Guest Blog by Steven Lawrence
With the Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International release today (January 24) reviews are rolling in, but so far the critics have overlooked the fact that the album represents the greatest collection ever of Dylan covers by female artists.
Of the 76 tracks, 19 are by women artists. Some are from singers you’d expect, like Joan Baez (Seven Curses) and Patti Smith (The Drifter’s Escape), who both have a history of covering Dylan. And there’s a terrific live version by Adele of Make You Feel My Love (which for me tops the studio version). Here’s a quick guide: