So after noting WRSA’s post of what has got be one of Bob Dylan’s best-ever compositions (nota bene: I am NOT, nor have I ever been, a huge fan of Dylan’s), it occurred to me that I really ought to return the favor with what I think to be a considerable one-up: what has got to be the most beautiful version of said composition you’re ever gonna hear.
Gorgeous, simply gorgeous, si? So gorgeous, in fact, that you can practically hear your heart breaking. As perfect an example of the soul-stirring power of truly good music as you could ever hope to hear, this one is—especially on that last verse, when the vocal harmony line joins in and transforms the song from “pure genius” to “choir of angels” levels of beauty. Everyone involved with this arrangement, performance, and recording ought to be damned proud of their work on it.
- Entries
One of the keys to appreciating Dylan is to seek out a version of his song someone else covered.
I recall long, long ago, my late father hated the Beatles, despised them. Once when I was about 15, so around 1968, a song came on the station he would listen to, an orchestra playing a song written by the Beatles. At first he didn’t believe me… I never heard him say another word about the Beatles.
A lot of people like my grandfather hated them because of what John Lennon said about being bigger than Jesus.
John had a big mouth.
I recall that. I think in my Dad’s case he just thought their music was awful.
Judging from his reaction to a different presentation of the Beatles music in what might be considered more “classical”, what he didn’t get or didn’t like was the presentation and production.
Sort of how I look at a lot of recent music. I see a song underneath it all I could probably like. I see talent.
But the Bass produced by obvious synthesizers and the 400 backing tracks that don’t serve as a choir as much as they serve to muddy and/or mask imperfections just gives me a feeling of soullessness. The human factor has been replaced by machines in the production.
I know deep down there if they just gave me a simplified guitars, bass, drums, piano etc on an 8-20 track production, instead of 1000 tracks laid on top, I might find things more interesting.
Not just Dylan’s but Leonard Cohen songs as well.