Everyone covers Dylan: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"

Bob Dylan wrote "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" for the 1973 film Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. I have never seen this movie, but seeing as how is stars James "Tex" Coburn, Kris "Beardily Hot" Kristofferson, and Bob "He's in Movies?" Dylan I don't know how I haven't. Apparently the 1988 director's re-edit of this film is awesome.

Anyway, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" isn't my favorite Dylan song, but it's one I really enjoy the original of and it's pretty hard to screw up. I mean, even Avril Lavigne's cover isn't bad. Lucky for you, I chose to give you other options than Canada's little angry girl.

The original version of the song:

1. Eric Clapton sometimes feels a little reggae:


You know I chose this 1977 video mostly for Yvonne Elliman.

2. Here's a special rendition that only 80s metal could create that Australia's own Heaven rocked in 1985.

Are they in a canyon?

3. But you really can't beat GnR's classic 1992 rendition. Slash kills his solo.


Best backup singers ever?


4. Randy Crawford recorded her own version in 1989. Here's a soullicious 1993 live performance in Vienna.


SAX!


5. The Alarm, a Welsh band I've don't know much about, frequently performed the song live in the mid-80s.


If you don't do "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" as a power ballad, are you only left with a reggae beat?

100 Favorite Songs: 31-35

Well this is an interesting bunch.

31. "The Look of Love" by Dusty Springfield (1967)

More Burt Bacharach, but this time from the soundtrack for the spooftastic Casino Royale. Mostly I just love the bridge. At least I think it's the bridge, but since there's no discernible chorus, it's hard to tell. It's the part that's starts with "I can hardly wait to hold you..."


I may or may not start to move like Dusty Springfield whenever I sing.

32. "Old Love" by Eric Clapton and Robert Cray (1989)

2 ways to get me to listen to blues: an interesting chord progression or gorgeous instrumental solos. Luckily this has both--mostly in the form of gorgeous guitar solos from both Eric and Robert in this version.


I love Sting so much.


33. "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5 (2004)

Their one song that doesn't get obnoxious after about 5 times through. Plus I can never resist some good blue-eyed soul. (Skip to about 1:30)


It's just so catchy.

34. “More Than a Feeling” by Boston (1976)

I love pretty much every song by Boston since they all sound like slightly different versions of the same awesome road trip song, but "More Than a Feeling" is their finest. Not only was this the least obnoxious ring tone I ever had, but it contains some great Brad Delp's voice blending into a wailing guitar moments.


Mmmmmustache.

35. "Photograph" by Def Leppard (1983)

Blah blah blah, Def Leppard is pretty lame and WTF was with all those Union Jacks. Whatever. This is pop rock at its finest.


Passion killer? Cage? Marilyn Monroe? This video's creepy.

25 Days of Christmas Music: Cryin' Christmas Tears

A 1998 performance by Eric Clapton. Blueseriffic. "Cryin' Christmas Tears." Go.


Hey, look! The Clintons!