Tag Archive for Dylan Date Base of cover songs

51 Great Bob Dylan Covers: A Chronological Guide

I’m a sucker for cover tunes. I’m always curious to hear a fresh new take on a song, almost any song. It’s like a conversation between two artists, a nod, a wink, a genuflection. Sometimes it’s pure fun; other times, disastrous and ill-advised. Since Bob Dylan is my favorite songwriter, I’ve made a small hobby out of listening to cover versions of his songs. Below are some of my favorites.

Note: I’m taking this chronologically, according to the dates in which the original songs were written (not the dates of the cover versions). In some instances I might be wrong, since the origin of some tunes is open to debate. Also, I’m not saying these are the only great versions of Dylan songs; I decided not to make myself too crazy over this, or to make this list go on forever.

One last thing before I lose you to the scroll: If you are interested in Dylan covers, you need to check out this extraordinary data base of songs featured at Dylancover.com.

Tomorrow Is a Long Time, Elvis Presley Honorable mention: Nick Drake, Nickel Creek.

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Blowin’ in the Wind,” Stevie Wonder

Girl from the North Country,” The Lions Honorable Mention: Roseanne Cash, The Eels.

A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” Mavis Staples (from Bonus Disk, “No Direction Home” DVD)

The Times They Are A-Changing,” Keb Mo  Honorable Mention: Mason Jennings

When the Ship Comes In,” Arlo Guthrie Honorable Mention: Marcus Carl Franklin.

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Percy’s Song,” Fairport Convention

“Spanish Harlem Incident,” James Mercer (The Shins)

“To Ramona,” The Flying Burrito Brothers

It Ain’t Me Babe,” White Antelope (The Fleet Foxes) Honorable Mention: The Turtles.

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It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” Dave’s True Story

Can’t Leave Her Behind,” Stephen Malkmus & Lee Ranaldo

Like a Rolling Stone,” Drive-By Truckers Honorable Mention: The Creation.

Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,Nina Simone

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Positively Fourth Street,” Bryan Ferry

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Pledging My Time, Luther Johnson

Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again,” Cat Power

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Absolutely Sweet Marie,” Flamin’ Groovies

I’ll Keep It with Mine,” Marianne Faithful

As I Went Out One Morning,” Mira Billote

All Along the Watchtower,” Jimi Hendrix

Wicked Messenger,” The Black Keys Honorable Mention: The Faces.

I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight,” Norah Jones

To Be Alone with You,” Maria Muldaur

Lay Lady Lay,” Magnet & Gemma Hayes

Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You,Ann Peebles

If Not for You,” George Harrison

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Sign on the Window, Jennifer Warnes

When I Paint My Masterpiece,” The Band Honorable Mention: Emmylou Harris

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Goin’ to Acapulco,” Jim James

“You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” The Byrds

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I”m Not There,” Sonic Youth

Billy,” Los Lobos Honorable Mention: Gillian Welch

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Antony and the Johnsons

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On a Night Like This,” Buckwheat Zydeco Honorable Mention: Los Lobos

Forever Young (A Capella), Audra Mae & Forest Rangers Honorable Mention: Pretenders

You Angel You,” New Riders of the Purple Sage

Tangled Up in Blue,” Jerry Garcia Band Honorable Mention: Vitamin String Band

A Simple Twist of Fate,” Mary Lee’s Corvette

You’re a Big Girl Now,Lloyd Cole Honorable Mention: The Go-Betweens

You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go,” Madeleine Peyroux

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Buckets of Rain,” Neko Case

O Sister,” Andrew Bird

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Changing of the Guards,” Patti Smith

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Senor (Tales of Yankee Power),Willie Nelson with Calexico

“New Pony,” The Dead Weather

I Believe In You,” Sinead O’Connor Honorable Mention: Cat Power

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Pressing On,” John Doe

Every Grain of Sand,Emmylou Harris

Dark Eyes,” Iron & Wine with Calexico

Everything Is Broken, R. L. Burnside

Make You Feel My Love,Adele

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