Akablog Beta

I picked up the Soundtrack to Masked and Anonymous, the new Dylan movie I blogged about previously. It's a mixture of Dylan covers and some songs recorded by Bob and his touring band.

The covers are a mixed bag, mostly disappointing or annoying for one reason or another. A japanese version of My Back Pages by the Magokoro Brothers is basically a novelty, and I doubt it will sustain repeat listens.

Shirley Ceaser does a gospel version of Gotta Serve Somebody. Unlike Dylan's version, there's no ambiguity in who she's serving, or who she wants you to serve. At least not in the vocal. There's a bass line and Hammond organ that may not be on her side.

It's All Over Now, Baby Blue  by the Greatful Dead sounds exactly like you would expect.

A breathy, Nico-ish reading of Most of the Time is one of my favorite songs on the album. Sad, wistful, pained, and haunting.

On A Night Like This is a nice conjunto shuffle by Los Lobos.

Come Una Pietra Scalciata is one of the most disappointing tracks. It's (Italian?) rap over a Rolling Stone sample. The rapping is mediocre, although I have no idea how clever the lyrics might be, and the sampling, while pretty well done gets tired fast.

One More Cup of Coffee by Sertab mixes Arab and Western pop influences, with the pop unfortuately winning. The liner notes say that Sertab won the Eurovision song contest. That explains a lot.

Non Dirle Che Non E' Cosi is a warm, tender, elegaic version. Another one of my favorites.

Jerry Garcia sure is singin' Senor. (That's for you Rob.)

All of the Dylan songs are enjoyable and provide a nice snapshot of his touring band.

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