As counter culture icon Bob Dylan turns 70 today, we serve up a selection of seven cover versions by other artists that will stay forever young.
He came from austere Minnesota, took over the mantel of Woody Guthrie, single handedly to embody folk music and protest songs, electrified the 60s counter culture, turned to the charms of rural life in 1968 and became a late apostle of Christ in 1978. With albums like Infidels, Oh Mercy and Time Out Of Mind, he delivered substantial works to stand with the anthems of his 60s heyday and has grown into the role of elder statesman of the blues gracefully. Today Robert Zimmerman, a.k.a. Bob Dylan, turns 70. We celebrate the maestro with seven of the best cover versions by fellow artists from various decades. Don’t look back!
Them & Van Morrison: It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
Like the Byrd’s version of Mr Tambourine Man, this cover initially was thought of in 1966 as a) an original, since it rolls so organically or b) a Rolling Stones cover – considering the chimes and Van’s ripping vocal. However, this version has become a classic in its own right.
Jimi Hendrix: All Along The Watchtower
Released first in a sparse, acoustic version on Dylan’s John Wesley Harding in December 1967, Hendrix’ version matches the apocalyptic lyrical content with dramatic, sombre soundwalls out of his Fender Stratocaster.
George Harrison: If Not For You
The “quiet” Beatle was a great friend of Bob’s: he gave him a beautiful Gibson J200 acoustic guitar (yes, the one on the cover of Nashville Skyline) and even shared band duties with Bob in the garish 80s in an unlikely supergroup The Travelling Willburys, made up of Dylan, Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison). If Not For You was one of those light hearted rural songs that George took back to England after visiting Dylan in his Woodstock, NY, home in 1970.
Cat Power: Stuck Inside Of Mobile
Stuck Inside Of Mobile (With The Memphis Blues Again) is a long surrealist tale of hang-ups. Hang-ups are definitely something Cat Power’s singer Chan Marshall knows about. Her rendition of this version is seemless and unnervingly personal. Plus she looks much better than the songwriter ever has...
The Rolling Stones: Like A Rolling Stone
Who would have more historical right to pick up Dylan’s most popular electric tune than the Stones? Apparently Dylan snidely let the band know on their first meeting (around 1965) in London that he could have written Satisfaction but they couldn’t have written Desolation Row. The truth can be cruel – which also matches the song’s story and attitude. The video was shot by pop wizzard Michel Gondry and features the ever seductive Patricia Arquette.
The White Stripes: One More Cup of Coffee
Stripped down from the original version (with fiddle and castagnettes) to the magic drums/guitar/vocal triangle that made the White Stripes so unique, this middle eastern influenced break up song from 1976' Desire brims of raw power.
Dave Alvin And The Guilty Women: Highway 61 Revisited
The same can be said about Dave Alvins interpretation of the classic Highway 61 Revisited, arguably one of the most covered Dylan mini-epics. The guitar is on the boarder to sounding cheesy but never crosses that line, Alvin’s sour mash varnished vocals are as dry as they are powerful and the groove is just where it should be – unlike in many other tributes.
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