Brian Ferry, Dylanesque

Spot on - In this album the combined experience and stunning vocal interpretation that Bryan Ferry brings to a collection of widely acknowledged classic tracks from Bob Dylan gel to create an album of genuine quality. In an age of mediocrity this is a shining beacon of real class. I fully agree with D the M - you will enjoy this many times for many years before it even starts to feel jaded. Wonderful.

Tracks chosen blend well together in traditional Ferry style, I really am impressed even though I'm not a big Dylan fan.

The red printed Bryan Ferry on the sleeve and the ferris wheel blue behind hint I suppose at the prime colours of Oh Mercy, Dylan's late 80s (magnificent) record. And your own thoughts on Ferry? Those other sleeve covers of Roxy Music are barely surpassed. And whilst the others went on to various nice things, I haven't really caught the voice of Bryan Ferry over the years since.

Then, just this weekend, sort of cosy on the sofa, I saw him on the Culture Show sing that great song Positively 4th Street. Tears in the eyes at the end, I was faced with the simple truth that I had (apart from Hendrix on Watchtower) never heard Dylan sung as good (better?) than Dylan. And I have been devoted to his songs since the 60s. This is curious. I suspect this record has been in gestation for a very long time. Ferry clearly loves these songs.

Just back from pressing play again. My third time through these songs. "Just like Tom Thumb's Blues" is starting up. The band are painting a languishing picture, with (Ferry?) really nice harmonica.

This isn't supposed to be a big essay. So, before this song finishes, what is going on? Bryan Ferry is touching the essence of the song, gently, not tempted much to extend those last lines into an excursion of vowels on, "Simple Twist of Fate" (the way weaker interpreters always do). It is the way he sings "old canal, so confused I remember well" - and hauntingly "brought on by a simple twist of fate". Lovely. He sort of drives down the centre of the road and just gently pulls up where you expect (from all those exaggerated Dylan covers) a press down on the accelerator.

I note that Robin Trower plays some acoustic on track 11, but I couldn't quite hear that.

I could go on and on. But this is not simply a good review, it is a recommendation to buy this record, and listen for years to come (like Oh Mercy in that respect).

I do know this is the product of love of these songs. And I can only say, these interpretations have allowed me to love the songs even more.