Music Monday #3: The Bob Dylan Edition

Hello there and welcome to my third Music Monday and I will be your humble host AJ Riley. This weeks post will be about the man, the myth, the legend Mr. Robert Zimmerman also known as Bob Dylan. You either love him or hate him (you will never hear an ill word spoken of the man here) but one can not dispute the fact that he has had a profound influence in the music industry for decades. I do admit he is not for everyone, but he is one of my all time favorite musicians.

Most people who know of Bob Dylan that are not fans have no idea that he has had an influence on bands that they do listen to. I am telling you there are hundreds of bands that have done a Dylan cover. The most recent one's I know of include The Fleet Foxes, Cat Power, Dave Mathews. Guns and Roses gained a lot of popularity with Knocking on Heaven's Door which to be quite honest is one of the only songs I have really liked by them.

Here are my top 5 favorite Dylan covers, I'm sure you have heard at least two or three.


1. Johnny Cash and June Carter - It Ain't Me Babe

This dynamic duo added a much more country folk spin than Dylan had. He released this song before his going electric and I believe Cash remade it a year later. Many many others have covered this song but this version happens to be my favorite, only second to the big man himself.

2. Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower

I don't know if I need to explain why I think this version is amazing. He really gives Dylan a run for his money, and in fact I just MIGHT like this version better than the original. Again, many others have taken a shot at covering this song but none hold a candle to Hendrix.

3. The White Stripes - One More Cup of Coffee.

 

I love this cover for two reasons, The White Stripes and Bob Dylan. I fully admit I am biased when it comes to Jacky boy but this is my blog and I can say what I want! Although, this may not be my favorite cover that the White Stripes has done but it is my favorite version of this song. It makes me thing of an old Western. Oh how I miss you Meg…

4. Beck - Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat 

 

This song is interesting because it was initially meant for Dylan's Blonde On Blonde album but there was not a version recorded that Dylan found suitable to be released. I first heard this song by Dylan on his bootleg CD released in 2005.

5. Rage Against the Machine - Maggie's Farm.

 

This version of Maggie's Farm will knock you off your socks. I love this version of the song because it puts a real emotion behind the lyrics and paints a perfect picture of a downtrodden individual who has finally had enough. The song itself builds up slowly with Zack de la Rocha ultimately screaming he has had enough at the end.

 

Well hope you all enjoy these, I know I still do. Until next time, A+