Dave Alvin — Highway 61
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SinisterDexter wrote:
The ever opaque and inscrutable Bob Dylan.
"Now the fifth daughter on the twelfth night
Told the first father that things weren't right
My complexion she said is much too white
He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right
Let me tell the second mother this has been done
But the second mother was with the seventh son
And they were both out on Highway 61."
What... the... heck?!?
Told the first father that things weren't right
My complexion she said is much too white
He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right
Let me tell the second mother this has been done
But the second mother was with the seventh son
And they were both out on Highway 61."
What... the... heck?!?
The ever opaque and inscrutable Bob Dylan.
Thought it was SRV, came to rate it "2". Was finally 4 or 5.
"Now the fifth daughter on the twelfth night
Told the first father that things weren't right
My complexion she said is much too white
He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right
Let me tell the second mother this has been done
But the second mother was with the seventh son
And they were both out on Highway 61."
What... the... heck?!?
Told the first father that things weren't right
My complexion she said is much too white
He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right
Let me tell the second mother this has been done
But the second mother was with the seventh son
And they were both out on Highway 61."
What... the... heck?!?
Tryin to hard there Dave your just too cool for any of us.
Hmmm...so how come i cannot find this song (version) for sale?
In general there's always something about the orginal, a cover can't surpass, but this is probably the most effective interpretation of this song I've ever heard. Johnny Winters' version may be more exciting, but this gets under your skin and makes the lyrics (story) come alive. Love the sound as well.
I have to admit that the first few airings of this I didn't care for it but it's starting to grow on me.
Oh God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son"
Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"
God say, "No." Abe say, "What?"
God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin' you better run"
Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done?"
God says, "Out on Highway 61."
Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"
God say, "No." Abe say, "What?"
God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin' you better run"
Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done?"
God says, "Out on Highway 61."
Well Georgia Sam he had a bloody nose
Welfare Department they wouldn't give him no clothes
He asked poor Howard where can I go
Howard said there's only one place I know
Sam said tell me quick man I got to run
Ol' Howard just pointed with his gun
And said that way down on Highway 61.
Well Mack the Finger said to Louie the King
I got forty red white and blue shoe strings
And a thousand telephones that don't ring
Do you know where I can get rid of these things
And Louie the King said let me think for a minute son
And he said yes I think it can be easily done
Just take everything down to Highway 61.
Now the fifth daughter on the twelfth night
Told the first father that things weren't right
My complexion she said is much too white
He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right
Let me tell the second mother this has been done
But the second mother was with the seventh son
And they were both out on Highway 61.
Now the rovin' gambler he was very bored
He was tryin' to create a next world war
He found a promoter who nearly fell off the floor
He said I never engaged in this kind of thing before
But yes I think it can be very easily done
We'll just put some bleachers out in the sun
And have it on Highway 61.
Want some Blasters! We can start with Marie, Marie.
scraig wrote:
LOVE this pic.
LOVE this pic.
Una gran canción con una EXCELENTE interpretación.
Just 5 hours ago and the Dylan version was playing. I'm listening to RP way to much.
Derecho wrote:
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
Now THAT I'd like to hear. Not that I'm not enjoying this version, but I'd love to hear The Shat's version too.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
Now THAT I'd like to hear. Not that I'm not enjoying this version, but I'd love to hear The Shat's version too.
Derecho wrote:
I like W. Shatner covers! =)
Terrible, Terrible, Terrible.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
I like W. Shatner covers! =)
IMHO, one of the best Dylan covers EVER!!!!!!!!!!
Prefer Dylan.
Geecheeboy wrote:
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
I can't speak for Hinduism, but as far as Buddhism goes, I believe this is almost entirely off base. This is one of the most famous quotes from the Buddha:
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
I can't speak for Hinduism, but as far as Buddhism goes, I believe this is almost entirely off base. This is one of the most famous quotes from the Buddha:
Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.
Buddhism is very much not about blindly obeying or following anybody, even the Buddha himself.
