Monday, November 20, 2023

Dylan Cover #607 Mark Knopfler "Restless Farewell"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Mark Knopfler playing "Restless Farewell"


This month we are doing another special focus in RtBE's Dylan Covers series.


For November and December we highlight covers from: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we covered this song (which was a twofer)
 Since we took last week off there is a two-fer today with "Rambling Gambling Willy" which is a gorgeous little number about someone I would like to have a beer with before we get "Restless Farewell".  One of Dylan's many tunes based off of a old Irish folk song, this time it is "The Parting Glass".  Lyrics seem bittersweet as time often is, and I always go back to the version he and his crack band played at the Frank Sinatra's 80th Birthday Party, you can see the video here.  I always loved that version, with the added strings, and I am intrigued why he chose to play that song for Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday, when every other performer was doing Sinatra tunes, odd all around.  Far from his sweetest song, but you can sense that Irish longing, behind lines and phrases which makes Liam covering it ideal.    

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Mark Knopfler has a long connection to Dylan, producing his albums, playing with him, fairly recently touring with him and RtBE was lucky enough to catch that tour. Obviously he is famous for Dire Straits, who RtBE digs a bit, and he has a long career.  
  
Thoughts on Cover:
This is a really great cover, with layers of acoustic strings, a Celtic/Irish influence and a soft setting that works for Knopfler's understated vocals. A really great cover. 

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