In this ongoing Monday
Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan
song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Nick Cave, Kylie Minouge and Shane McGowan of "Death Is Not The End"
Thoughts on Dylan Original:
Released on the disappointing (worst of his career??) album Down in the Groove "Death Is Not The End" is actually an outtake that dates back to the Infidel's recording sessions, but plays like it is from his Born Again phase, and it may be. Dylan said of Infidels that those songs sat around too long, and this may have been one, which is surprising it was released in 1986...siting around even longer. Dylan keeps the structure very simple with straight ahead harmonica and just a few backing vocals to spruce it up. The simple tune is not offensive (unlike say "Ugliest Girl In the World" from the same album) but it doesn't stay with you too long after it leaves...
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Well looky here we got a few of them to play with, the first being Nick Cave who covered this song in 96 on his cool album titled Murder Ballads. I am of 2 minds on Nick Cave, I first heard about him and actually saw him live in 94 on Lollapalooza and was underwhelmed to say the least. I dig his voice, and he has a few good songs, but his style overall has never really been my cup of tea. I know people like Grinderman, but I have yet to get into them. Kylie Minogue I know next to nothing about, she does a nice job here and I see she had a few dance hits in the late 90's 2000's, no complaints about her so far. Shane MacGowan on the other hand...what is there not to love?!? Thankfully he is keeping alive and it was fun to catch him again this St Paddy's day....
Thoughts on Cover:
Fantastic, a bit theatrical but that works for this song. The blending of 3 distinct styles of singers is something that could backfire very easily but somehow this motley crew pulls it together and the final product rings in the ears wonderfully. Taking a lesser known Dylan tune and making it something larger then life is what I dig the most in this series and these three (plus the Bad Seeds) do a bang up job of this...well done.
Grade: A
Wilson's Take:
Janasie's Thoughts:
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