portrait of this blog's author - by Stephen Blackman 2008

Monday, July 14, 2025

Tangled Up In Blues, Songs Of Bob Dylan [1999] | Butterboy

VA - Tangled Up In Blues, Songs Of Bob Dylan [1999]

 


Tangled Up In Blues: Songs of Bob Dylan (1999) is an intriguing tribute album released by House of Blues, showcasing Dylan’s songwriting through the lens of blues legends. This collection reinterprets Dylan’s work with gritty, soulful performances, proving how naturally his storytelling blends with the blues tradition.

The lineup includes powerful renditions from artists like Taj Mahal, John Hammond, and Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, each bringing their own distinctive style to Dylan’s lyrics. Rare gems emerge in tracks like James Solberg’s take on "Things Have Changed", offering a fresh spin on a later Dylan classic, and Kim Wilson’s version of "Down in the Flood", which injects raw blues energy into Dylan’s folk roots. The album leans into the emotional weight of Dylan’s lyrics, transforming familiar songs into expressive, guitar-driven showcases.

The production maintains an organic, live-in-the-studio feel, enhancing the authenticity of each performance. It’s fascinating how Dylan’s words, rooted in folk and rock, take on new depths when filtered through blues phrasing and arrangements.

This collection stands out as more than a tribute—it’s a reimagining of Dylan’s influence, proving that his songs are endlessly adaptable. Whether rediscovering classics or hearing them in a completely new light, Tangled Up In Blues offers a compelling listen. (Butterboy)

Track list 

01 Taj Mahal - It Takes A Lot to Laugh 4:32

02 Mavis Staples - Gotta Serve Somebody 6:38

03 Isaac Hayes - Lay Lady Lay 5:36

04 R.l. Burnside - Everything is Broken 4:52

05 Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson - Pledging My Time 4:48

06 John Hammond, Jr. - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight 3:35

07 James Solberg - Ballad of A Thin Man 8:38

08 Alvin Youngblood Hart - Million Miles 6:32

09 Leon Russell - Watching The River Flow 3:39

10 Holmes Brothers - Wallflower 3:57

11 Larry McCray - All Along The Watchtower 4:28

12 Band - One Too Many Mornings 5:13


 





No comments: