Amanda of Flop Eared Mule has a top-shelf blog about both country AND western music -- and would probably resent me categorising it as such -- and has elevated Bob Dylan's Seven Curses to the top of her list of favourite Dylan covers.
Tom Russell Indians Cowboys Horses Dogs (Hightone Records)
This is how good Tom Russell is: his version of Seven Curses on his new album made me momentarily forget it was written by Bob Dylan. I thought, what a great song, Tom Russell is a genius. A few seconds later I came to my senses but my judgement remains, he's a genius and this has shot to the top of my list of best Dylan covers ever.
Sorry, Emmylou.
This selection caused much debate here at Rebecca Mansions. Well, I did most of the debating, all of it actually. Both the TV and the stereo flatly refused to offer up ANYTHING in the way of opinion. And as for the toaster, well, I may as well have been talking to the stove. Imbeciles.
Anyhoo, there's another Dylan track on the album. Lily, Rosemary and The Jack of Hearts which, as it happens, was the first Dylan song (sung by Dylan) I ever liked, and on Russell's album with Joe Ely along for the ride, I prefer to Seven Curses.
Here are three other Dylan covers that I love.
The First: Haven't heard it in ages, but Brian Ferry's version of Hard Rain which came out in about 1974 or '75, was the first time I'd ever heard about Bob Dylan.
The Longest: While Jimi Hendrix's version of All Along The Watchtower deserves all the plaudits it gets, I prefer his live version of Like A Rolling Stone from the Monterey Festival.
The Latest: A fantastic version of Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues by former Commander Cody front man, Bill Kirchen.
Now, what do you like? You might pick something like, say, I'll Be Your Baby Tonight by The Chantoozies, or you might not. I would not.
"I Shall Be Released": Nina Simone.
"I Believe In You": Phoebe Snow.
Posted by: Sedgwick | 30 November 2004 at 13:02
The only Dylan song my wife tolerates (actually enjoys) is the Whitlam's cover of "Tangled up in Blue".
Playing "Lily, Rosemary and The Jack of Hearts" drives her nuts (with rage).
Posted by: pat | 30 November 2004 at 13:24
"Don't think twice it's alright"--Indigo girls and Joan Baez
Posted by: vague | 30 November 2004 at 13:26
I don't resent it -- I love country music. It took alot of therapy but I can finally say it in public. I could hide behind euphemisms like "roots" or "americana" but I'm out and proud. Folks like Tom are putting the western back in c&w and that is no bad thing.
I like Eliza and (especially) Joe seperately but I'm wasn't wowed by then on Rosemary ... I would have prefered Tom do it solo. Seven Curses is just so intense and he makes it his own.
Dylan covers. Let's see. Off the top of my head ...
I second the love for Nina's covers.
Chimes of Freedom, Bruce Springsteen
Every Grain of Sand, Emmylou
With God on Our Side, Buddy Miller (off his new one)
Most of the ones on the Masked and Anonymous soundtrack
How long is that Jimi LARS? Elvis' Tomorrow Is A Long Time is pretty long.
Posted by: Amanda | 30 November 2004 at 13:40
The Whitlams version of Tangled Up In Blue was decidedly average but it lead me to listen to the original. Which means I can't totally slag it.
Posted by: Adam 1.0 | 30 November 2004 at 16:40
First up, even though I love Tangled Up In Blue, I still hate The Whitlams.
I can see now how that could be misinterpreted, Amanda. By longest, I meant I'd liked the song for the longest time, not the length of the song.
I've got the Buddy Miller album too. Top notch.
Can I just be a touch blasphemous and say I don't much like Emmy Lou?
And I'm always wary of sticking music in labels, bt if I had to stick to one, I'd use Americana whereas I particularly dislike Alt-Country for it's snobby undertones.
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 November 2004 at 18:18
With you on "Hard Rain" - not my first contact with Dylan, but amongst my first with Ferry, who since then I've kinda respected without actually liking. Great version, and I can't for the life of me find it anywhere - I've got a dim recollection of seeing a black & white live clip of it on "Sounds Unlimited" (with Donny Sutherland! Yes, I am old).
But how could you not like the angelic Emmylou? I've always thought that Kasey Chambers would be best placed as Emmylou's songwriter - can you imagine how good some of her stuff would be with Emmylou Harris on vocals and a bunch of top flight Nashville muso's?
Posted by: waste | 30 November 2004 at 20:14
Ministry's take on "Lay Lady Lay"....
Different... thats all I'll say.
Posted by: Adsy | 30 November 2004 at 20:34
Maybe I'm some kinda weirdo, but I have not heard one single Bob cover that I would not prefer to hear from the master himself.
And if I never hear another Byrrrds cover, it'll be too soon.
