I played an old record tonight - and remembered the first time I ever heard a specific Dylan song - prior to ever hearing Bob's own version. Every Dylan cover song I've ever heard has made me go back and seek out the "original" vesion, and I have never been disapointed - however I must admit that there are some fantastic versions of his songs done by others... And let's eleminate Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" - no offense to a great (if not DEFINITIVE) version of that song, it's just a little OBVIOUS. I was playing Johnny Winters "Highway 61 Revisted", and remembered why I sought the same titled Dylan lp. While I still love Winter's version - Dylans "Highway 61" lp is one of my top 10 all time favorites, something I cannot claim for "Second Winter". Anyone else recommend essential Dylan cover versions? Anyone else have a similar experience?
Percy's Song-Arlo Guthrie, Fairport Convention. Two fine covers, Dylan never released it officially. It finally showed up on "Biograph" as unreleased! LOL!
I did a whole mix tape of Dylan covers some time ago. A few good ones, including some not so well-known: If Not For You--George Harrison Si Tu Dois Partir--Fairport Convention (aka "If You Gotta Go, Go Now") The Mighty Quinn--Manfred Mann A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall--Edie Brickell Like a Rolling Stone--Rolling Stones I Shall Be Released--Tom Robinson Absolutely Sweet Marie--Jason & the Scorchers It's All Over Now Baby Blue--Bonnie Raitt (best cover of this song) The Groom's Still Waiting at the Altar--Rod Stewart (non-lp b-side) Knockin' on Heaven's Door--Eric Clapton Forever Young--Pretenders ...and, of course, you haven't lived until you've heard... Mr. Tambourine Man--William Shatner(!) I'm sure I'll think of some more...
I really like the Flying Burrito Brothers' version of "I Shall Be Released"... even though they didn't bother to finish it. Good lyrics for Gram Parsons to sing.
Hi, Tough question, can't name just one. A great pen deserves great coverage. Off on a slight tangent, I consider the Grateful Dead's new release "Postcards of the Hanging" to be the best individual band release of Dylan covers. The boys seriously rehearsed at Club Front w/ Bob for this tour (shown on the five or so hours of outtakes) and Jerry was relatively clean. The '87 summer tour was very tight and had many highlights such as the only time I personally saw Garcia play pedal steel. The tangent ends, Jeffrey
Have read about a new Dylan covers album on Linn records - It is by Barb Jungr and is apparently full of torch song versions of his classics such as "Tangled Up in Blue"...that is as much as I know about it. Sounds worthy of investigation at least!
Most of the early Byrds hits Forever Young - Belafonte It's All Over Now Baby Blue - Grateful Dead also Leon Russell Mighty Quinn - Manfred Mann also the Dead
Maggie's Farm--U2 Chimes of Freedom--Bruce Springsteen You Ain't Goin' Nowhere--Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (w/ McGuinn & Hillman) You Angel You--Manfred Mann's Earth Band It Ain't Me Babe--Turtles Mississippi--Sheryl Crow ...and my nominee for the weirdest Dylan cover: Don't Think Twice, It's All Right--Four Seasons
Bonnie did do a great version of "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," but I'd personally hand the title to Van Morrison's version with Them.
My vote for the most bizarre Dylan cover goes to the version of "Maggie's Farm" performed by Bert Parks in the film "The Freshman".
I gotta second Jimbo; Jason and The Scorchers version of "Sweet Marie" is awesome! A great album-ful of Dylan covers: "Lo and Behold" by McGuinness Flint. "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome.." by Shawn Colvin too! Peace, Norm
Steve Earle's cover of "My Back Pages" is on his new Sidetracks album that came out last week. Steve's version has been getting some positive comments. By the way, although Sidetracks is sort of an odds & ends collection, it is definitely worthwhile for any Earle fans, especially those fans of his 'comeback' run of albums. Good stuff.
Tomorrow Is A Long Time - Sandy Denny Beautiful voice, beautiful song, Richard Thompson on guitar and Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal steel. Nuff said.
Three of my favorites: "I Shall Be Released" -- The Band "When I Paint My Masterpiece" -- The Band "Blind Willie McTell" -- The Band Since Richard Manuel and Rick Danko co-wrote "Tears of Rage" and "This Wheel's On Fire", respectively, I don't consider The Band's recordings of those two songs true cover versions. Jay
Hollies sing Dylan. ....and what about Dylan covering himself via John Lennon (4th Time Around/Norwegian Wood)!!
Indeed it was. The 4 Seasons were so popular at the time that the single managed to reach #12. The doo-wop arrangement and Frankie's trademark falsetto make it a hoot to listen to today.
It's You Ain't Goin' Nowhere from the Byrds 'Sweetheart of the Rodeo' and It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry from Bloomfield/Kooper/Stills 'Super Session' for me. The guys works were certainly well revered by many artists. George Harrison's version of If Not For You is great too.
