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 11:23 AM

Odd timing on seeing this topic -- I'm currently blown away by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman doing, "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest." There's a weariness and a laid-back performance blending to do a remarkable job on that song.


MojoBanjo

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: DonMeixner
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 12:22 PM

Jim Craig is a Chicago singer. I don't believe he has recorded much.
I have him on a live at the Ten Pound Fiddle radio concert from 20 years ago.

Loresnzo and Henrietta Music had a short lived TV show in the 70's with Eric Darling and Bob Gibson on as musical back ups. They always closed the show with Forever Young. Lorenzo was a TV producer for MTM,Inc and the voice of Carlton, Rhoda Morgenstern's Doorman.

Don

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 12:43 PM

Thanks, Don. Now I don't feel quite so stupid about not knowing about Jim Craig.

I remember seeing Lorenzo Music's name credited as a TV producer; it's a pretty memorable name. Missed his own show with Henrietta, unfortunately. "Forever Young" is a favorite of mine and has probably inspired as many good covers as most other Dylan songs -- too bad I haven't heard *your* favorite.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Big Tim
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:51 PM

Here are a few of my faves from the "Songs of Bob Dylan" tribute album, 1989.

Sam Cooke - Blowin in the Wind,
Elvis Presley - Tomorrow's a Long Time,
Blue Ash - Dusty Old Fairgrounds,
Rod Stewart - Mama You Beeen on my Mind,
Jason and the Scorchers - Absolutely Sweet Marie,
George Thorogood - Wanted Man,
Abandoned Love - Everly Brothers.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:56 PM

I don't believe she ever recorded it, but Lucinda Williams used to sing the hell out of "Positively Fourth Street."

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 05:22 PM

My personal favourite to cover is "Just Like A Woman". Why? I don't know exactly, but it is. I must've played it hundreds of times by now.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Mooh
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 05:24 PM

Mavis Staples, Gotta Serve Somebody. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:16 PM

Some great ones here. I always liked Joe Cocker's "Just Like A Woman". I really liked Sophie B. Hawkins' version of "I Want You" from the 30th Anniversary Concert. The Band doing "When I Paint My Masterpiece" from the same show was amazing. The Earl Scruggs Review doing "Song To Woody". Jimi did a pretty good cover of Like A Rolling Stone. I think that Lou Reed did a great job with Foot of Pride and of course Johnny Winter made Hwy 61 Revisited as much his signature songs as Jimi did with All Along The Watchtower. I'm biased, but Susan Latimer does a powerful, sped up arrangement of "Million Miles" in most of her live performances.

Most of these are such great songs that they are bulletproof.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:23 PM

Oh Yeah, Emmylou Harris's cover of Every Grain Of Sand.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Mooh
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:00 PM

Like A Rolling Stone, like the Rolling Stones.

Everything Is Broken, R.L. Burnside.

Cool thread, thanks. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,CD
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 09:39 PM

Chrissie Hinds - Forever Young
Grateful Dead - Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues, When I Paint My Masterpiece
Jerry Garcia Band - Reuben And Cherise

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Stewie
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 11:13 PM

Tim O'Brien's rendition of 'Senor' and John Denver's 'Mr Tambourine Man' on one of the Mitchell Trio albums. Bill Camplin also does fine renditions of those two and several others on his 'Bob Dylan Project One' CD a copy of which was kindly sent to me by Art Thieme.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Big Tim
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 03:22 AM

I haven't heard the Stones "LIke A Rolling Stone" but I'm not surprised they they did it. Date?

Mick and Keith were big fans, especially in the 60s, Keith probably still is. (Remember the Live Aid fiasco). I recall a report in "Melody Maker" around 1966 of Chris Jagger, Mick's brother, getting off a flight from the States waving an album, shouting, "I've got the new Dylan, I've got the new Dylan"! (Think it was Blonde on Blonde).

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Peter T.
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 07:27 AM

The worst cover versions of Dylan songs are Dylan's own versions -- one is stunned by how wretched he can make his own songs -- you only have to look at things like the various versions of "Simple Twist of Fate" or "Tangled Up In Blue" to wonder if he has any idea about his own songs!


yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 09:37 AM

Yeah, well, I thought your last impression of yourself was pretty wretched too, Peter... :-) Get it together, man! You owe your public better than this.

