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34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Thea Gilmore's interest in Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding began when she recorded 'I Dreamed I Saw St Augustine' a number of years ago for her Songs From The Gutter album. Now, in her own words, she has gone back to the studio and 'cut the whole bloomin' lot'. Such a bold move might set alarm bells ringing about the potential pointlessness of such a project. While Dylan's songs have received copious cover treatment over the years, the concept of re-recording an entire album, albeit a more unfamiliar one like John Wesley Harding, might seem a tad ambitious.
In fact, such fears prove to be groundless. Gilmore breathes new life into most of the songs on the album. Things start sedately enough with a distinctly Dylanesque harmonica on the title track. On the touchstone of 'All Along The Watchtower' she does not fall into the trap of attempting to reproduce either the Hendrix version, arguably better known than Dylan's original, or the all-out rock thrash of Neil Young's version that appeared on the Dylan 30th Anniversary Tribute album (and indeed in live concert). Instead the song is turned into an attractive blues shuffle that doesn't outstay its welcome. There are rocked out versions of 'Drifter's Escape' and 'As I Went Out One Morning', a piano-accompanied 'Dear Landlord', and a ringing Byrdsian take on 'I Pity The Poor Immigrant'. Production by other half Nigel Stonier, who also supplies backing vocals and multi-intrumentals, is crisp and crystal clear. Thea Gilmore's live performances, as well as her 2004 album Loftmusic prove that she is no stranger to a judicious cover version. This reinvention of one of Bob Dylan's entire albums is a worthy addition to the extensive catalogue of an artist who for this reviewer can currently do no wrong.
In fact, such fears prove to be groundless. Gilmore breathes new life into most of the songs on the album. Things start sedately enough with a distinctly Dylanesque harmonica on the title track. On the touchstone of 'All Along The Watchtower' she does not fall into the trap of attempting to reproduce either the Hendrix version, arguably better known than Dylan's original, or the all-out rock thrash of Neil Young's version that appeared on the Dylan 30th Anniversary Tribute album (and indeed in live concert). Instead the song is turned into an attractive blues shuffle that doesn't outstay its welcome. There are rocked out versions of 'Drifter's Escape' and 'As I Went Out One Morning', a piano-accompanied 'Dear Landlord', and a ringing Byrdsian take on 'I Pity The Poor Immigrant'. Production by other half Nigel Stonier, who also supplies backing vocals and multi-intrumentals, is crisp and crystal clear. Thea Gilmore's live performances, as well as her 2004 album Loftmusic prove that she is no stranger to a judicious cover version. This reinvention of one of Bob Dylan's entire albums is a worthy addition to the extensive catalogue of an artist who for this reviewer can currently do no wrong.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
WOW THIS IS BRILLIANT. THIS LADY HAS A GREAT VOICE AND THE INTERPRETATIONS OF BOB DYLAN'S JOHN WESLEY HARDING LP FROM THE MIDDLE SIXTIES IS BY FAR THE BEST DYLAN TRIBUTE I HAVE EVER HEARD. I MUST ADMIT THAT DYLANS VERSION OF THIS ALBUM WAS NOT MY FAVOURITE OF HIS FROM THE SIXTIES BUT AFTER LISTENING TO THEA GILMORE'S VERSION IT HAS REKINDLED ANOTHER LISTEN TO DYLAN. ITS GREAT TO HEAR ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR BASS DRUMS AND MANDOLIN BEING PLAYED TO GREAT EFFECT WITHOUT THE INTRUSION OF BARING TRUMPETS OR SAXOPHONE. THE BEST SONG IS I PITY THE POOR IMMIGRANT WHICH IS SUNG WITH GREAT PASSION AND BELIEF IN THE PROJECT. THEAS STYLE IS PUNCTUATED ALL OVER THIS RECORDING AND I RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY. I WOULD SUGGEST YOU PURCHASE THE LIMITED EDITION WHICH HAS THE CD ENCASED IN A LOVELY BOX ACCOMPANIED BY VARIOUS POSTCARDS (PAINTED) WITH THE LYRICS SYMPATHETICALLY PRINTED ON THE REVERSE. EXCELLENT
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Thea continues her run of outstanding albums with this wonderful release. Her take on "I Dreamed I Saw St Augustine" is already recognised as one of the best Dylan covers ever but the rest of these tracks are just as good if not better! Thea re-invents the album in her own unique style. Her voice is just amazing and the way she gets under the skin of these magical songs is spine tingling. The band behind her pull out all the stops. Drummer Paul Beavis, Robbie McIntosh and Nigel Stonier all deserve acclaim and all play out of their skins. This is a must-buy album by one of the best female singer-songwriters in the business.
My personal favourite track is "The Ballad Of Frankie Lee And Judas Priest" which Thea just lives and makes her own. A superb release that deserves success.
My personal favourite track is "The Ballad Of Frankie Lee And Judas Priest" which Thea just lives and makes her own. A superb release that deserves success.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
John Wesley harding Thea Gilmore
Thea's release of the the whole album of Dylans 'John wesley Harding' is quite breathtaking in it's scope and beauty. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Bluefroger
Re-inventive!
It's not exactly unknown, quite the opposite in fact, for movies to be remade. It's also extremely common for one artist to cover someone else's song, though it's rare for it to be... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ian Williams
not a patch on bob's
a fine singer but swamped by over-production. a one size fits all approach to the songs of one of dylan's most enduring,enigmatic albums. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr. P. Mclaughlin
My joint album of the year - that's two for Thea!
I'm led to belatedly review John Wesley Harding, having heard Thea Gilmore's superb new album, Don't Stop Singing, her musical interpretation of Sandy Denny's unused lyrics. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr L N Price
Some low points but overall very good
With the exception of a couple of standout tracks ("Pity the Immigrant") and "As I went out one morning", I wasn't too impressed when I first heard this album, but after a few... Read more
Published 7 months ago by oldhasbeen
Nice....It's....yes, nice.
I must first declare a (lack of) interest: never having been an avid Dylan fan, I'm both unaware and unconvinced of the original iconic status of John Wesley Harding. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Adam K.
Great album
What a great idea to have Thea Gilmore cover this album. It's a concept beautifully conceived. The vocals are assured and perfect for the songs, and the backing musicians
are... Read more
are... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Ewan
Best Dylan covers for a decade
Dylan's 70th has coincided with the release of a number of cover CDs. This is by far my favourite. Brave venture taking on an entire album and avoiding any dreary karaoke... Read more
Published 11 months ago by P. C. Langman
Almost Perfect!
Had only heard a couple of Thea Gilmore's tracks late night in the car on Bob Harris' show and was more interested in hearing some new interpretations of Dylan's work than anything... Read more
Published 11 months ago by M. Howell
great album
I was wary of this album ,how could anyone cover such a classic Dylan album.No need to worry Thea and her band have done a great job. Read more
Published 12 months ago by martin65
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