Monday, February 4, 2019

Dylan Cover #361 George Harrison "If Not For You"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by George Harrison playing "If Not For You"

Thoughts on Original:
The song was first recorded in May 1970 with George Harrison then re-recorded that August and released later that year on New Morning. The Harrison version surfaced on the excellent Bootleg Series 1-3 and George has been connected to the song for years, (releasing his own version on All Things Must Pass) but the tune has a true Dylan feel, especially around his post motorcycle accident days. Country, with poetic and romantic overtones, simple, light, yet lasting the tune is a winner on all fronts.

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
George Harrison is the Beatle who was closest with Dylan, as he orchestrated the amazing Traveling Wilburys and wrote/recorded with Bob on a few other occasions. Bob even covered "Something" live in tribute to Harrison.There was a deep connection, friendship and respect between the two and it is palpable. We will have a few Harrison covers this month...

Thoughts on Cover:
Excellent. The Beatle adds strings and pop orchestration but has a melancholy vocal to the tune that seems to not fully believe in the love hinted at. Or maybe the singer is just at wits end, either way it is a song he is very attached to and with good reason.

No comments:

Post a Comment