Cynaera wrote:
agree off to itunes
I really, REALLY like this version. That dark, sardonic voice and the guitars - and the lyrics are perfect for his vocal style. Cohen-ish. And yes - more Blasters, please? 
agree off to itunes
I really, REALLY like this version. That dark, sardonic voice and the guitars - and the lyrics are perfect for his vocal style. Cohen-ish. And yes - more Blasters, please?
Derecho wrote:
Beam me up Dave. Another great performer rides the RP airwaves.
Terrible, Terrible, Terrible.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
Beam me up Dave. Another great performer rides the RP airwaves.
This version is a FUNGUS! it grows on me more every time i hear it....
You can call me Zimmy, or you can call me Dave...
got a real Stevie Ray guitar sound. like that p.s. play more Blasters, X. Goodnight Elvis
Check out Dave Alvin cameo on this weeks Justified on fx
Terrible, Terrible, Terrible.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
This might as well be a cover by William Shatner.
davidfarmerie wrote:
Try here:
https://yeproc.com/
And while your're at it, check out his work with the Guilty Men, and the Guilty Women. And his duet with David Hidalgo.... great combo of voices.
Yeah. I'm a life long fan of the man.
I absolutely love this version of a GREAT Dylan song! Can anyone tell me where I can purchase/download it? I can't find it on any Alvin album..
Try here:
https://yeproc.com/
And while your're at it, check out his work with the Guilty Men, and the Guilty Women. And his duet with David Hidalgo.... great combo of voices.
Yeah. I'm a life long fan of the man.
ziakut wrote:
Yup, I'll second that. Dylan's a great songwriter and poet, but his voice sounds like adenoidal cats being strangled. Love Dylan songs, hate the voice, so covers like this are ideal for the Nottingham jury, which increases its vote to 8. And does this guy have a smooth deep voice, or what?
See? Dylan should just stick to writing....not performing. This tune is actually great...someone else covered it...go figure.
Yup, I'll second that. Dylan's a great songwriter and poet, but his voice sounds like adenoidal cats being strangled. Love Dylan songs, hate the voice, so covers like this are ideal for the Nottingham jury, which increases its vote to 8. And does this guy have a smooth deep voice, or what?
just not a fan of this song - no good reason - maybe his voice is just too clean/pure
I absolutely love this version of a GREAT Dylan song! Can anyone tell me where I can purchase/download it? I can't find it on any Alvin album..
YYZ_Randy wrote:
"King of California", "Interstate City" and "Blackjack David" are all fine albums. "King of California" is one of my DIDs.
I have always been a huge Dylan fan but I absolutely loved this version of Highway 61. I now have discovered Dave Alvin and need to hear more. Thanks RP.
"King of California", "Interstate City" and "Blackjack David" are all fine albums. "King of California" is one of my DIDs.
And dare we say, Buddhism specifically is more a philosophy than a religion, which is why their dogmas aren't always running over our Karmas, like the Big 3 always seem to do. Ironic isn't it, that they all claim the same "sacred space"? Like 3 corporations fighting over the patent rights to something they have "invented"....
Geecheeboy wrote:
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
Geecheeboy wrote:
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
crockydile wrote:
...Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
Well your interpretation is as good as any other and... whatever its shortcomings... trauma therapy does often work!
But understandably, nobody likes it much.
...Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
Well your interpretation is as good as any other and... whatever its shortcomings... trauma therapy does often work!
But understandably, nobody likes it much.
Frank Zappa..ish....
Wow, that is funny. So if I have this straight, the Christian wasy of doing things is to scare the hell out of a person so they are open to new stuff. What would've happened if Gods doorbell rang and he got distracted or something like his red phone didn't work, and he didn't get the "cancel execution, I was just kidding" order down in time. That would've been funny eh.
