Monday, October 14, 2013

Dylan Cover #108 James Arthurs Megan Bonnell Dave Kirby "What Good Am I?"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune comes from the James Arthurs Megan Bonnell Dave Kirby and is a live cover of "What Good Am I?"

Thought's on Original:
Coming on the heels of Dylan's most powerful song in decades "What Good Am I?" can get lost on Oh Mercy, but the track is a sorrowful sweet plea. Slow and deliberate, questioning like the Louisiana night that may have inspired it. Dylan's vocal performance may not be his best but at the heart of it this is a really powerful song. Not one of his better known tracks, but a goodie all the same. Simple and slow, direct without hidden agenda's (I Think) all of which is a bit unique for Bob.
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I never heard of the trio who is doing our cover this week, from what I can tell from a quick Google search they are musicians in Canada, but I don't got much more. Feel free to enlighten me.
Thoughts on Cover:
This is an under covered song and this version leads one to ask, why? The trio does an excellent job adding a simple grace to things. They switching of male and female vocals between first and second verses is excellent, as is the melding of those voices the rest of the song. The simple solo mixed with a harmonica feels tender, I also really dig the return to the first verse to tie a bow on things, excellent job guys and gal.  
Grade: A-

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