In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is by Happy Traum and it is a cover of "Let Me Die In My Footsteps"
Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this track:
A Dylan track that for once you don't have to wonder what he is singing about. This is Dylan's reaction to nuclear war and the cold war scare that was happening, "Let Me Die In My Footsteps" is a defiant statement against to the idea of bomb shelters and fear. A proud American song that still resonates today and an early Dylan track we go back to periodically. Also sounding a whole hell of a lot like "Long Black Veil" helps things out too. Quick side note, it was the first Dylan song we put on the morning of September 11th 2001.
Cover:
Thoughts on The Cover Artist:
Happy Traum was a friend of Dylan's from the early days in Greenwich Village and recorded some of his songs back in the late 60's. From his wikipedia page, I am guessing that Bobby might even be singing back up on this track.
Thoughts on Cover:
A true cover, that brings back the folk roots strong on this version. Harmonies (is that Bobby himself?) and texture feel like it could have been recorded live in a coffee house. Good direct stuff.
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