Good song none the less.
crockydile wrote:
I'm a Christian and I think the normal interpretation of this story is wrong. It's a story about initiation. It's not about Abraham, it's about Isaac. Isaac is led to believe that he's going to be killed, but is spared at the "last moment." This produces a state in the initiate where they are then receptive to new knowledge. Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
Good song none the less.
crockydile wrote:
I'm a Christian and I think the normal interpretation of this story is wrong. It's a story about initiation. It's not about Abraham, it's about Isaac. Isaac is led to believe that he's going to be killed, but is spared at the "last moment." This produces a state in the initiate where they are then receptive to new knowledge. Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
See? Dylan should just stick to writing....not performing. This tune is actually great...someone else covered it...go figure.
Bill, you are successful. I finally gave an 8 to a cover of a tune I consider "legendary" in it's original form.
First time to hear this version. I like it, the calm attitude belies all the emotional absurdity that Dylan's voice put into it. More matter of fact with Alvin, more accusatory with Dylan. Love the song, even if I sing it. (which no one should experience!)
I have always been a huge Dylan fan but I absolutely loved this version of Highway 61. I now have discovered Dave Alvin and need to hear more. Thanks RP.
OutvilleRd wrote:
Well, if you wouldn't leave them lying the floor like that...
Ouch. This cover hurts my feelings.
Well, if you wouldn't leave them lying the floor like that...
I've heard Dylan's original... and I love it for its atmosphere. And now, Dave Alvin's version - polar-opposite, but strangely good, too. That deep voice, more spoken than sung, and the backing instruments...
I hope no one puts a gun to my head and makes me choose, because I'd have to take the bullet.
I hope no one puts a gun to my head and makes me choose, because I'd have to take the bullet.
Not nearly as good as Dylan's original. And, I always liked the lyrics. Highway 61 seemed like a metaphor where all sorts of bad stuff happened.
leathepea wrote:The first verse in this song, pretty much sums up why I don't believe in Christianity.
crockydile wrote:
I'm a Christian and I think the normal interpretation of this story is wrong. It's a story about initiation. It's not about Abraham, it's about Isaac. Isaac is led to believe that he's going to be killed, but is spared at the "last moment." This produces a state in the initiate where they are then receptive to new knowledge. Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
~
you sound like you might have a little experience with initiation ~ write me a note if you'd like
definitely about Abraham too and lots more
(and Abraham is old testement or as we might say Torah ~ just sayin lol ;-)
crockydile wrote:
I'm a Christian and I think the normal interpretation of this story is wrong. It's a story about initiation. It's not about Abraham, it's about Isaac. Isaac is led to believe that he's going to be killed, but is spared at the "last moment." This produces a state in the initiate where they are then receptive to new knowledge. Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
~
you sound like you might have a little experience with initiation ~ write me a note if you'd like
definitely about Abraham too and lots more
(and Abraham is old testement or as we might say Torah ~ just sayin lol ;-)
Rockin tune 
leathepea wrote:
I'm a Christian and I think the normal interpretation of this story is wrong. It's a story about initiation. It's not about Abraham, it's about Isaac. Isaac is led to believe that he's going to be killed, but is spared at the "last moment." This produces a state in the initiate where they are then receptive to new knowledge. Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
The first verse in this song, pretty much sums up why I don't believe in Christianity.
I'm a Christian and I think the normal interpretation of this story is wrong. It's a story about initiation. It's not about Abraham, it's about Isaac. Isaac is led to believe that he's going to be killed, but is spared at the "last moment." This produces a state in the initiate where they are then receptive to new knowledge. Scare the hell out of 'em then tell them new stuff.
Ouch. This cover hurts my feelings.
Geecheeboy wrote:
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
Well written, and agreed. . .
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
Well written, and agreed. . .
leathepea wrote:
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
The first verse in this song, pretty much sums up why I don't believe in Christianity.
The exact same story figures prominently in Jewish history, Christian tradition, and Islamic tradition, as well. Except in the Islamic faith, where they believe the son nearly sacrificed was not Issac (through his wife Sarah), but his son Ishmael (through Hagar). But Bob bridged that gap when he wrote "kill me a son," not specifying which.
