In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Tom Watt playing "Subterranean Homesick Blues"
Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we posted a cover version of this tune:
One of the most iconic songs from Dylan's most famous period and a very early showing of how powerful a music video could be. Dylan nods to beat poetry, current events, Chuck Berry's "No More Monkey Business", paranoia, and the Vietnam War all in around two minutes of linked lyrics over one of his earliest electric recordings. There is also the sly sense of humor which Dylan never gets enough credit for, while raging against the proverbial machine. A classic '60's tune in all respects and one non-Dylan fans usually love as well.
Cover:
From the first time we posted a cover version of this tune:
One of the most iconic songs from Dylan's most famous period and a very early showing of how powerful a music video could be. Dylan nods to beat poetry, current events, Chuck Berry's "No More Monkey Business", paranoia, and the Vietnam War all in around two minutes of linked lyrics over one of his earliest electric recordings. There is also the sly sense of humor which Dylan never gets enough credit for, while raging against the proverbial machine. A classic '60's tune in all respects and one non-Dylan fans usually love as well.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
This is our first time hearing Tom Watt who is a successful British actor/writer, who someone apparently thought could be a teen pop star...Sorry Tom, they were wrong.
This is our first time hearing Tom Watt who is a successful British actor/writer, who someone apparently thought could be a teen pop star...Sorry Tom, they were wrong.
Thoughts on Cover:
Well in doing this series for over a decade plus now, we always try to focus on the better covers of Dylan. We come across a lot of non-professionals who upload their takes and while RtBE loves the enthusiasm of all of those, they won't all be showcased.
However, when something professional slips into our ears, and it is this bad, it needs to see the light of day. The fact that it hit #67 on the UK singles chart in 1985 tells you what an insane music year 1985 was and how weird British fans can be. Tom is not a singer, the music doesn't match, and overall it screams music biz cocaine decisions.
Previously, RtBE has said Tom Jones "Not Dark Yet" and Rod Stewart's "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" were the two worst covers we have come across. Now Tom Watt joins them and may jump to the front of the line, however, the other two are professionals and Watt seems to have been thrust into this by handlers, so I will cut him some slack. Seriously though, what is with the English and Dylan covers?!?! Special shout out to Alex for sending this our way.
Feel free to let us know which is best/worst in the comments.
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