Everyone covers Dylan: "It Ain't Me Babe"

This weeks Dylan adventure, 1964's "It Ain't Me Babe" from Another Side of Bob Dylan. This song seems to change meaning with every cover.

Dylan himself from a delete scene from Don't Look Back (released 1967):

Have you ever run after a celebrity?

1. The Turtles with their fun-loving 1965 pop cover.

When did the vocal style in the "no, no, no" part go out of style?

2. I kind of always want to punch Joan Baez in the face, but I have to admit that I like the melancholy tone of her cover as performed in 1965.


Douchiest introduction to a song ever?

3. Johnny Cash and June Carter originally recorded a version in 1965. Here they are performing their flirtatious version live.

Where can I get June's dress?


4. From a 2009 BBC Session with Fleet Foxes, Robin Pecknold soloing a straight forward cover:

I just found out this guy is basically the same age as me. That's all.


5. Silvertide's generic '00s rock cover that appeared in the Lady in the Water (2006) soundtrack:

And just because it made me love them despite their pretentiousness, a wacky version with both Bob Dylan and Joan Baez!

100 Favorite Songs: 81-85

The one with the surprise ending.

81. “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee (1976)

I can't resist a fabulous duet.

Best or worst promotional video ever?

82. “Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor (1970)

Written for James Taylor's nephew James, this song is a perfect lullaby.


Incredibly weird to see him so young.

83. “Cocaine Blues” by Johnny Cash (1968) (written by T.J. "Red" Arnall in 1947)

I think this would be the perfect campfire song.


It's just so fun to sing along to, really.

84. “Baby I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton (1975)

Yes. Peter Frampton. It's a good song, okay?

And at least I didn't choose this version.


Also, wikipedia tells me it was written by Bob Marley so...face.

85. “Fast Cars and Freedom” by Rascal Flatts (2005)

Once again outing myself as a lover of cheesy cheesy songs. I cannot resist a good pop song, even if it's got a splash or 12 of country.

You have to admit these fellas sound good live.

25 Days of Christmas Music: I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! My last musical gift to you is the 1977 performance by Johnny Cash and June Carter for a Christmas program with Billy Graham and family:


These two are the sweetest couple. I love them so much.

Medley of the Day: Key Change edition

Nothing makes me giggle in delight more than a song that decides to take it up or down a notch with a key change at the last minute.

I know I already assaulted you with "I'd Love to Lay You Down" by Conway Twitty in the most ridiculous edition of The Audacity of Rock, but it bears repeating:

Speaking of country key changes, "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash. What is there, like 5? Good work, young Mr. Cash.

Although, a key change is the perfect way to end a prolonged musical experience as well. Take the show closing "Danse Mon Esmeralda" from Notre Dame de Paris. I kind of hate this song for making me think it's over, but instead just changing keys for another depressing reprise of the chorus, but it's too glorious to really hate.

Speaking of theatrical key changes, "Keep Yourself Alive" by Queen. I love everything about this song and this music video.

And no worries, the art of a great key change isn't lost. Here's MGMT's very recent "The Youth."

Happy Birthday, America

I'll be celebrating my Fourth of July by covering 2 shifts! What's a better way to express my patriotism by working retail which every day proves the economic downturn?

At least I bought some sparklers to express myself the true American way: with pyrotechnics.

So, for the awesome in your holiday, here's Johnny Cash reciting "I Am the Nation":



And here's my personal favorite song that includes the word "America" a lot as performed by the lovely and talented Hugh Laurie on A Bit of Fry and Laurie. Also, Stephen Fry makes an appearance:



Go barbecue or blow something up tomorrow.