Bob Dylan is arguably the greatest modern songwriter, and certainly the most influential. People all over the musical spectrum cover his songs. But there a special few who specialize in covering Dylan. For me, Jerry Garcia has always been the premiere Dylan interpreter. If you don't believe me - or if you do - you should check out the Garcia Plays Dylan collection. Particularly the "Knockin' On Heaven's Door."
But now I have to say that Jerry's old partner in crime, Bob Weir, is giving Jerry a run for his money these days. Bobby has always been adept with the occasional Dylan cover, but he and RatDog have really embraced it. They play a Dylan cover at well over half their shows.
Below are five of the best from the 2009 RatDog shows available in the Live Music Archive.
1. Bob Weir and RatDog - "She Belongs to Me". This is a song I didn't know very well before I saw RatDog play it at the Royal Oak Music Theater last year. It must be one of Bobby's favorites - he's played it at least 3 times this year. The song is originally from Bringing It All Back Home, but I mostly know it from the 1966 Royal Albert Hall show. She's got everything she needs, she's an artist, she don't look back.
2. Bob Weir and RatDog - "When I Paint My Masterpiece". A contender for my favorite Dylan song.
3. Bob Weir and RatDog - "Knockin' On Heaven's Door". Mama, put my guns in the ground...
4. Bob Weir and RatDog - "Senor". Top five for me.
5. Bob Weir and RatDog - "It's All Over Now Baby Blue". Look out, the saints are coming soon.
Comments
ratdog's version of 'knockin' on heaven's door' from the night jerry garcia died is one of the most moving songs i've ever heard.
Ahh, I remember the day the Dead died as well. I think it was November 15, 1978, with the release of 'Shakedown Street'.
R.I.P. Dead (Now, please, let them rest.)
Can't agree with you, Mushi. I saw some AMAZING "Shakedowns", Pittsburgh 1987 for instance.