CD Review

What is there left to say about Bob Dylan? If your name isn’t Steve Earle, then you might still refer to him as the greatest American songwriter. And who can blame you for thinking so highly of the mighty voice from Duluth, Minnesota—you hear his praises everywhere you turn. You also regularly hear his songs—even if he isn’t singing them. Yes, there is always room for one more Dylan cover.

If you have only just realized that people love to cover Dylan’s music, there is one thing you should know—musicians have been doing it for years. What’s fascinating about this tribute album is that one, it focuses on Dylan’s influence on country music, and two, most of these interpretations of Dylan’s songs were recorded a long time ago. Highlights include the late Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash contributing their country soul on “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and “It Ain’t Me Babe;” The Country Gentleman providing barbershop vocals to “Girl From the North Country,” with the recording dating back to 1966; and Tim O’Brien’s take on “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” sounding like it was recorded on his back porch, maybe after a rousing family picnic.

Mid-90s recordings from Nanci Griffith and Emmylou Harris round out Dylan Country and give it more of a contemporary feel, but their objectives are the same: to show respect and send Dylan’s messages loud and clear. The grand result is a genuine celebration featuring country artists who sound honored to be singing Dylan’s words.