Tune du Jour: “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” – Bob Dylan
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Robyn Hitchcock vs. Nina Simone vs. Neil Young
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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The Original
Bob Dylan:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Robyn Hitchcock vs. Nina Simone vs. Neil Young
Robyn Hitchcock:
Nina Simone:
Neil Young:
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
I like all three artists that are covering the song. Hitchcock’s version is faithful to the original, but sounds too tinny. Neil does a good guitar-focused cover, as expected. But y’all know I’m a Nina Simone obsessive, and I think this version shows you why. This is more than a cover. It’s a reinvention, and her phrasing, along with the jazzy-bluesy arrangement, gives it a totally different dimension. She kinda reframed it to fit her particular style and made it uniquely hers. Terrific. Quiet and urgent at the same time. Sigh. Hadn’t heard this version in ages. So good.
I like this song a lot and I liked each of the interpretations of it a lot as well.
But I think that Neil’s voice and guitar work suits the song the best and thus that is how I voted.
This song never fails to make me grin. The lyrics are so funny and clever. Bob never over explains. Something mysterious always remains, making it sound fresh after many listenings. No chorus also and no mention of the title. Hitchcock’s version is from a full recreation of Dylan’s 1966 Royal Albert Hall show when Bob played an acoustic set before bringing out The Band. The atmosphere seems important as the thin sound and loose, ramshackle feel are intentional yet this is no better than 3rd place. I’ve always liked this take from Young and the all star backing band from Bobfest. The pace, delivery and support are first rate. I voted for Nina Simone this time. The richness of her vocals and the slower reading with an understated musical accompaniment hit the spot. I guess Angel didn’t arrive from the coast here but fortunately her brother Kyle showed up.
None of the covers surprised me; all contestants performed in their own style. All were worthy.
I went with Neil’s version from Bobfest.