Outlaw Blues Volume Two: A Tribute To Bob Dylan – A Rocking Nod to the Legend
Alright, so here’s the deal. Outlaw Blues Volume Two: A Tribute To Bob Dylan is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in '93 by Imaginary Records (cool name, right?), it's a UK-born homage to the one and only Bob Dylan. The album dives into his catalog with a gritty alternative rock twist, courtesy of various artists who clearly had some serious respect for the man. And hey, let’s not forget Joe Champniss—he nailed that cover art. It’s simple but grabs your attention like an old-school punk flyer.
Now, this isn’t just another tribute record where bands phone it in. These tracks feel alive, raw, and kinda rebellious—like they’re giving Dylan’s songs a second life without losing their soul. Let me break down two tracks that stuck with me.
First off, there’s "Highway 61 Revisited." Man, whoever took this one ran with it. They kept the original’s swagger but cranked up the distortion, turning it into something heavier, almost dangerous. You can practically hear the tires screeching as the song barrels forward. It’s wild how they managed to make a classic feel fresh while still tipping their hat to Dylan’s genius. Every time I listen, I’m reminded why this tune has been covered a million times—it’s just unstoppable.
Then there’s "Visions Of Johanna." This version slows things way down, letting the lyrics breathe. It’s haunting, man. Like, you’re sitting in a dimly lit room, nursing a drink, and suddenly all these words hit you at once. The singer doesn’t try to outdo Dylan; instead, they lean into the melancholy. By the end, you’re left staring into space, wondering what Johanna even means. That’s the magic of it.
The rest of the album? Solid stuff. Tracks like "Positively 4th St." and "Every Grain Of Sand" get their moment to shine too, though nothing quite hits as hard as those two standouts. Oh, and props to whoever tackled "Rainy Day Women 12 & 35"—they didn’t shy away from its chaotic energy. Hats off.
Here’s the thing about Outlaw Blues Volume Two: it’s not perfect. Some covers stray a little too far from the source material, and a couple of performances feel uneven. But honestly? That adds to its charm. It feels human, like a bunch of musicians got together, cracked open a few beers, and said, “Let’s do this.” There’s no over-polished sheen here, just passion and grit.
So yeah, if you’re a Dylan fan or just love alternative rock with a rough edge, give this album a spin. It might not change your life, but it’ll definitely remind you why music matters. Plus, listening to it makes me wonder… would Bob have approved? Something tells me he’d smirk, light a cigarette, and mutter something cryptic. Classic Dylan.
