Tune du Jour: “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Playing for Change feat. Twanguero and I-Taweh vs. Jesse Welles vs. Ted Christoper and Mark Knopfler
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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My only regret with this beautiful ballad is that it is not just a little longer.
The Original
Bob Dylan:
Bobfest (Neil’s epithet, not mine): 30th Anniversary:
Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Neil Young, George Harrison, and seemingly a hundred other lucky participants …:
While not quite the power and splendor of “My Back Pages” from the same fest, still pretty damn good!
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Playing for Change feat. Twanguero and I-Tawah vs. Jesse Welles vs. Ted Christopher and Mark Knopfler
Playing for Change feat. Twanguero and I-Tawah:
Jesse Welles:
Ted Christopher and Mark Knopfler:
This version was recorded in memory of the Dunblane Massacre, March 13, 1996. The Dunblane massacre took place at Dunblane Primary School in Dunblane, Scotland. A shooter killed 16 children and one teacher before turning the gun on himself. It remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history.
A new verse was written, and the children choir who sang the chorus were brothers and sisters of the victims. The song was released December 9, 1996, and it reached number 1. The proceeds went to charities for children.
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 
Leaving in the GnR version of this song for posterity, a bizarre but entertaining 80s glam, Guns and Roses definitely knew how to put on a spectacle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4oHp8mhDJQ
My second favorite Dylan song (after Tangled Up in Blue).
So many great musicians at Bobfest. And then Bob himself opens his mouth and produces such an awful croak. Jeez.
I went with Playing for Change, for their super-soulful version.
Ridiculously difficult to choose the best version. Impossible really. And just the way I like it to be on CMI.
Playing for Change all in one location, now that’s a change in of itself!. As I listened to this beautiful version I thought sure that no one could possibly surpass them.
Jesse Welles delivers about the best solo acoustic version of this song possible. Nice guitar and harmonica combo with beautifully soulful vocals.
But Christopher, Knopfler and the children … I mean what could you say? The pure gravity of the song, the raw emotion, the beautifully sad chorus of the children and even the rearrangement of lyrics were simply masterful. They got my vote and more importantly, my heartfelt sympathy.
Back when Twitter was alive I used to vote and comment on some music feeds. One day the subject was best version of today’s song. Guns N’ Roses was the runaway winner as the definitive version. My waning hope for humanity took another hit. I think their lead weasel is the most annoying lead vocalist ever. Geddy Lee would need a telescope to see second place. One day at the zoo I had a rare opportunity to test a theory when close enough to a bonobo to grab the little fucker’s garbonzos and squeeze. I swear if he had a red bandana it could have been a mor intelligent Axl Rose. I don’t think anyone nailed this song today. I voted Playing For Change because I think they came the closest. I see that Jesse Welles has multiple live versions on YouTube and my guess is that some are better than this one. Knopfler and friend changed the song so much that it was a different song. Regardless of the heartfelt intention, the song was hijacked for other purposes. I love Knopfler’s guitar tone and playing but I think the vocals were lacking and the meaning altered.
I voted for Jesse Welles and his solo acoustic version. Sometimes less is more.
I voted for Jesse Welles and his solo acoustic version. Sometimes less is more.