Posted by: Ferombah Hynde | 30 November 2004 at 21:41
Generally I'm with Ferombah Hynde regarding covers of Dylan songs; with two exceptions: Rod Stewart. Tomorrow is a Long Time (on Every Picture Tells a Story, I think); and Mighty Quinn by Manfred Mann. Can't think of any others, though.
Posted by: John R | 30 November 2004 at 22:00
Oh, and This Wheel's on Fire by Julie Driscoll.
Posted by: John R | 30 November 2004 at 22:02
'Death is not the end', Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
Posted by: Frank | 30 November 2004 at 22:08
Waste, I remember Sounds Unlimited too. Whatever happened to Donny? Is he hanging out with Izzy Dye?
Ferry alsao did GREAT stuff with Roxy Music. Very, very under-rated band who need more people pushing them.
Like me now: You simply must get For Your Pleasure, Stranded, Country Life, Siren and Viva! Roxy Music (The Live Roxy Music Album). Even Avalon from about 1982 is an exceptionally well put together bit of gear.
My favourite would be Siren, one of the best produced albums of the seventies, with Whirlwind, End of the Line, Sentimental Fool and She Sells. And even though it's over-played, Love is The Drug is still a top song.
I don't get upset by Emmy Lou or anything like that, I just don't warm to her gear.
Adsy, aren't Ministry big haired screechers? Mind you, looking them up, I see the song's on Tapes Of Wrath. I like that style of punsmanship. There's hope for them yet. Now, what's this I see? Filth Pig? That's got possibilities too.
Probably, generally, about, kind of, maybe even with you there, Ferombah. Never the less, many, many, many Dylan songs have been magnificently covered.And I'm right with you on your second point. I'll be satisfied if I never hear Mr Tambourine Man again.
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 November 2004 at 22:21
Oops, cross posting.
John, speaking of Rod, Every Picture Tells A Story is one of my Top 10 songs of like EVAH.
As well as TISALT, Rod does an acceptable Mama You Been On My Mind on Never A Dull Moment and Only A Hobo on Gasoline Alley.
Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat
An' cov'rin' the crossroads I'm standing at,
Or maybe it's the weather or something like that,
But mama, you been on my mind.
Is the Driscoll version of WOF the one that opens Absolutely Fabulous? If it is, I may have to get violent by association. I hate that f*^%$^n' show! Don't mind The Band's version though, although I'm not about to rave it up.
I plead ignorance, Frank. Me no know Nick Cave's version. Although I'm on the record as saying I don't get Cave. Don't get him at all.
"SPENT SOME TIME FEELIN' INFERIOR!!!!"
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 November 2004 at 22:38
I'm afraid it may be the one which opens Absolutely Fabulous, but you can't blame Julie Dirscoll for that (I think she recorded it in the late sixties). I'm with you on Ab Fab, though ... overrated shite (though on a scale of one to ten I'd given Joanna Lumley one anytime!) ... and also on Every Picture. Must be one of the best albums of all time. Pity Rod the Mod couldn't keep up the standard. He went downhill fast and stayed bouncing along the bottom until he discovered Tom Waits songs. Does acceptable versions of them, too.
Posted by: John R | 30 November 2004 at 22:42
Actually, I just looked up the Ab Fab connection and it would appear Julie Driscoll sung it as a duet with Adrian Edmondson! J'accuse!
Lumley was juicy as Purdy. Very saucy. I saw her on Parky once and whaddaya know, she's super smart and classy as well. Damn that woman!
Why the hell she sold herself short pretending to be pissed for half a dozen seasons is beyond me. As with most bad shows, one kind-of-funny skit put on a rack and painfully stretched out. Crap.
And we shouldn't forget Maggie May. It might be over-played to the shit-house, but it's still an absolute belter.
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 November 2004 at 22:50
Ferry is very good on his Lennon covers such as ,obviously, Jealous Guy and also It Must be Love.
David Bowie's tribute to Bob "Song for Bob Dylan" comprises part of the average half of a half brilliant album.
Another Ministry pun album title "The Mind is a Terrible thing to Taste" has what I think is their best song "So What". Up there with "Jesus Built my Hotrod"; - "nobody with a good car needs to be justified".
Posted by: pat | 30 November 2004 at 23:09
OK. Maybe you *can* blame Julie Driscoll. T'original's still great, though. I've fond memories of lusting after her on Top of the Pops and Ready Steady Go. (Christ, I'm showing my bloody age here!)
Just remembered "Si To Doit Partir", "Million Dollar Bash" and "Percy's Song" by Fairport Convention (on the Unhalfbricking album). The first's quite jolly and the last is, I believe, almost as good as Dylan's version on Biograph. Billion Dollar Bash is crap by anyone and would have been best remaining unwritten.
Posted by: John R | 30 November 2004 at 23:27
Never been a big fan of Lennon's solo work, Pat. After Instant Karma and a few others, I can take him or leave him. The only It Must be Love I know is the one by Madness.
