Mama You’ve Been On My Mind – We Are Augustines – video

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Newcomer indie band does a wistful version of Dylan classic for Amnesty International collection

Indie lead singer Eric Anderson of We Are Augustines is reading the lyrics for Bob Dylan’s off-handed anti-love song from Another Side of Bob Dylan. What? Can’t the guy memorize the lyrics?

Then as Anderson dreamily sings his way through this standard of Dylan’s ex-lover Joan Baez it dawns on you. His eyes are closed. Neat trick to play by someone who breathes new life into a 60s chestnut, one of the Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan. Continue reading →

Mumford and Sons Headline at SXSW Festival

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Mumford and Sons are repeating their SXSW gig for the 3rd time in March 2012 – they will be the headliners this year

Mumford and Sons - Winston Marshall, Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford with Elvis Costello (photo Cambio)

By Stephen Pate – In March 2009 a relatively unknown English folk band called Mumford and Sons hit the stage in Austin Texas at the annual SXSW. When they return to SXSW in March 2012 they will be headliner act that conquered the world in 3 short years.

Mumford and Sons, Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane, were only 15 months old when they bounced into Austin Texas for the annual music and film festival. There is no doubt they had the right stuff but like all bands they had to work their way up the ladder of recognition and success. For most bands that means 5 to 10 years of hard slogging.
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Flogging Molly – The Times They Are A Changin’

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Irish punk group rocks up Dylan’s classic for Amnesty International

Flogging Molly remind me of The Clancy Brothers on Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration, The band starts off slow and lyrical and then comes onto the tune at a fast pace. Canadians will recognize Great Big Sea arrangements – Celtic rock.

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Foo Fighters clean up at Grammy 2012 with Walk video

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Off Grammy performance of Walk shows band firmly in control of rock and roll and two of their 4 Grammy wins

Nothing beats a good, head-banging, rock and roll rave up. Wasting Light won Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song at the 2012 Grammys. Continue reading →

Rise Against Ballad of Hollis Brown video

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Punk cover of Bob Dylan song from Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International

Rise Against’s video of The Ballad of Hollis Brown shouts the anger of the poverty in America. Dylan understated the message. Rise Against hits you in the face.
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Miley Cyrus video Bob Dylan You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Part of Chimes of Freedom The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International

Updated with new video – OK I’m not a Miley Cyrus fan but she does acquit herself nicely on the 4 CD set honoring Dylan and Amnesty International. The 4-CD set of Dylan covers grows on you.
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Chimes of Freedom all Bob Dylan all the time

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Stephen Pate

What’s not to like about a 4-CD 76-song tribute to Bob Dylan and Amnesty International for $20

Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan is a lot of Bob Dylan songs for only $20 sung by artists famous and not-so-famous. The project will raise money for Amnesty International.

Amnesty International are fighting for human rights and freedom around the world. They deserve our $20 and more for defending people from oppression.

It’s the 50th Anniversary of Amnesty International, Bob Dylan’s 50th anniversary of recording. The project seems like a winner. Continue reading →

Bob Dylan performs Blind Willie McTell at Critics Choice

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Stephen Pate

In honor of Martin Scorsese Dylan actually sounds like an old blues man

Get More: Bob Dylan Performs “Blind Willie McTell” In Honor Of Martin Scorsese, Music Videos, Live Performances

This video may not play in all regions. It will also not play on iPhone or iPad. VH1 is controlling who can see the video.

A recent Bob Dylan performance of Blind Willie McTell with Mark Knopfler follows the break.
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Bonnie Raitt set to launch first new CD in 7 years

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Stephen Pate

Slipstream will feature Raitt’s bluesy singing and hot slide guitar coming April 2012

Bonnie Raitt Slipstream (photo Redwing Records)

After taking a 7 year break for personal reasons, Bonnie Raitt is roaring out of the gate with a new record, new record label and a national tour during 2012.

Raitt has had a long career in rock and blues with highlights like the award winning Nick of Time and rock classics like “Something to Talk About”, and the ballad “I Can’t Make You Love Me”.

On the new CD, Raitt covers two Bob Dylan songs Million Miles and Standing in the Doorway. Continue reading →

Bob Dylan’s 2011 Christmas lump of coal – Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Stephen Pate

Expecting a new Bob Dylan release this Christmas has been a disappointment

Christmas in the Heart (artwork Sony Music)

Bob Dylan’s Christmas gift to fans this year only has one of his songs.

Bob Dylan was executive producer of The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams.

Hank Williams wrote the lyrics decades ago but didn’t finish the songs.

Dylan enlisted a who’s who of country, indie and rock music to make those lyrics come alive.

Every Christmas for ages I have looked forward to some Bob Dylan gift in my stocking.

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Walking Blues – Guy Davis

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Stephen Pate

Young old bluesman keeps the Delta tradition alive and well

Walking Blues from 1990 Tribute to Robert Johnson

Blues guitarist and singer Guy Davis grew up in New York City but he assimilated the Delta Blues traditions of his Mississippi grandparents.
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