Monday, October 8, 2018

Dylan Cover #345 Bettye LaVette "It' Ain't Me, Babe"

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 Bettye LeVette playing "It Ain't Me, Babe"

This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series. In the past we have highlighted The ByrdsCoulson-Dean-McGuiness-FlintThe HolliesJoan OsbourneMountain and more. Now the spotlight shines on Bettye LaVette and her recently released Things Have Changed covers album.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
One of the best Dylan songs because it is universal, to the point, lyrical, smirking, self-centered and a perfect statement. Dylan has written lots of songs that can be covered well (as evident by this series) but "It Ain't Me, Babe" fits perhaps better then almost any other one into a huge variety of styles. That is because we have all been in the singers position one time or another...and it is a damn good song.

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
RtBE first became aware of Bettye LaVette while watching The American Epic Sessions on PBS and were semi shocked to learn that until the last decade or so LaVette only had minor success in the industry. She is a powerhouse singer and can turn a phrase with the best of them, using Gospel, R&B, Soul and Funky backings to croon her way forward.

Thoughts on Cover:
RtBE has showcased lots of covers of this song often in this series because it is so universal. This may be one of the best we have ever heard as the soul just drips from LaVette and the band. The slow light drumming tempo and warm Rhodes piano sound works expertly letting LaVette's vocals growl, soar and emote in a subdued but incredibly effective manner. Another showstopper from LaVette and crew.

No comments:

Post a Comment