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.