That pretty much covers the world's major religions, without niggling over Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. They probably have similar tests of obedience in their "traditions" as well. It's an important story, regardless of our desire to embrace it or our dislike of it.
Great version, here by Dave. I like it much more than the original.
Some nice down-and-dirty funk first thing goes down well with me!
Awesome tune!
Dave's the man, love his dark and deep voice!!
9
9
A song of Biblical distortions.
dmax wrote:
That's why it's "revisited." Duh.
Um, no. this would be the revisited version if that was the case. Bob Dylan wrote it, duh...
That's why it's "revisited." Duh.
Um, no. this would be the revisited version if that was the case. Bob Dylan wrote it, duh...
dmax wrote:
Record store? Amazon? iTunes? Click on Bill's handy links right below the album above?
I cant find it on iTunes or Amazon. Any other sources?
Record store? Amazon? iTunes? Click on Bill's handy links right below the album above?
I cant find it on iTunes or Amazon. Any other sources?
LastChance wrote:
You can buy it from the Yeproc web site <1>. It was released as a single, if i recall correctly.
<1> https://store.yeproc.com/artist.php?id=883
Where can I find this album (or song)?
You can buy it from the Yeproc web site <1>. It was released as a single, if i recall correctly.
<1> https://store.yeproc.com/artist.php?id=883
Nice cover. Maybe he should call it Highway 61 Re-Revisited
Ummmm, nope.
I dig the beat but there is something about it that just kind of hurts. I think its the dude talking.
I dig the beat but there is something about it that just kind of hurts. I think its the dude talking.
Look him up on facebook and add him as a friend...he posts great youtube links of live bands almost every day. He's also a really nice guy!
audiophelia wrote:
audiophelia wrote:
Dave Alvin is such a cooool cat! I highly recommend seeing him live if you ever have the chance. :D
leathepea wrote:
that's funny ... you don't believe it exists?
The first verse in this song, pretty much sums up why I don't believe in Christianity.
that's funny ... you don't believe it exists?
mrdak wrote:
J.W. live at the Crossroad Festival in Chicago !! A 10+ !! This one? A good 6
What a cool way to cover this song! Might even be a little better than J.W.'s version 
J.W. live at the Crossroad Festival in Chicago !! A 10+ !! This one? A good 6
i like the effects this guitarist has set.icebox/phlange/delay anyone?
What a cool way to cover this song! Might even be a little better than J.W.'s version
ditto... he puts on a great show, acoustic and electric
audiophelia wrote:
audiophelia wrote:
Dave Alvin is such a cooool cat! I highly reccomend seeing him live if you ever have the chance. :D
Great song! Great cover! Great voice!
I wonder if Dylan would have been able to make it in today's music industry. The covers of his songs are almost always better than the originals.
A killer cover from Dave and his Guilty Men.
Dave Alvin is such a cooool cat! I highly reccomend seeing him live if you ever have the chance. :D
Earlier today:
"7:45 am - Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited"
Thought this sounded familiar.
"7:45 am - Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited"
Thought this sounded familiar.
Don't like to be negtive..but.. ISH..or YUCK.. aka THIS SUCKS!
Meh.
isayhoomhom wrote:
Me too! I think it's the lingering pause: out on Highway ... Sixty-One.
I do like this, but I can't help being reminded of William Shatner.
Me too! I think it's the lingering pause: out on Highway ... Sixty-One.
This is one of those tunes that gets covered by lots of folks. Isn't it cool to see how each interprets the music, and structures the lyrics? Vive Le Difference!
Way better than the original
The first verse in this song, pretty much sums up why I don't believe in Christianity.