My vote for Dylan's worst cover of himself (on record, that is) would be for "Like A Rolling Stone" at the Isle of Wight Festival. Ugh!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: jaze
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 09:51 AM

Nanci Griffith--Boots Of Spanish Leather
Joan Baez--One Too Many Mornings---on the re-mastered "Farewell Angelina" cd is incredible

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 10:21 AM

Bob is so insistent upon reworking his own songs and making them sound different every time out that I suppose it does make sense, in a way, to characterize his performances as "covers" of his own material.

Is he just so bored at having sung the songs so many times that needs to hear himself do something different?

I've attended about a dozen Dylan concerts since he "went electric," and have been disappointed with his performances about half the time. The other half-dozen times, he was great, and provided the transcendant experience that only comes from live music at its best. I'm not always one to automatically dismiss his rather idiosynchratic approach, and in fact I really enjoy it when it works. But, for me anyway, it's hit-or-miss; it doesn't always work.

I mean, I've never regretted going to one of his shows, even the ones where his singing left me cold, because the band is always outstanding and Bob is always, at least, well, interesting.

But I emphatically do not belong to the "No one sings Dylan as well as Dylan" school of thought -- to me, some of these covers we're mentioning are definitive performances of these wonderful "bulletproof" songs. It may be arguable whether they're "better" than Dylan's original recordings, but they're memorable, they're excellent, and they're generally superior to at least some of Bob's own experiments in reinterpretation.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Big Tim
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 11:45 AM

The voice of reason as usual Popp. Of course other singers can do great versions of Dylan's song. "Better" is an impossible word to define in this context.

The 1992 Tribute concert was magnificent. The(double)album that I mentioned above also contains some great stuff.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 01:27 PM

Jimmy LaFave... "Sweetheart Like You" Course that might just be cause it's my fav Dylan song anyway...

He also does killer covers of "Emotionally Yours" and "You're A Big Girl Now"

But even as good as his cover is, it doesn't hold a candle to John Gorkas cover of "Girl From The North Country"

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 02:06 PM

Oddly enough, Clinton, khandu named "Swwwtheart Like You" as his favourite Dylan song too. I think it's a good song, but I haven't yet connected with it like you have. I wonder if you could try and describe what makes the song so special to you?

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 02:08 PM

Donno... I try not to worry about stuff like that... if it moves me, it moves me... Could be that Ifidels is also my fave album... or just that I realy dig that sorta 'midnight jazz' feel the song has...   Or that the chick who played lead guitar on the music video was hot...

Could be all of the above and more

:-)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 02:16 PM

Good enough reasons! I think it was actually Mark Knopfler playing on that one. It sounds like him. "Infidels" is my second favourite, behind "Blood on th Tracks". I particularly like the rockers on "Infidels". Sly and Robbie as the rhythm section along with multiple guitars by Mick Taylor were right up my alley.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 02:32 PM

The album credits Mick Taylor on Guitar... but I'm 99.8% certain it was a chick on the video...

Mark K's name is nowhere to be seen on the album credits

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 02:41 PM

I'll look that up. I believe he produced it and that his Dire Straits colleague Alan Clarke was on keyboards. It sure sounds like him on "Sweetheart" as it does on "Joker Man". In fact, you can hear some unmistakable Mick Taylor licks at the very end of the first track, wich are very different to most of the lead guitar work which precedes them. I won't argue about the chick on the video... I never saw it, but I am beginning to wish I had.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 03:31 PM

I found this review that talks aobut the making of the Jokerman video... Apparently it was the 2nd video made for the Infidels album...

http://www.expectingrain.com/dok/jokerman/RSvideo.html

"The first, for the lovely ballad "Sweetheart like You" had been a flat and lifeless embarrasement."????????????

Bull... and sh!t!!!!!!!!!

From another "Credits" web site...
"Backed by a band that includes Knopfler and ex-Stone Mick Taylor on guitar and the legendary reggae rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Zimmy's biting songs don't lack for solid musical support."

So it may have been Mark K. on Sweetheart... I donno... never sounded like him to me...

