Dylan Cover #418 The Box Tops - "I Shall Be Released"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by The Box Tops  playing "I Shall Be Released"

Thoughts on Cover:

From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
"I Shall Be Released" has been covered by too many artists to count and with reason; it is a masterpiece. A simple song that will forever be etched in Rock Legend as it ended perhaps the best concert in rock history, The Last Waltz. The Band are always connected to the tune as Dylan wrote it during those amazing days playing with the group up at Big Pink in the Catskills and the group released it on their first album. Gospel in nature the song is about salvation that can be certain, and each listener (and performer) can add their own personal feelings into the sketch, perfect for covering, especially live to close a show with friends.

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist: 

When RtBE originally found out that a band called The Box Tops wrote the famous "The Letter" we just naturally assumed it was a doo-wop group from the 50's. Needless to say it was a pretty big surprise digging into this Memphis based group as they delivered some God damn catchy rock and roll. Alex Chilton made a ton of catchy tunes after this as well and The Box Tops was a dynamite way to start a national career.   

Thoughts on Cover:
A cool cover that unfortunately never raises to the heights it hints at with soothing horns and harmonies. Simply ends a bit early, when things were working so well.