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.