Thanks!
garyalex wrote:
garyalex wrote:
yeproc.com
LastChance wrote:
LastChance wrote:
Where can I find this album (or song)?
yeproc.com
LastChance wrote:
LastChance wrote:
Where can I find this album (or song)?
oldman wrote:
hearing this twice in one day on RP - cool!
but I second the request for Johnny Winters, and if it can be the version from Crossroads 2007 with Derek Trucks, than all the better ...
Nice version, but I'd clean Bill's bathroom next time I'm in California, if he'd play a Johnny Winter version of this song
hearing this twice in one day on RP - cool!
but I second the request for Johnny Winters, and if it can be the version from Crossroads 2007 with Derek Trucks, than all the better ...
isayhoomhom wrote:
I do like this, but I can't help being reminded of William Shatner.
Where can I find this album (or song)?
I love this version! so cool..
I do like this, but I can't help being reminded of William Shatner.
Nice version, but I'd clean Bill's bathroom next time I'm in California, if he'd play a Johnny Winter version of this song
Dave Alvin is cool. Most Dave Alvin projects are, too. This song is pretty good, too - but for as many times as I've heard it recently, I think I rather still hear Dylan's...
Of the several versions I've heard of this song, this one's the coolest by far.
peter_james_bond wrote:
agreed. not sure why it only has a 6.2 rating
I love the guitar work and his voice is awesome...this cover is almost perfect.
agreed. not sure why it only has a 6.2 rating
i'd rather take route 66
Introduced to Dave's Ashgrove track by RP, I've now been listening to it for several years in my own collection. I knew it was about a favored club having burned down, but little else. Well, I did the research and it turns out the club's history is very unique as well as extremely historical.
I wrote up a post about it on Floydian Slips, with a link to a movie trailer and all. It's a SLOW load, but the trailer has Dave talking about how he came to be a regular at the Ash Grove. It also features Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder and other prior performers at this now-defunct venue.
Incidentally, the track is listed on RP as a single word, but the club's name is two words, being derived from a Welsh folk song.
I wrote up a post about it on Floydian Slips, with a link to a movie trailer and all. It's a SLOW load, but the trailer has Dave talking about how he came to be a regular at the Ash Grove. It also features Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder and other prior performers at this now-defunct venue.
Incidentally, the track is listed on RP as a single word, but the club's name is two words, being derived from a Welsh folk song.
rKokon wrote:
Wow. The best I could come up with was "Groovy..." Dude, quit hogging the pipe.
Impressed with the many listeners who already know this song—How could I have missed it? . . .
But maybe it's better this way. Dave Alvin's slow, honey/desert voice with the withheld emotionality but sounding full of intellectual comprehension . . . makes this song as scary and spooky as I can imagine its being.
My immediate notes to myself: Dave Alvin - Highway 61 (refers to the Isaac/Abraham story, some modern reflection, maybe; restrainedly spooky, just like Jim White!!) Links to analyses are welcome, as would be ratings of Alvin and White's various recordings.
Discovered Jim White on a CD called something like The Best of the Texas Singer-Songwriters" on the Sugar Hill label. (Don't mistakenly get "Best of the Sugar Hill Years"! It ain't the same album!) Jim's singing voice delivering creepy, scary, madness-imbued lyrics at a suspensefully slow pace. . . a dryness that hints at fires underneath . . . sends chills up and down the arms . . Just test it yourself!
Here is an interesting link: https://www.msu.edu/user/depolo/Playlists/72297.htm
When Jim White sings so mesmerizingly, it takes the listener a while to realize that the protagonists are dangerous, twisted psychopathic personalities . . . (Shudder.) The chill of the first hearing is the best. Get a friend you can grab when you get scared, turn the lights down low but have a candle lit, sit near the music, and do it far away from a house front door on Hallowe'en night!
But maybe it's better this way. Dave Alvin's slow, honey/desert voice with the withheld emotionality but sounding full of intellectual comprehension . . . makes this song as scary and spooky as I can imagine its being.
