Dylan Covered

Dylan Covered

Dylan Covered is a 15-track celebration of the songwriting of Bob Dylan, bringing together an eclectic selection of interpretations by established artists, cult favourites and alternative music innovators. Originally issued as a CD with the September 2005 edition of MOJO magazine in the UK, this compilation explores the enduring influence of Dylan's songwriting across generations and musical styles.

Rather than presenting a collection of straightforward imitations, Dylan Covered highlights the remarkable adaptability of Dylan's songs. His work has always invited reinterpretation, whether through changes in arrangement, vocal delivery, instrumentation or musical setting, and the performances gathered here demonstrate how far his compositions can travel beyond their original folk and rock foundations.

The compilation opens with Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity's celebrated psychedelic interpretation of "This Wheel's On Fire". Their 1968 recording became a UK hit, transforming the song co-written by Dylan and Rick Danko into a striking piece of late-sixties British psychedelia. The Hollies bring their distinctive harmony-led pop-rock sound to "My Back Pages", while Nancy Sinatra offers a different perspective on "It Ain't Me Babe".

Elsewhere, Hugh Cornwell tackles the sprawling "Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again", and The Stands revisit the country-rock atmosphere of "Lay Lady Lay". Roger McGuinn, whose work with The Byrds helped establish Dylan's songs as a defining part of the folk-rock movement, contributes "Up To Me". The presence of Fairport Convention with "Si Tu Dois Partir" adds another compelling connection to the British folk-rock tradition.

The selection also reaches into more alternative and contemporary territory. Ben Weaver performs "Ballad Of A Thin Man", Michael Weston King interprets "Simple Twist Of Fate", and Chris Whitley takes on "Spanish Harlem Incident". Andrew Bird and Nora O'Connor join forces for "Oh Sister", while The Long Ryders bring their roots-rock sensibilities to "Masters Of War". John Martyn's version of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and the collaboration between M. Ward, Conor Oberst and Jim James on "Girl From The North Country" round out a varied programme.

With contributions ranging from the psychedelic sixties and British folk-rock to alternative country and indie songwriting, Dylan Covered offers an engaging overview of Bob Dylan's influence on musicians working in different eras and traditions. It's an appealing CD for Dylan enthusiasts, fans of the featured artists, collectors of MOJO magazine compilations and anyone interested in hearing familiar songs reinterpreted through different musical perspectives.

Tracklist

1. Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity – This Wheel's On Fire (3:30)

2. The Hollies – My Back Pages (2:56)

3. Nancy Sinatra – It Ain't Me Babe (1:58)

4. Hugh Cornwell – Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again (7:01)

5. The Stands – Lay Lady Lay (3:25)

6. Ben Weaver – Ballad Of A Thin Man (7:20)

7. Roger McGuinn – Up To Me (3:56)

8. Michael Weston King – Simple Twist Of Fate (4:11)

9. The Flying Burrito Bros – To Ramona (3:35)

10. Chris Whitley – Spanish Harlem Incident (2:31)

11. Andrew Bird And Nora O'Connor – Oh Sister (4:50)

12. Fairport Convention – Si Tu Dois Partir (2:18)

13. The Long Ryders – Masters Of War (4:24)

14. John Martyn – Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (4:08)

15. M. Ward, Conor Oberst & Jim James – Girl From The North Country (4:43)