I'm on the dark side of the road

I know I wrote a while ago that cover versions should always bring something new to a song.

But, as with everything in life, there's always an exception to the rules.

Either that or I'm a massive hypocrite who contradicts everything he ever says. Because the two cover version I'm presenting today are pretty much straightforward, down the line, faithful versions of the originals. But then, when you're dealing with such classics as 'You've Got To Hide Your Love Away' and 'Don't Think Twice, It's Alright', maybe it's best you don't mess around with them. Not that I'm saying The Beatles or Dylan are beyond reworking. Far from it. And lord knows enough people have tried. But I think the simplicity of these two songs means that any reworking would maybe feel unnecessary and purely for the sake of it. Besides which, these two songs are among of my favourites by their respective artists.

But while musically they may remain unchanged, both Daniel Johnston and Billy Bragg manage to impose they’re own distinct personalities on the songs. The former brings an even greater sense of fragility to the lyrics, while the latter’s bullish, brash manner perfectly suits that of Dylan around the time he wrote and recorded it.

Daniel Johnston - you've got to hide your love away (Beatles cover - live acoustic session version)

Billy Bragg - don't think twice, it's alright (Bob Dylan cover - live acoustic session version)

mp3 / music / cover version / daniel johnston / billy bragg