Album Club, November 2018: Bettye LaVette - 'Things Have Changed'
The Album Club choice for November comes courtesy of Tim with Bettye LaVette's 'Things have Changed'. As always, please listen to the album in its entirety before you comment and/or vote.
Bettye LaVette – Things Have Changed
2018
59:15 mins
https://img.discogs.com/psYQDjghP5QL...-1899.jpeg.jpg
https://img.discogs.com/psYQDjghP5QL...-1899.jpeg.jpg
https://www.discogs.com/Bettye-Lavet...lease/11804344
(includes a full list of performers)
https://open.spotify.com/album/4WrWD...RrChdHfH59a71w
spotify:album:4WrWD47QXsRA5IUZAyZmue
https://www.theguardian.com/music/20...view-bob-dylan
As is my want when selecting album club choices, I normally go for something recent, rather than older classic albums. I chose this not just because I love it, but I rarely notice anyone playing Bettye LaVette, so maybe she might be new to some and I like to try an introduce something people might not be familiar with. I think Marco is a fan though?
However, this isn’t exactly ‘new’ in the true sense as it’s a cover album, I don’t normally enjoy cover albums, but this one’s a little different. It’s blues/soul/R&B and a little jazzy in places from a now 72 year old Bettye LaVette and the entire album consists of Dylan songs, 12 in all – so we’ve maybe got some Bob Dylan for people who don’t like Bob Dylan? There are more than enough Dylan covers around and most I’m indifferent too, preferring the originals, but I think this is very good. It features Keith Richards on some cuts and I particularly like track 5 – 'Seeing The Real You at Last', the beat and rhythm is pure Rolling Stones. In fact after the opening bars I’m half expecting to hear Mick singing! I really enjoy the next track too, (6) 'Mama, You Been on my Mind'.
It’s well recorded with some fine playing from the assembled musicians, there’s even a string quartet on track 7 (perhaps the weakest and my least favourite track however). Some might say Bettye’s voice is getting a little rough around the edges, but I love it and it adds a perfect touch of character to the songs.
I think it’s a refreshing take on some of my favourite Dylan songs (I’m a Dylan fan), in fact it’s breathed new life into some of his classics. It might also be a gateway to some of Bettye's music, so if you like this do explore further, as I think she's a real talent that not many seem to know.
It’s smoky, sassy, lots of fun and I really enjoy listening to it, so hopefully someone else will.
https://youtu.be/0fNrmRuI-so Just a flavour, not the full album.