My immediate notes to myself: Dave Alvin - Highway 61 (refers to the Isaac/Abraham story, some modern reflection, maybe; restrainedly spooky, just like Jim White!!) Links to analyses are welcome, as would be ratings of Alvin and White's various recordings.
Discovered Jim White on a CD called something like The Best of the Texas Singer-Songwriters" on the Sugar Hill label. (Don't mistakenly get "Best of the Sugar Hill Years"! It ain't the same album!) Jim's singing voice delivering creepy, scary, madness-imbued lyrics at a suspensefully slow pace. . . a dryness that hints at fires underneath . . . sends chills up and down the arms . . Just test it yourself!
Here is an interesting link: https://www.msu.edu/user/depolo/Playlists/72297.htm
When Jim White sings so mesmerizingly, it takes the listener a while to realize that the protagonists are dangerous, twisted psychopathic personalities . . . (Shudder.) The chill of the first hearing is the best. Get a friend you can grab when you get scared, turn the lights down low but have a candle lit, sit near the music, and do it far away from a house front door on Hallowe'en night!
Wow. The best I could come up with was "Groovy..." Dude, quit hogging the pipe.
catsoup wrote:
It is so much better than letting Mr. Dylan torture a microphone that I have to give it a 9 in comparison. My only worry is that Bill usually plays a track by the original performer after doing a cover.
What's one man's pain might be another one's pleasure.
It is so much better than letting Mr. Dylan torture a microphone that I have to give it a 9 in comparison. My only worry is that Bill usually plays a track by the original performer after doing a cover.
What's one man's pain might be another one's pleasure.
I prefer the Robbie Robertson version.
Where you want this killin' done?
I love the guitar work and his voice is awesome...this cover is almost perfect.
MCKY wrote:
It is so much better than letting Mr. Dylan torture a microphone that I have to give it a 9 in comparison. My only worry is that Bill usually plays a track by the original performer after doing a cover.
Alvin's a great performer, but this version of H-61 doesn't work for me.
It is so much better than letting Mr. Dylan torture a microphone that I have to give it a 9 in comparison. My only worry is that Bill usually plays a track by the original performer after doing a cover.
Stand back for just a moment...I am going to say it.
This FUCKING ROCKS!
Impressed with the many listeners who already know this song—How could I have missed it? . . .
But maybe it's better this way. Dave Alvin's slow, honey/desert voice with the withheld emotionality but sounding full of intellectual comprehension . . . makes this song as scary and spooky as I can imagine its being.
My immediate notes to myself: Dave Alvin - Highway 61 (refers to the Isaac/Abraham story, some modern reflection, maybe; restrainedly spooky, just like Jim White!!) Links to analyses are welcome, as would be ratings of Alvin and White's various recordings.
Discovered Jim White on a CD called something like The Best of the Texas Singer-Songwriters" on the Sugar Hill label. (Don't mistakenly get "Best of the Sugar Hill Years"! It ain't the same album!) Jim's singing voice delivering creepy, scary, madness-imbued lyrics at a suspensefully slow pace. . . a dryness that hints at fires underneath . . . sends chills up and down the arms . . Just test it yourself!
Here is an interesting link: https://www.msu.edu/user/depolo/Playlists/72297.htm
When Jim White sings so mesmerizingly, it takes the listener a while to realize that the protagonists are dangerous, twisted psychopathic personalities . . . (Shudder.) The chill of the first hearing is the best. Get a friend you can grab when you get scared, turn the lights down low but have a candle lit, sit near the music, and do it far away from a house front door on Hallowe'en night!
But maybe it's better this way. Dave Alvin's slow, honey/desert voice with the withheld emotionality but sounding full of intellectual comprehension . . . makes this song as scary and spooky as I can imagine its being.
My immediate notes to myself: Dave Alvin - Highway 61 (refers to the Isaac/Abraham story, some modern reflection, maybe; restrainedly spooky, just like Jim White!!) Links to analyses are welcome, as would be ratings of Alvin and White's various recordings.