I'd suggest Hunky is 85% brilliant.
This Ministry band interests me strangely. However, I've a sneaking suspicion that although they have a sense of humour, they may play tripe.
Unhalfbricking?!? Superb album. Also A Sailor's Life and obviously Who Knows Where The Time Goes. Magnificent. I don't know Billion Dollar Bash though, John. Am I missing something here? You know, in the "gag-cover" department? And I'm inclined to agree, Million Dollar Bash is hardly fruit o' the loom Dylan.
Posted by: Tony.T | 30 November 2004 at 23:51
Should have said "It's Only Love" from Ferry's "Lets Stick Together" album.
I'd like to hear Ferry do a cover of "Oh, Yoko".
Posted by: pat | 01 December 2004 at 00:28
With Jerry Hall vomiting on backing vocals.
Posted by: pat | 01 December 2004 at 00:29
Favourite Dylan cover? The soil on top of his cold, cold grave.
Posted by: hungbunny | 01 December 2004 at 02:46
Pat, more like "With Jerry Hall vomiting ON Yoko".
Hung, I hope your car breaks down on the Coulsdon Bypass.
Posted by: Tony.T | 01 December 2004 at 09:53
Billion Dollar Bash? Ooops ... adusted for inflation, obviously.
Posted by: John R | 01 December 2004 at 11:12
That's "adjusted". Fingers are f****d this morning.
Posted by: John R | 01 December 2004 at 11:12
It Ain't Me Babe by Nancy Sinatra.
Good to hear the boot on the other foot.
But then I also like Don't think Twice by Peter, Paul and Mary - so what would I know.
btw Ab Fab has done pretty damn well on its one joke and is much loved round these far parts.
Posted by: boynton | 01 December 2004 at 11:49
Yeah, with other album covers such as "Psalm 69: The way to succeed and suck eggs" and "Dark side of the spoon", Ministry are a bit different. Not all that good but different.
You might have picked this up but not a bad covers site for Dylan... good, bad and indifferent:
http://dylancoveralbums.com/various1.htm
Posted by: Adsy | 01 December 2004 at 13:36
Jesus Built My Hotrod is one of my all-time faves, don't know why, because it's a crap song really. It just grows on you, like a tumour.
Posted by: Dirk Thruster | 02 December 2004 at 21:19
Ferombah Hynde once confided in me that he is a HUGE fan of Guns 'n' Roses version of Knockin' on Heaven's Door.
"Momma take this badge from me. I can't use it any moew-ah-woh."
He really loves that bit.
Posted by: Big Ramifications | 03 December 2004 at 09:41
How those fingers coming along, John?
Just don't mention the awful Blowing in the Wind, B. Hey Dad also did pretty damn well on its one joke.
How about this one, Adsy ...
Bob Dylan Revisitado: Un Tributo en la Lengua del Amor
Featuring ...
Vivimos En Un Mundo Politico (Political World)
By ...
All Sex Picken
Dirk, with a name like that, it's gotta be good.
Big, punch Ferombah in the arm for me please. Just once, not too hard. To make him aware of my disapproval.
Posted by: Tony.T | 03 December 2004 at 15:29
Hey dad?
Ok but I suspect most sitcoms good and bad have a one joke premise - it's just whether the joke appeals or not. Even your average play can be reduced to a one liner:
Hamlet Whine whine whine...To be or not to be...I'm dead
And Blowin in the wind? I was actually going to mention that">http://www.peterpaulandmary.com/music/03.htm">that
Posted by: boynton | 03 December 2004 at 17:17
I once had a teacher who told me you couldn't write in the first person from the grave, so Short Hamlet makes no sense.
Unless he's a zombie Dane.
Most good long-running sitcoms, Frazier, Cheers, Mary Tyler Moore, Larry Sanders and Porridge for instance, continue to deliver top notch writing from season to season, they don't just revolve around a couple of slappers acting pissed every week.
Blowing in the Wind blows.
Posted by: Tony.T | 03 December 2004 at 19:12
It's not true! IT'S NOT TRUE!!
*Wailing, stamping feet, gnashing teeth*
I'd like to see Guy Sebastian cover "Masters of War".
Posted by: Ferombah Hynde | 04 December 2004 at 13:33
No probs, Ferombah. Anyway, I had you picked for Anthony Callea doing "You're A Big Girl Now".
Now go and punch Big and make him stop listening to Twisted Sister.
Posted by: Tony.T | 04 December 2004 at 17:17
I recievef info about Trevor Horn covering Brian Ferry music on "Top of the Pop" Comps. in the 70s-are these rumors? Does anybody have anything to possibly back this up?
Posted by: Timothy SChoonover | 06 August 2006 at 10:27