Searching for the video for Sweetheart, I can't even find it on eMule...

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 03:38 PM

From a Dylan Who's Who page

http://www.expectingrain.com/dok/who/o/olsoncarla.html

Olson, Carla

Carla Olson persevered with the Textones, but kept her eyes wide open
for other musical possibilities. In 1983, Bob Dylan invited her to
appear in his first ever music video, "Sweetheart Like You," from his
excellent INFIDELS album. In the video, Carla mimes a guitar part and
solo, both of which were actually recorded (in the studio sessions) by
Mick Taylor, guitarist extraordinaire, ex of John Mayall and the
Rolling Stones. Carla and Mick communicated on the telephone over long
distance about the event, thus beginning a long friendship between the
two which would eventually result in a tremendous live album...

So she didn't play it for the album, but 'played' playing it in the video...   

Aaaaah... the music biz! LOL

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Justa Picker
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 04:03 PM

My version of "Don't Think Twice"
(but I'm a little biased.)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 04:07 PM

Thanks Clinton. I have heard Mick Taylor do first rate imitations of Hank Marvin,Carlos Santana and, of course, Keef, but I didn't know there was even more in there. I always thought I could recognise his licks straight off. Seems I need to listen a little harder.
The things you learn on Mudcat!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 04:22 PM

Let's hear it so we can compare JP!

:-)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Justa Picker
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 01:03 AM

(Requires an Mp3-enabled web browser.)
Merry Christmas

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 07:33 AM

A neat version at a cracking pace. Good stuff.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 12:09 PM

Way to go, Justa Picker! I like my version of "Every Grain of Sand" the best of all Dylan covers. :-)

Infidels was a killer album. Just think how much better it could have been with "Blind Willie McTell" and one or two other songs of the time put into the mix. It would then have been every bit as legendary an album as "Blood On The Tracks" or "Blonde on Blonde".

Damn fine work for a decade in which Bob was largely discounted by a lot of his critics, including himself.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: jaze
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 02:06 PM

Excellent version,JP!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,snagger
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 05:45 PM

I just listened to your rendition of ` Don`t think Twice ` . It was great! Thanks Justa picker you have a Montana audience.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 05:58 PM

and how come no-one has mentioned the ultimate Dylan cover by the best artist the world has ever seen?

All along the watchtower by Hendrix?

Eh?

Or, going from the sublime to the ridiculous. Mighty Quinn by Manfred Mann. Now, what was that all about...

:D

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 06:43 PM

For one, it was mentioned in the initial post...

For two, I think that it's a LOAD... never much cared for either the song itself, or Hendrix, or his cover of it...

"best artist the world has ever seen"
Hardly

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 07:43 PM

JustaPicker -- WOW!

Clinton -- Sorry you don't dig Jimi; each to his own taste and all. My mention of his "Watchtower" in the initial post of was just a preemptive strike, to save readers the bother of submitting multiple nominations.

I've been watching the Anniversary Concert video over the weekend, and my new favorite-du-jour is the Ojays doing "Emotionally Yours." Aparently they had a top ten R&B hit with it, but I missed it completely at the time. I might try to make it *my* next Dylan cover.

Also, from the concert tape: Nanci Griffiths' "Spanish Boots" got a mention above. On stage and also in the recording made shortly beforehand, she is joined on 2d vocals by Carolyn Hester, who does a great job...

dinnertime! more later

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 08:00 PM

Apparently one of Bob's first credits (before his first Solo album) was playing Harmonica on a Carolyn Hester album. Boots of Spanish Leather was wonderful on the '92 concert Video. Unfortunately the video is out of print. The last I looked there were used VHS verions selling for almost $300 U.S.

Highlights for me included The Band, Sophie B. Hawkins, Booker T., Johnny Winter (getting the band to catch up to his pace), Eric Clapton, Carolyn Hester, Ronnie Wood, George Harrison. However, when Bob (I don't know how sober he was) finally took the stage and did Girl From The North Country and It's Allright Ma were the most magical moments. Bob, his guitar and dead, irreverant silence from what had been a very boisterous Madison Square Garden audience.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 08:23 PM

I really don't like Johnny Winter's version of "Highway 61 Revisted", but it's just a matter of taste. It's his musical style I don't like. He performs it well enough.

