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Thread: Album Club, November 2018: Bettye LaVette - 'Things Have Changed'

  1. #1
    Join Date: Feb 2013

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    I'm Curator.

    Default 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://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.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Oct 2014

    Location: SW England

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    I'm Richie.

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    It was all done well, and I suspect that it will appeal to Bettye Lavette fans, but it I thought this was pretty average.

    Do Right To Me, Baby saved it. Blinding tune.

  3. #3
    Join Date: May 2013

    Location: Milton Keynes

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    I'm Martin.

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    Interesting choice. I think it is hard to cover Dylan successfully especially on an album. With her voice R&B is the natural choice, so only 7/10.
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  4. #4
    Join Date: Feb 2011

    Location: South Wales

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    I'm the'greatunwashed'.

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    7/10 is pretty respectable. It does grow on you, well it did for me anyway.

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  5. #5
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

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    I'm Grant.

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    yup, i like some of it too.. first 2 tracks especially.. 7/10
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  6. #6
    Join Date: Feb 2011

    Location: South Wales

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    Good to see this has just received a Grammy nomination in the best Americana album category . . . I'm not totally barking after all

    https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/...ations-list#13

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    Last edited by Tim; 07-12-2018 at 17:14.
    "People will hear what you tell them to hear" - Thomas Edison

  7. #7
    Join Date: Jan 2009

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    Wonderful - right up my street. I bet she would sound fantastic in a nightclub with that voice of hers.

    Yes, the Dylan cover was 'interesting' and probably the least successful tracks on what was to me a near perfect record. Would love to hear her do a cover of 'Walk on Guilded Splinters'.

    9/10 from me.

    Nice one Tim!
    Barry

  8. #8
    Join Date: Apr 2016

    Location: West of Scotland

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    I'm Robin.

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    I enjoyed the album although only listened in the car so far, not bought the vinyl yet
    Regards
    Robin

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  9. #9
    Join Date: Feb 2011

    Location: South Wales

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barry View Post
    Wonderful - right up my street. I bet she would sound fantastic in a nightclub with that voice of hers.
    Glad you enjoyed it Barry. I was hoping to see her in July this year in Bristol, but the gig was cancelled at the last minute with no real explanation, which was disappointing.

    "Sadly Bettye LaVette has been forced to cancel her European tour and will no longer be performing in River Town at Fiddlers on 12 July"
    I suspect it was low ticket sales as she's not that well known, but that's pure speculation. Real shame as I think, as you say, she'd be fantastic live. Apparently her tours have been cancelled before without explanation.
    Last edited by Tim; 17-12-2018 at 10:43.
    "People will hear what you tell them to hear" - Thomas Edison

  10. #10
    Join Date: Nov 2011

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    I wasn't sure at first if I liked it but as I listened to more tracks Bettye LaVette voice and song interpretation grew on me. The musicians and production of the album is certainly good. In fact I have added it to my playlist on Audirvana and will listen to more from her. I have never been a great Dylan fan, but she brings feeling to the song

    9/10
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