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
CD Description
Bryan Ferry adopted one of rock criticism's favorite terms for 2007's DYLANESQUE, a markedly Ferryesque take on 11 tunes by rock's poet laureate. An odd pairing on the surface, given their differing roots, but the two have much in common: Dylan is no stranger to the merits of arty posturing nor is Ferry to rock-&-roll grit.
Supposedly recording the albumin one inspired week, the suave singer takes on some of thebard's best here in a manner that would probably appeal to Dylan's mercurial nature. "Positively 4th Street" gets a string section makeover; "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" becomes a slow boiler with bedroom eyes; "Gates of Eden" is a crooner's delight; and the largely faithful "Make You Feel My Love", from TIME OUT OF MIND, gets its due as one of Dylan's great recent songs. This is a gripping listen for fans of both artists.