Hendrix did "All Along the Watchtower" quite well, but I've heard Dylan do it even better in live concerts, and with more perception. It's a very interesting song, being an apocalyptic vision from an album that was almost entirely composed of spiritual allegories of a very symbolic and introspective sort. It's a classic song. It ought to be in Revelations.

Kristofferson doing "I'll be Your Baby Tonight" was so predictable that it was downright funny. That song, after all, is Kristofferson's entire raison d'etre in a nutshell! :-)

Willie Nelson was cool on "What Was it you Wanted". Figures. He's always cool. What he can't do with character can't be done.

Johnny Cash and June Carter kind of massacred some other song, didn't they? Can't recall what it was.

I liked John Mellencamp's "Like a Rolling Stone" okay. It suited him.

I wish to hell Sinead O'Connor had sung "I Believe in You" like she was scheduled to. That would almost certainly have been the standout of the evening.

Bob doing "It's Allright Ma" is always a standout. I've seen him do it a lot better than he did it that night, though.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 08:55 PM

"Sorry you don't dig Jimi"

Don't be sorry... all the more for you eh! :-)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 09:00 PM

Our copy of the 30th Anniv concert was privately taped, supposedly from the pay-per-view event. I now suspect that it may have been taped from the edited broadcast that aired later, because at least one performance two folks have mentioned here is *not* included on our tape -- "I Want You" done by Sophie B. Hawkins. Everything else that's been mentioned is on our tape, thankfully -- it's not all *that* incomplete.

Think I could sell copies on Ebay?

Thanks to Steve for picking up right where I left off when I abandoned the PC to eat dinner. I was just about to explain about Bob having played on Carolyn Hester's record, etc. We're told by the emcee that Bob had also just played harp on Nanci's recent CD, the album with "Spanish Boots" featuring Carolyn'a harmonies.

Little Hawk: Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Cash sang a very uptempo Tennesee-Three-style "It Ain't Me Babe." Not a highlight at all, just as you recall; a different selection would probably have worked better for them.

Bob's solo bit at the end includes "Gates of Eden" as well as "It's Alright Ma." I can't think of anyone who's successfully covered either onewo, and can't imagine that anyone would try or even want to. Some Dylan songs may best be left to Bob.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 09:28 PM

Yup. And those two are on that list. But...I've heard Arlo Guthrie do a rather good live rendition of "Gates of Eden", come to think of it.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 10:13 PM

For a few days, as this discussion has developed, I've been thinking about the Bob songs *I* cover, and have noted some of you-all have had the same kind of thoughts.

I decided to start another thread on "Dylan Songs YOU Cover," but then "thought twice" about it after checkingd in here and seeing how JustaPicker beat me to the punch by linking us straight to one of her covers directly from this thread.

But then I went ahead and started the new thread anyway:

Dylan Songs YOU Cover

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Auggie
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 10:23 PM

Up until now, my favorite would have been an amazing live, acoustic rendition of Mr. Tamborine done by a very pissed off David Crosby after some idiot in the audience kept yelling at him to play Byrds music at a Crosby/Nash concert back about 1972. When he was done, Nash said something like "Eat your heart out Roger McGuinn."

Now it's gotta be Justa Picker, no contest. Eat your heart out David.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 10:35 PM

I have found that the video and the CD are different. I tried taping it from PBS when it was first broadcast, but I had no idea how long it was. I have bits and pieces spread across three or four tapes. I would love to have the official tape.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 01:53 AM

How could I ever have forgot, Remember the 80's band Falco? (Rock Me Amadaeus) They did a killer good cover of "It's All Over Now Baby Blue"

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 03:21 AM

Wish I'd seen this earlier............

I think that the most fascinating subject is Bob covering Bob and his motivations behind the changes. To many Bob fans this equates to saying, upon hearing his latest rendition of one of their favorite songs, "What the fuck was he possibly thinking about?" Last time I heard him do Desolation Row I felt like I was listening to some old calypso record...................

