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Amazon.co.uk Review
For those who know Bryan Ferry solely as the frontman of '70s art-rockers Roxy Music, the news this foppish, handsome Englishman is a Bob Dylan acolyte might come as something of a surprise. However, the appearance of Dylanesque - eleven covers of songs by the Freewheelin' one - is not totally unprecedented; Ferry recorded a cover of 'A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall' way back in 1973 on his debut solo album, so really, this is just the latest manifestation of a long-held admiration. Recorded in just a week, backed by his touring band, it's the sound of Ferry happy to get some dirt under his fingernails. All the same, this is sumptuous, richly-orchestrated stuff. 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' is perhaps the highlight, Dylan's bare-bones protest classic reworked as a velvety art-rock anthem, Ferry carrying off the lyric with just enough velvety command; while 'If Not For You' is notable for its strings and "sonic augmentation", courtesy of old Roxy Music friend Brian Eno. Some moments may please neither Dylan nor Ferry fans – the rock-out on 'All Along The Watchtower' feels contrived and unsatisfying. But whether it's a gutsy, impulsive experiment, or just a handy way of avoiding writer's block, Dylanesque works more often than not. –-Louis Pattison
Review
Some diehard Roxy Music fans may be a mite miffed that the band's long-delayed album has been made even more tardy while Byron Ferrari promotes this, his new solo project. But while it may be a slightly mixed bag of Zimmerman covers, it still sounds better than anything he's done in years. There's life in the old dinner jacket yet, it seems.
It's ironic to note that when Ferry first attempted a Dylan cover way back in 1973 (with ' A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall') he was savaged by a snooty muso press pack who wondered if he was taking the p*ss by translating Bob's words into a quavering-voiced glam romp. On Dylanesque he gives us 11 similar readings and it now sounds like the most mainstream thing in the world.
However, it's pointless to say that Bryan's readings take the raw edge off of the originals. Frankly anyone's cover versions of Dylan (unless they're by Killswitch Engage) are going to be smoother. Even the harmonica, compared to Bob's squawking, sounds like a finely played cor anglais. Well, nearly.
What is surprising is his choice of Zim-hits. While ''Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues'' and ''Positively 4TH Street'' could BE Roxy (Guy Pratt and Chris Spedding both having been associated with the band for years anyway), ''Gates Of Eden and ''The Times They Are A-Changin''' prove to be somewhat odd considering their more political agenda (and let's not mention fox hunting here, eh?). The only piece of sacrilege is an AOR mauling of 'Simple Twist Of Fate' that loses any subtlety to its wailing guitars.
But really, this is a rock-solid collection, far more suited to his fragile croon than the previous collection of covers, As Time Goes By (1999). It all proves that maybe Dylan was at the heart of Ferry's muse, even back in 1972. Let's hope he brings such energy to that Roxy album! --Chris Jones
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Prior to listening, I was sceptical about the necessity of this release, reanalysing and reinterpreting the Dylan catalogue. However, as well as being a Dylan fan, I have a high respect for Ferry and his output. The CD grips you after the first spin. High quality production capturing the essense of the original, but often setting it in a new direction. Ferry's vocals still have that individuality and are balanced by a tight backing band who do a superb job on all of the tracks here. I congratulate Ferry on the excellent choice of tracks too - yes, some common staples are chosen but they sound fresh and you don't need to skip tracks. There are no duds, which for a covers album is high praise indeed.
It is an album you want to share and recommend, and you will not be disappointed.
It is an album you want to share and recommend, and you will not be disappointed.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Bryan Ferry brings Dylan alive in many ways. I am a Ferry and Dylan fan. Ferry brings some Dylan stuff out of the non-melodic [though brilliant] poetry genre to the really great song genre. And by so doing, maybe makes Bob Dylan more accessible to more people. A couple of weak tracks, most VG, 2 excellent and worth the money on their own: 'Positively 4th St' and 'Just like Tom Thumb's Blues'. Bryan Ferry turns these around really nicely, a bit like 'Hard Rain' in some ways. Best tenner I've spent in ages. I hope this album inspires one of the most under-rated songwriters to bring out a classic pre-76 type Roxy Music album.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Well, I expected this album to be good, but in fact it is brilliant! The energy with which Ferry delivers his vocals is very refreshing, and the arrangements of these classic Dylan tracks are effective. He recorded this album quickly in order to take a break from writing the new Roxy Music album, which is due sometime this year.
Standout tracks on Dylanesque - Times They Are A-Changin', Positively 4th Street and All Along The Watchtower.
Also, The Dylan Sessions are to be released through Eagle in June this year. I think that may be an extended version of the concert which was screened on Channel 4 recently.
Standout tracks on Dylanesque - Times They Are A-Changin', Positively 4th Street and All Along The Watchtower.
Also, The Dylan Sessions are to be released through Eagle in June this year. I think that may be an extended version of the concert which was screened on Channel 4 recently.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Dylan songs sung right
I'm a big Dylan fan so it is a major regret that his voice peaked somewhere round about 1975 and that the decline really accelerated in the 1980's. Read more
Published 14 days ago by B. Towers
Ferry
If you love the words of Bob Dylan,and the music of Bryan Ferry, this album is a must. Ferry interpets the words masterfully.
Published 7 months ago by Pa
Some of His Best Yet.Dylanesque.
So Happy to get this album. I watched him on T V some time back in the studio making this recording, and thought WOW you have done it again. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Harpo
download process
I decided to bite the bullit and download my first album, however I did have to get in touch with Amazon to find where it had been hidden on my PC and then found that it will not... Read more
Published 7 months ago by bubr
Fabulous
Love this album. Bryan treats each song in his own uniquely stylish way and gives each of these Dylan tracks an amazing make over. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Jane, Jersey
Excellent CD
We love all the songs on this CD but that was pretty much a forgone conclusion as we like Bob Dylan and Brian Ferry, very easy to listen too. Lovely
Published 11 months ago by Marina
Dylan Brilliantly Reinterpreted
This is the later-Bryan Ferry at his best. This is not just a series of covers of Dylan but a reinterpretation of the songs. Read more
Published 12 months ago by AJPDub
Dylanesque
Bought this C.D. because I am a fan of both Dylan And Ferry. However, if you like the gutsy Dylan style don't bother buying Dylanesque. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Jay Bee
Ferry at his sultry best
This is a driving, moody album in which Ferry puts his own highly origin
Al spin on a collection of Dylan favourites. What a great record.
Al spin on a collection of Dylan favourites. What a great record.
Published 16 months ago by NJP Cottam
Dylan covers
Bought it as a present so I had a listen to check it was all working, lovely sound quality. It's a good album if you're a Ferry fan and some great styles and musicians on here,... Read more
Published 17 months ago by i
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