As a public service to ER members, I offer the following list of Dylan covers that do not get as much attention as the ones listed in the poll. Do they rank among the best? Some of them do. Regardless, they are all worthy of a listen. And for what it’s worth, 99% of the time I prefer Dylan’s versions of his songs, but when I hear a good cover, sometimes it makes me realize just how good the song was to begin with.
Absolutely Sweet Marie – Jason and the Scorchers (just a perfect, kick-ass Dylan cover, the live version is best) It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding – The Duhks (I have a live version from somewhere which is better than the good, but over-produced studio version) My Back Pages – Magakoro Brothers (How can anyone listen to this without smiling? – Japanese band, balls-out joy!) Most of the Time – Sophie Zelmani (a spare, haunting, Swedish female version) Pressing On – Chicago Mass Choir (so good it almost makes me want to go to church – almost) Boots of Spanish Leather – Mandolin Orange (I always thought this song would best be performed as a duet – look for the YouTube “Forty Acres” version – excellent video, good audio) Everything Is Broken – R.L. Burnside (a pumped up, bluesy version that will have you searching out more Burnside) One More Cup of Coffee - Sertab Erener (a Turkish female, musical notes on the Phrygian scale - I had to look it up – you should, too – her voice and the accompanying arrangement makes it seem that Bob wrote it for her) Tryin’ to Get to Heaven – David Bowie (who knows why Bowie never released this? – easily found but there’s a version floating around with an annoying DJ that will drive you nuts) No Time to Think – The Belle Brigade (another joyous rendition – I’ve always liked this song but felt that Bob’s version didn’t nail it – I’m not saying this is better, but it certainly adds a new dimension to the song) Lay, Lady, Lay – Isaac Hayes (perhaps the perfect marriage of lyrics and performer – Bob was being a bit cheeky with his version; Hayes is serious – he wants her!) Chimes of Freedom – Bruce Springsteen (sorry, but Springsteen does sing the hell out of this song!) Masters of War - The Roots (the band completely transforms this song into a 9-minute epic -including singing the first couple of verses to the tune of The Star Spangled Banner – no, really! - the best version is from Coachella - only fair video, fair audio - wish I had a professionally recorded version) My Back Pages – McGuinn, Petty, Harrison, Clapton, Young, and Dylan (Okay, I guess it’s technically not a cover, but it’s the best version of My Back Pages and 5/6ths of it is cover).
For what it’s worth, I think the order of songs would make a nice playlist…
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