The soundtrack to Todd Hayne’s terrific biopic I’m Not There is a collection of covers performed by some of the most renowned artists in the current music scene. The premise seems interesting enough, or at least commercially sensible. Tribute albums of famous musicians seem to be a dime a dozen now days though. I can actually recall a couple of these types of albums for I’m Not There’s subject, Bob Dylan, right off the top of my head. So what, if anything, separates this compilation from just any other run of the mill covers album? I’m glad you asked.
The soundtrack for I’m Not There accomplishes a lot more than your average movie soundtrack. First and foremost it features two discs worth of some of the best music ever written, each song superbly orchestrated by the legend himself. So even when I complain about how the cover artists don’t do enough to put their own touch on a Dylan classic, I really have to stop and realize that it’s a Dylan classic none the less and undeniably worth a listen. For true Dylan fans the soundtrack is worth picking up for just that very reason.
When it comes right down to it though, listening to Cat Power choke out an unmemorable rendition of "Memphis Blues" or Jack Johnson take a stab at something with more substance than he’s readily familiar with is interesting for a listen or two; but the songs that will stick with you are the ones that the artists took and made their own. Luckily for us, a handful of the musicians selected for the compilation did just that.
It’s easy to say that a song cover isn’t doing much of anything if it doesn’t find a way to distance itself from its source material. The ideal cover song is one that is both original and true to its roots. The indie group Iron & Wine, are one of the bands that are able to do just that. Their cover of "Dark Eyes" would have fit nicely on the tracklisting of their forthcoming album. Likewise Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy lends his soft yet powerful voice to the classic "Simple Twist of Fate," for those critical of Dylan’s vocal approach this song’s for you. Sufjan Stevens’ take on the ‘80s number "Ring Them Bells" is grandiosely captivating, and one of the most original takes on a Dylan numbers in years.
The Black Keys’ skuzzy blues adaptation of "The Wicked Messenger," is one of the best songs I’ve heard from this seasoned rock band. I guess it just shows how great song writing can make a group sound even better. Meanwhile the eloquent Charlotte Gainsbourg’s whisper of a vocal completely changes the mood of "Just like a Woman." Rather than sticking with Dylan’s more upbeat, slightly comical version, Gainsbourg turns the disposition of the track into a much more somber one, and like the rest of the artists I’ve just mentioned, she makes it her own.
The compilation ends with the film’s namesake, a somewhat obscure song performed by Dylan and The Band which is probably appearing for the first time officially here on this album. The song perfectly ends the two disc set. After hearing an album full of imitators it’s nice to listen to the real deal.
Once I found my way to the end of a double album worth of Dylan covers, the most predominant feeling I got was the urge to pull out a copy of Blonde on Blonde or Blood on the Tracks, not a need to listen to this album again. Sure it\'s an interesting enough compilation, and hopefully fans of the artists featured here will be converted into fans of one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever, that is if they haven’t already seen the light. When I’m given the choice though, I’d much rather hear the cool raspy voice of the great sage himself than any amount of imitators.
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July 06, 2007,
southerneyes
said:
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I don't listen to hip hop at all because I don't like the lyrics and how women are viewed by most in the hip hop world. After reading this review I think I may give Lupe a chance and listen to his material. This was a great review! Many kudos!! |
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Votes: +0 |
July 08, 2007,
ekiM
said:
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this is more "alternative hip-hop" then what you're thinking of southereyes,which is probably the stuff they play on the radio all the time |
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Votes: +0 |
