My man Judd is at it again – he’s got a good discussion going, talking about his favorite live tunes, and he slipped one of my all-time favorites onto his list.
To me, Eric Clapton’s version of Dylan’s classic “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” (recorded at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Tribute Concert) is the perfect example of an artist OWNING a cover of a song, and in my opinion, Clapton’s version is the definitive cover of the song.
Check it out for yourself below, and tell me in the comments – what are some of your favorite cover versions, and why?
P.S. – I can’t believe that the 30th Anniversary Tribute Concert isn’t available officially on DVD or Blu-ray!
I agree, Matt. I would buy that on BluRay in a second. I have a bootleg copy of the entire performance…excellent. Don't forget that Booker T & The MGs are backing up Clapton and most of the rest.
To be honest. I was inspired to write that post after I read your J. Geils / Henley Cage match post.
J. Geils, “The Morning After” is one of the only studio albums I can think of that has the same feel as a live album. Whenever I listen to that, I feel like I am at a live show. Surely this is a result of them being at the tom of their game after gigging so much.
So, for me it is the greatest non-live, live album I have ever heard.
Not only is it the best cover of the song, it's the best thing Clapton's done in years.
Oh, and you might want to reconsider that last.fm widget. it just gave away that you played A Place To Call My Own. Suck it, Tommy Shaw!
Friends And Lovers?
Please tell me you're listening to your Irony playlist.
That one was for you, sugar lips.
From that same concert come two other definitive versions of Dylan songs.
One is Johnny Winter's “Highway 61.” His slide playing and vocals make it seem as if it were written for him.
The other is “Seven Days” by Ron Wood from his great solo album “Gimme Some Neck.” Another case of the song fitting the artist perfectly.
Kevin…I agree. Both of those tunes are gems. When you watch Johnny Winter walk off the stage after he tears the head of that beast, you see the shear joy of the other artists who witnessed that.
Also…Ronnie Wood: GREAT version. His live solo album, “LIve & Standing” has a killer version as well.
Bob gave that song to him…and Ronnie took it and ran. On the “Biograph” box set from Bob, he does his version of Seven Days…Ronnie wins.
Good call.
I was at that show! He also did an amazing cover of Love Minus Zero/No Limit that didn't make it onto the album, I think because of technical difficulties with the recording. The standout was really Neil Young, though — his Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues from the same show would probably make my best-ever covers list. I agree about Johnny Winter too — unbelievable.
I also want to go on record as saying that I did NOT boo Sinead O'Connor.
Weird, I could have sworn that that one made it to the album, but
you're right. To think that I just questioned the wisdom of
Pete….for shame! I forgot about Sinead getting booed at that show!
I seem to recall it making the video, but not the album.
Eric Clapton Clapton most certainly DOES own that cover. Nails it. Judd made a good point about Booker T & the MGs…doesn't hurt to have those stalwarts backing him up, now, does it?
I also agree with Judd about J. Geils 'The Morning After'…freaking electrifying.
As far as cover versions go, a few of my favorites are:
Sonic Youth doing 'Superstar'
The Bangles covering 'Hazy Shade of Winter'
William Shatner doing doing 'Mr. Tambourine Man'
There are plenty more, but those were the first that popped into my head. As for the 'why' part of the question, well, I can never explain why I like ANY of the music you like…it's kinda like being in love with somebody…you can't explain WHY you love that person, you just do.
Listening to the Petty box reminded me of the killer version they did that night of License To Kill.
I've always loved that Bangles cover version, and when they did their initial run of reunion shows in 2000, it made for a really awesome show opener. They were really “on it” on the night that I saw them in Chicago, something that wasn't quite captured on the live DVD recorded during that same series of dates.
Good call on the Sonic Youth cover as well!! A classic!
Prior to the shenanigans on the most recent Springsteen tour, Petty and the Heartbreakers might have been able to lay exclusive claim to the title of “world's greatest cover band.” There are a ton of covers on that new live anthology, and yet it's only a fraction of the many tunes that they have tackled over the years.
Eric Clapton Clapton most certainly DOES own that cover. Nails it. Judd made a good point about Booker T & the MGs…doesn't hurt to have those stalwarts backing him up, now, does it?
I also agree with Judd about J. Geils 'The Morning After'…freaking electrifying.
As far as cover versions go, a few of my favorites are:
Sonic Youth doing 'Superstar'
The Bangles covering 'Hazy Shade of Winter'
William Shatner doing doing 'Mr. Tambourine Man'
There are plenty more, but those were the first that popped into my head. As for the 'why' part of the question, well, I can never explain why I like ANY of the music you like…it's kinda like being in love with somebody…you can't explain WHY you love that person, you just do.
Listening to the Petty box reminded me of the killer version they did that night of License To Kill.
I've always loved that Bangles cover version, and when they did their initial run of reunion shows in 2000, it made for a really awesome show opener. They were really “on it” on the night that I saw them in Chicago, something that wasn't quite captured on the live DVD recorded during that same series of dates.
Good call on the Sonic Youth cover as well!! A classic!
Prior to the shenanigans on the most recent Springsteen tour, Petty and the Heartbreakers might have been able to lay exclusive claim to the title of “world's greatest cover band.” There are a ton of covers on that new live anthology, and yet it's only a fraction of the many tunes that they have tackled over the years.
I think this is some of Clapton's finest guitar playin'!!! Is there a DVD of this performance? I'd give anything to have it! Somebody let me know. Robin Rothwell 727-643-4771
Impressive performance, lacks only smoke coming from the guitar.
best by far. until i heard this i liked the john and june cash version but as a blues enthusiast this is right on. i wish i could find the lead tabs. i have been trying for years to get it right by ear but thats a hard boat to row for an uneducated hillbillie playing by ear. any hints on where to get those lead notes eric owns….?