I'm Not There
Here's another little article I put together for my buddy's zine. I have been digging the hell out of this album and if you are looking for some new tunes buy this now...
There are two genres of music that rarely produce anything worth my time or money: soundtracks and tribute albums. Clearly there are some exceptions to this rule, but in general I allow most to pass me by.
This past month, a soundtrack surfaced for the movie “I’m Not There” that doubles as a tribute to one of the most revered story-tellers of our time, Bob Dylan. Even though it is full of big names, I was still skeptical that the album would disappoint. Quite often, albums like this end up being an exercise in futility with artists giving half-assed individual efforts that when placed within the context of the other half-assed efforts make for a painful compilation. This album has two-things going for it: incredible source material and whole-hearted attempts at honoring a genius.
It is no secret that Bob Dylan is a master of creating stories and characters that have a universal and timeless appeal. People have been covering him for decades for good reason – he writes better songs then them. Dylan’s writing is full of beautiful imagery and delicious metaphor.
The lineup is impressive on many levels. The artists hail from all different eras and styles - Jeff Tweedy, Cat Power, Roger McGuinn, Mason Jennings, Yo La Tengo, Willie Nelson, Sufjan Stevens, The Black Keys, Los Lobos, Stephen Malkmus, Sonic Youth and Glen Hansard all put their own spin on Dylan classics. For the most part, the homages stay true to the originals, but each song reflects the artist’s perception of the song.
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a song that has been covered by artists ranging from Guns and Roses all the way to Jerry Garcia. To be honest, I find both of the aforementioned versions to be rubbish. On this album, however, Antony and the Johnsons create a sound that bubbles with beauty. With simple piano and perfect phrasing, the song is given a new life and shows the chart the reverence it deserves.
With the help of Calexico, My Morning Jacket’s Jimmy James does a heartfelt rendition of “Going to Acapulco.” I am not too familiar with MMJ’s catalog, but James’s voice is haunting and suits the song well. Some well-placed horns in the background accompany the band as they paint a Dylan masterpiece.
There are a few misses on the album. I find Eddie Vedder’s “All Along the Watchtower” to be boring and there is a section of Willie’ Nelson’s “Senor” where an almost comical voice sings in Spanish, but all in all, this album soars.
Just like Dylan, this album will stand the test of time. A celebration of the man, the myth and the legend that is Bob Dylan could have easily gone awry in less capable hands, but these artists gave Rock and Roll’s patriarch a tribute that is as quality as the man himself.
Much love from Seoul
There are two genres of music that rarely produce anything worth my time or money: soundtracks and tribute albums. Clearly there are some exceptions to this rule, but in general I allow most to pass me by.
This past month, a soundtrack surfaced for the movie “I’m Not There” that doubles as a tribute to one of the most revered story-tellers of our time, Bob Dylan. Even though it is full of big names, I was still skeptical that the album would disappoint. Quite often, albums like this end up being an exercise in futility with artists giving half-assed individual efforts that when placed within the context of the other half-assed efforts make for a painful compilation. This album has two-things going for it: incredible source material and whole-hearted attempts at honoring a genius.
It is no secret that Bob Dylan is a master of creating stories and characters that have a universal and timeless appeal. People have been covering him for decades for good reason – he writes better songs then them. Dylan’s writing is full of beautiful imagery and delicious metaphor.
The lineup is impressive on many levels. The artists hail from all different eras and styles - Jeff Tweedy, Cat Power, Roger McGuinn, Mason Jennings, Yo La Tengo, Willie Nelson, Sufjan Stevens, The Black Keys, Los Lobos, Stephen Malkmus, Sonic Youth and Glen Hansard all put their own spin on Dylan classics. For the most part, the homages stay true to the originals, but each song reflects the artist’s perception of the song.
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a song that has been covered by artists ranging from Guns and Roses all the way to Jerry Garcia. To be honest, I find both of the aforementioned versions to be rubbish. On this album, however, Antony and the Johnsons create a sound that bubbles with beauty. With simple piano and perfect phrasing, the song is given a new life and shows the chart the reverence it deserves.
With the help of Calexico, My Morning Jacket’s Jimmy James does a heartfelt rendition of “Going to Acapulco.” I am not too familiar with MMJ’s catalog, but James’s voice is haunting and suits the song well. Some well-placed horns in the background accompany the band as they paint a Dylan masterpiece.
There are a few misses on the album. I find Eddie Vedder’s “All Along the Watchtower” to be boring and there is a section of Willie’ Nelson’s “Senor” where an almost comical voice sings in Spanish, but all in all, this album soars.
Just like Dylan, this album will stand the test of time. A celebration of the man, the myth and the legend that is Bob Dylan could have easily gone awry in less capable hands, but these artists gave Rock and Roll’s patriarch a tribute that is as quality as the man himself.
Much love from Seoul
posted by Kyle at 8:43 PM
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