This is probably my favourite Dylan covers album, and I've got a few. I can't remember how I first came across Barb Jungr. It might have been just through the publicity for this album (it came out in 2002). Every Grain of Sand has always been a favourite song, and just the idea of it being covered by a woman chansonnier sounded interesting (I've heard Emmylou Harris's version, but that doesn't do anything special for me). But I couldn't find a way to order the album for some reason. In fact, it wasn't until Christmas 2005, when Barb played Pirate Jenny's that I got my hands on a copy.
There's something about her delivery of the lines, which manages not to be in hock to Bob's very distinctive and original phrasing, that manages to bring different things out of the words. For instance, I was saying a few days ago how Sugar Baby is a great song, but I didn't realise how great until I heard Barb's version. She does a wonderful High Water (for Charley Patton), too — it's not on this album, but she sang it that night at Pirate Jenny's.
Lots of favourites here. Is Your Love in Vain? is one (and of course she doesn't do anything silly like changing the gender roles, despite them being obnoxious — don't get me started about how Kirsty MacColl ruined A New England by doing that). If Not for You and I Want You. And the '90s songs like Things Have Changed, Not Dark Yet and Born in Time.
Please listen to or buy this album if you can.
MusicBrainz entry for this album |
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