Discovered Jim White on a CD called something like The Best of the Texas Singer-Songwriters" on the Sugar Hill label. (Don't mistakenly get "Best of the Sugar Hill Years"! It ain't the same album!) Jim's singing voice delivering creepy, scary, madness-imbued lyrics at a suspensefully slow pace. . . a dryness that hints at fires underneath . . . sends chills up and down the arms . . Just test it yourself!
Here is an interesting link: https://www.msu.edu/user/depolo/Playlists/72297.htm
When Jim White sings so mesmerizingly, it takes the listener a while to realize that the protagonists are dangerous, twisted psychopathic personalities . . . (Shudder.) The chill of the first hearing is the best. Get a friend you can grab when you get scared, turn the lights down low but have a candle lit, sit near the music, and do it far away from a house front door on Hallowe'en night!
Lazaerus wrote:
Johnny has Hwy 61 on several albums , think the first was Second Winter which on vinyl was 3 sided 2 records but only 1 side recorded on 2nd record. Being a old Winters fan I enjoyed the Crossroads concert but it was nothing compared to numerous other times I heard him play it.
Love this song, my favorite rendition was done by Johnny Winters on the 2007 Crossroads concert... played with the Derek Trucks band and various other artist, it smoked!
David does an OK job of it though, kinda the country rap version of a blues song.
Johnny has Hwy 61 on several albums , think the first was Second Winter which on vinyl was 3 sided 2 records but only 1 side recorded on 2nd record. Being a old Winters fan I enjoyed the Crossroads concert but it was nothing compared to numerous other times I heard him play it.
Alvin's a great performer, but this version of H-61 doesn't work for me.
Go Dave!
Love this song, my favorite rendition was done by Johnny Winters on the 2007 Crossroads concert... played with the Derek Trucks band and various other artist, it smoked!
David does an OK job of it though, kinda the country rap version of a blues song.
I'd like to dump this song on Highway 61.
Good stuff
I thought I'd heard this song recently - it was the Dylan version. This is so much better. I almost always like Dylan songs better when sung by people other than Dylan. Love his songwriting, can't stand his voice.
This cover beats the pants off of Zimmy's any day!!!
Getting better each time I hear it.
i love hearing spoken word and great music combined! gives my head a chance to go somewhere else for awhile in such a busy world....
spraehbuer wrote:
IMO dylans version is vivid & lively, whether you like his voice or not.
this one is too cool, got no guts & i miss the humor!
such much cooler without Dylan's (IMO) annoying voice
IMO dylans version is vivid & lively, whether you like his voice or not.
this one is too cool, got no guts & i miss the humor!
spraehbuer wrote:
Actually, the difference in voices make this 2 different songs, for me. This is the first time I have even listened to the lyrics. This is a sexy, arresting version.
such much cooler without Dylan's (IMO) annoying voice
Actually, the difference in voices make this 2 different songs, for me. This is the first time I have even listened to the lyrics. This is a sexy, arresting version.
I've changed my mind. This may actually be better than Robbie Robertson's version. Upped it to a 7.
Sounds like a retooling of Ashgrove, which I thoroughly enjoy. Makes me think that Dave's a one-trick pony, however.
such much cooler without Dylan's (IMO) annoying voice
What a great way to appreciate Dylan.
thewiseking wrote:
Amazing the way Bill has so completely reinvented himself. He doesn't look or act a thing like the young Star Trek Shatner. Good thing about the acting...
I detect a Shatner influence here, only Shatner is funnier.
Amazing the way Bill has so completely reinvented himself. He doesn't look or act a thing like the young Star Trek Shatner. Good thing about the acting...
I detect a Shatner influence here, only Shatner is funnier.
Like this...driving...nice take on a classic...there's room for both.
Yay, Dave Alvin! I was there were more of him on RP.
agree 100%
much more sinister than Dylan's version
I have looked everywhere for it and can't find it for sale anywhere
I'll have to ask my teenaged son to find it for me for free!