As far as the 30th thing went, we've had numerous conversations here over the past 6 years and there are a number of threads about it. My main likes and dislikes were:

*Loved Clapton turning "Don't Think Twice" into a pretty powerful blues.
*The Band was great.
*Good to see Caroln Hester even in a back-up role.
*Johnny and June should have stayed home in Hendersonville.
*Shithead O'Connor was booed down, beautifully demonstrating exactly what an SDS meeting in the 60's was really like. She and her supporters forgot that true freedom is often accompanied by complete anarchy.
*Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers doing "License to Kill" was a solid cover but Tom ain't a lot different than Bob.
*In a vote taken shortly after the show, judges were unable to determine if Neil Young was playing that Les Paul or fucking the thing.
*Johnny Winter is not only the skinniest and whitest white guy in existence, his inability to remember the words or read a teleprompter as Lou Reed did should disqualify him from any contest.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:36 AM

Hah! Great observations, 'spaw; I can't help but agree with every point -- especially about Tom Petty, Neil Young, and the SDS.

The (reconstructed) Band was pretty good, but not the same as when Richard (dead by then) and Robbie (absent by choice) were still members. The "twin-lead" vocals by Levon and Rick define the heart of that sound, though -- like Duane and Eric on guitars -- so most of what we know and love as The Band is still there.

If that woman's cover of "I Want You" is known to you-all by the CD and not the video, then the tape I have probably *IS* from the orignal pay-per-view telecast, as we were told by the friend who made it. Peggy and I are seriously considering borrowing a second VCR to dupe some bootlegs and and sell 'em on Ebay. We'll let you know if and when.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:24 AM

Sinead might better have just kept her cool and waited them out calmly...then sung the song. Bob used to do that with hostile audiences, and it worked every time. Eventually the assholes run out of their own hot air and start wondering what might happen next onstage. That's when you steal a march on them and start singing.

Never has any artist's career been so totally destroyed by one careless act than Sinead O'Connor's was by tearing up a picture of the Pope. Really quite extraordinary. Poor girl. She should've torn up a picture of an American president instead. (Any president would have done...)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: jaze
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 08:38 PM

Justa Picker, who is that great singer on your version?

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Justa Picker
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 08:40 PM

She's a good friend of mine.
Her name is Joanne Shaw.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 08:54 PM

Albums (LPs):
"Dylan's Gospel" by The Brothers and Sisters (latter includes Merry Clayton & Clydie King)
"Odetta Sings Dylan"

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:15 PM

"Sinead might better have just kept her cool and waited them out"

She was on stage too long as it was...

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:57 PM

I'd rather look at her than you, Clinton...

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 12:25 AM

I watched the video all weekend, and the wife and I disagree about Sinead. I agree with Little Hawk -- if she was able to chant her own little personal rant, she could just as well have sung the scheduled song. The crowd was ready, too -- the booing died down, and TWICE there was a window of about 4-5 seconds when she could and should have begun.

Booker T is playing the intro and just when it's time for the vocal to begin, the crowd noise dies down as if on cue. Nothing from Sinead.

So Booker, visibly frustrated, plays the little intro riff again, the space is there again, she hesitates, and then she gives the cut-off sign (hand across neck) so that she can start telling us how Everything Is War.

Peggy says no, none of it is Sinead's fault, the crowd wouldn't allow her to sing. I don't buy it; they let her do her *own* bit -- they quickly sat back in stunned silence, pretty much -- and I think they would have been even *more* willing to let her sing a Bob song.

Since the concert was in NYC, I figure that her controversial TV appearance must have *just* occurred, explaining the vociferous reponse. It makes sense that the only reason she was in New York to be available for Saturday Night Live was to appear at the Dylan show. This not something I'm sure of, not something I actually remember; just figured it's probably the case.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 12:31 AM

She lost emotional control at the crucial moment. She got angry. Unfortunate. She would have done a fine job on the Dylan song.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Steve-o
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 12:02 PM

Thank God Catspaw's alive. Neil can fuck a Les Paul better'n'you, though! LH- I felt so cheated when.....uh...what's her name?...got boooooed down. Right- pooor thing.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 03:44 PM

Neil Young is famous for his bizarre deviations from what is generally considered "normal" behaviour. Fortunately, he has also recorded some great material along the way.

