In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Betty LaVette playing "Most of The Time"
Thoughts on Original:
One of the best songs in Dylan's repertoire from any of his era's and also one of the most important, "Most Of The Time" proved Dylan was far from done as an artist. Showing up on the return to form album Oh Mercy, "Most Of The Time" is a revelation with it's descending bass line and powerfully stark lyrics. There is a palpable sense of desperation, longing, sadness, a nervous sense of things are falling apart around me; this tune touches a nerve and makes you stand up and take notice.
Cover:
Rather then a video today, you get just the song...don't worry, its worth it:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
An artist that I had never heard of until I stumbled upon this cover. Betty LaVette has had a full but not superstar career. The actress/singer has only recently jumped into the national scene and with a voice as powerful as this it is a shame it took this long.
Thoughts on Cover:
This is yet another example of an artist making Bob's song their own. Betty's soulful version of this track is gorgeously pain filled and expressive touching an emotional area not approached on the original. With Bob's amazing creation of the tune there was a sense of desperation and despair; LaVette injects passion, fire and more heart working up an inner beast as opposed to looking in from the outside. Her addtion of calling the person in the song a "mother..." is inspired, this one is a keeper all around.
Musically the track flows, ditching the classic descending bass line for a smoother roll-out which suites Betty perfectly. If you needed another reason to purchase the fantastic Amnesty International Chimes of Freedom disk, here it is.
Grade: A
Wilson's Take:
Janasie's Take:
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