by mr tambourine
This list will be about covers Bob either never did or hasn’t done for at least 10 years from now (studio or live).
- Neil Young – Old Man (Again)
Bob Dylan covered this song more than 30 times live in 2002, but with a much clearer voice nowadays compared to 2002, I’m pretty sure he would crush this one.
- Frank Sinatra – My Way
Dylan has never covered this song, and he has covered all possible Sinatra songs. Although not written by Sinatra, this song was made popular by old blue-eyed Frankie boy.
This song might be vocally challenging for Bob but who’s to say that he wouldn’t find just the right arrangement for it? And if someone should be considered a true original and would perfectly describe the lyrics of this song with his singing and phrasing, and if there’s someone who truly did it and keeps doing it HIS WAY, it’s absolutely Bob Dylan. Thus, I have no doubt he would own it.
- John Lennon – Imagine
It’s rumoured that Bob covered this song in 1986, but a good audio tape of it doesn’t seem to exist. With his grand piano phase still a part of his live shows last year and him mastering tender arrangements of songs for his age, I could see him doing this song justice. Especially since it has a universal message, which Bob always knows how to deliver and phrase.
- Neil Young – Heart Of Gold
Bob still hasn’t covered this song to my knowledge, which is very weird, as it sounds exactly like a song he would write.
- People Get Ready
This song, written Curtis Mayfield, has been covered by Bob on multiple occasions, at least 4. The Basement Tapes, The Rolling Thunder rehearsals (or Desire sessions, not sure), the movie Flashback from 1989 and a 1991 live performance in Argentina.
Still, I think Bob would absolutely top each of those performances right now if he only did it.
- Leonard Cohen – In My Secret Life
Bob has shown the last few years that he can deliver some RnB type beats. If he gave this one the same approach to the Not Dark Yet performance of last year, it would’ve been very interesting.
- Billy Joel – Piano Man
To my knowledge, Dylan never covered this song even though it absolutely sounds like something he would write. I also think he would deliver it if he played it now.
- The Beatles – Let It Be
Wouldn’t it be great to hear Bob cover this?
- Chuck Berry – Johnny B Goode
- Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack
- George Harrison – My Sweet Lord
I’m surprised Dylan never covered this during his gospel phase.
- Clash – London Calling
Dylan played this twice in 2005, both times in London, as a fragment, and he sang it too. Still, with a much clearer voice now, he could own it now.
https://youtu.be/z8eslL5zKCo
- Beatles – Something
Bob covered this song twice, in 2002 and 2009. Third time would be the charm.
- Tom Waits – Ol’ 55
A song also covered by the Eagles, making it a very likely candidate for Dylan to cover it too.
- Eagles – Pretty Maids All In A Row
Speaking of Eagles, Bob said recently that this could be one of the best songs of all time. Why not cover it then Bob and try to top it?
- Elvis Presley – Always On My Mind
Bob covered this song in 1984 during the rehearsals but it doesn’t come close to how he might have done it if he performed it now.
- Willie Nelson – Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
Bob covered this on the 1983 Infidels sessions. Still, I think he would’ve topped it with his current band backing him.
https://youtu.be/fNxzlp-79xM
- Eagles – Hotel California
If Bob can advertise Key West, why not Hotel California too?
- Frank Sinatra – This Was My Love
Bob covered this song twice, during the Infidels sessions 1983 and also Tom Petty 1985 Tour rehearsals. Still, he probably would’ve outdone it now with his current band.
- Spanish is The Loving Tongue
This one would’ve been the best one out of the ones mentioned. Bob always delivered this song soulfully. Yet, we’ve never witnessed a Never-Ending Tour performance of it. Now would be the best time to do it.
12 years of Untold Dylan
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