The WSSBA has decided to dedicate a small plaque to him for providing some inspiration. It's in the "alien artifacts" wing of the Great Hall, along with a tissue he blew his nose in back in 1972.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: davidmeredith
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 06:29 AM

Percy's Song-Fairport Convention
Boots Of Spanish Leather-Martin Simpson
With God On Our Side-The Neville Brothers
Down In The Flood-Fairport Convention
Highway 61 Revisited-Johnny Winter

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 01:02 PM

David, thanks for remembering Aaron Neville's great rendition of "With God On Our Side," which was really a big (and pleaant) surprise to us Orleanian Nevilles fans when it came out.

I've thought to mention it several times since strting this thread, but always when I was away from a computer. Always forgot about it when I hada chance to post.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: alanabit
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 01:20 PM

The Neville Brothers did a wonderful version of "Hollis Brown" too.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 01:23 PM

Don't forget Fairport's version of "I'll Keep It With Mine"...

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 01:52 PM

I'm with Big Tim and others; I think Dylan does them best, although he has definitely had some off moments in his 40-plus year career.

I do them second-best.

In the third-best category, I'd offer Percy's Song by Fairport Convention; Love Minus Zero/No Limit by Eliza Gilkyson; Every Grain Of Sand by Emmylou Harris; It Ain't Me, Babe by (what's her name; on A Nod To Bob); and any of the covers by The Byrds (they did them all the same, so they're sort of interchangeable).

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Justa Picker
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 02:57 PM

Too commercial for you Clinton? :-)

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Arkie
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 07:24 PM

I Shall Be Released by Peter, Paul, & Mary and any version of "I Ain't Going Nowhere". While I like Dylan most of the time and prefer his versions of his songs most of the time I can't stand his version of the later song and don't care all that much for his version of the former. Tom Russell does a pretty good version of Lily, Rosemary, and The Jack of Hearts, but I prefer Dylan's.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 12:57 AM

Oddly enough, I don't know of anyone who has covered either "Wiggle, Wiggle" or "Woogie Boogie"... :-)

I think Madonna would be perfect for the former, James Last for the latter.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:09 AM

The definitive version of It Ain't Me Babe was definitely the one by the Turtles.
I always liked the Flying Burritos doing If You Got to Go, one of Dylan's more humorous efforts.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 09:34 AM

The Turtles? Yuck! Almost as bad as the Johnny Cash/June Carter Cash version. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

The nicest version of It Ain't Me Babe that I've heard was Lucy Kaplansky's, on A Nod To Bob (I knew I'd remember the name eventually!).

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:05 PM

Whistle Stop, I guess I should have appended an emoticon indicating irony on my Turtles comment. Actually, I liked the Turtles, but that kind of pop wasn't the best format for Bobby D.

I did like the Byrds doing My Back Pages, and evidently so did Dylan, since McGuinn led off the finale at the 30th Anniversary concert that featured Bob, Bruce, Eric, Tom et al, with his trademark Rickenbacker lick. The other Byrds version of a Dylan tune that I thought definitive was You Ain't Goin Nowhere from Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 02:19 PM

Neil Young does the Best version of All Along The Watch Tower that I have ever heard, bar none. Arlo Guthrie does a great version of gates of Eden and Joan Baez's Love is just a four letter word.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: PoppaGator
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:00 PM

Neil's "Watchtower" is pretty great, but for my money, it's a cover of *Jimi's* "Watchtower," not Bob's. That's why I feel that that one particular Hendrix cover is in a category by itself...

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Alonzo M. Zilch (inactive)
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 10:10 PM

Tom Russell's version of Lily, Rosemary & the Jack of Hearts, done as a trio with Joe Ely and Eliza Gilkyson is my favorite Dylan cover of the last few years. Another is Bill Camplin's version of Desolation Row.

Going back a few years, there's Dave Van Ronk's version of Song To Woody and Ramblin' Jack Eliott's version of Don't Think Twice, It's All Right.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 06:25 AM

In My Not So Humble Opinion MOST of Dlyans songs sound better done by
ANYBODY but Dylan , One exception for me is Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll , which really NEEDS the 'rough' delivery of Mr D.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 06:26 AM

Incidentaly I seem to have caught this silly thing about Hundredth post to a thread from Ted !!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,mgonz
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 07:38 PM

In the late 60's my roommate had a Richie Havens album. Richie sang Boots of Spanish Leather. It was the BEST! I have been trying to find that album. I think it was a demo and is not available any longer.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 08:20 PM

Chris Smither does a rather good version of "Desolation Row".

