From Mr Tambourine Man by The Byrds, via All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix, to Adele’s To Make You Feel My Love, certain cover versions of Bob Dylan’s classic songs have been far superior to the originals.
This interesting compilation of 30 covers, released by Chris Euesden’s York label to celebrate the great man’s 70th birthday, doesn’t contain any gems, but there are fascinating reinterpretations of Visions Of Johanna by Chris Smither and Changing Of The Guards by Jez Lowe, to name but two among the British and American acts.
Yorkshire’s very own poet Ian McMillan introduces proceedings with his compelling memory of first hearing Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands on the radio and there is a rare 1972 recording of To Ramona by the erstwhile Yorkshire comedian Tony Capstick. Other highlights include Gary Hall’s plaintive I Shall Be Released and a haunting live version of Not Dark Yet by Steve Phillips and The Rough Diamonds, recorded at the Grosvenor Hotel in Robin Hood’s Bay.
It was unwise to include bland covers of two of Dylan’s most iconic duets, One More Cup of Coffee (originally sung with Emmylou Harris) and Girl From The North Country (Johnny Cash), but these are minor blemishes on a brave project, the proceeds of which go to Oxfam.
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