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Cluin
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 12:28 AM

"Tomorrow is a Long Time" by Ian & Sylvia
"Mighty Quinn" by Manfred Mann
and anything from the "Red on Blonde" CD by Tim O'Brien

The covers... Check `em out

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 06:50 AM

Guestmgonz,

I have not heard Havens do Boots of Spanish Leather, but it reminded me of his version of Just Like A Woman from the 30th Anniversary show. Spellbinding.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: JJ
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 09:27 AM

What? All these posts and no one has yet mentioned the classic MGM LP!

Sebastian Cabot, actor
a dramatic reading with music
Bob Dylan, poet

It's like nothing you've ever heard before...

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 08:11 PM

Got to remembering this based on the 60 Minutes thread, but I don't think anyone, including Bob, covers his early work better than Ramblin' Jack. It's a nice peice of irony as Dylan spent a lot of time trying to be Jack Elliott's version of Woody. If you listen to his playing, voice, inflections, and phrasings, Dyaln sounded a lot more like Ramblin' Jack than he did Woody!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 01:28 AM

Absolutely right, Spaw, and that's because Ramblin' Jack was the friggin' best male performer (or performer, period) around in folk music at the time. Dylan was blown away when he heard his first Ramblin' Jack record in Minneapolis. He said it made him feel sick, it was so good. Like Guthrie, but a whole dimension better. He figured he had to match that somehow. Not easy! Where he did eventually exceed Ramblin' Jack was in songwriting ability, and that turned out to be Bob's ace in the hole.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: keberoxu
Date: 18 Jun 16 - 07:01 PM

For years, I wished that Rod Stewart, whose early solo albums always included one Dylan cover, would do an entire album of Dylan covers. I guess if he were going to do so, it would have happened by now.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 18 Jun 16 - 07:09 PM

Joan Baez, Farewell Angelina . Argo Guthrie, Gates of Eden. Adele , Make You Feek My Love . A lot more but these are a few of my favourites.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 18 Jun 16 - 07:14 PM

Apologies for spelling, lost specs, big fingers!

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 19 Jun 16 - 02:11 PM

Chimes of Freedom......Dick Gaughan

Seven Curses...........Oyster Band & June Tabor

Don't think twice......Oyster Band & June Tabor (Peel session)

It's all over now......Van Morrison

Si tu dois a partir....Fairport

Percy's Song...........Fairport

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 19 Jun 16 - 03:25 PM

My favorite is

Early Roman Kings......Bob Dylan

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,Gealt
Date: 19 Jun 16 - 06:03 PM

To Ramona - Sinéad Lohan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6r3qej9RjI

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: David C. Carter
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 06:28 AM

Jim James "Going to Acapulco",I think Calexico are playing too

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,In good company
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 06:43 AM

So many to chose from! If I had to limit it to one, my vote would be "All along the watchtower" by Hendrix. The Byrds "Mr Tambourine Man" or Manfred Mann's "Quinn the Eskimo" would be very close behind.

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,silver
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 08:41 AM

Waylon Jennings - Girl from the North Country (on The Restless Kid Live at JD's, a reissue of live recordings from 1964)
Maria Muldaur - Mr. Tambourine Man
Pete Seeger - A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall (on We Shall Overcome, live at Carnegie Hall 1963)
Joan Baez - Farewell Angelina
Joan Baez - Ring Them Bells

Waylon's early hit "Anita You're Dreaming", written by himself and Don Bowman, is in large parts stolen from Dylan's "To Ramona". But Jennings/Bowman are a lot more courteous to the girl. Ramona's "watery eyes" become Anita's "pretty blue".

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: GUEST,DTM
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 10:58 AM

A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall - Karine Polwart
Mississippi - Rab Noakes

Subject: RE: Favorite Versions of Dylan Songs
From: voyager
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 11:00 AM

Boots of Spanish Leather - Sebastian Cabot