10 Greatest Covers Of Bob Dylan Songs
9. Yo La Tengo - Fourth Time Around
A beautiful, fragile highlight of Dylan’s bombastic Blonde On Blonde album, “Fourth Time Around” is one of the prettiest songs in Dylan’s catalogue, albeit one that is often interpreted to be a shot across the bow of The Beatles, bearing similarities to their “Norwegian Wood”.
Many years removed from this friendly rivalry, Yo La Tengo strip the song of any biting undertone, making the lovely melody even sweeter by virtue of Georgia Hubley’s warm, soothing vocals. In lieu of the pizzicato finger picking of Dylan’s original, the track is awash with comforting keyboards that bring out the lullaby nature of the tune.
The track was recorded for the Dylan biopic-of-sorts I’m Not There, and it’s easily the best in show. While other artists tried to do a Bob impression or reinvent tracks, Yo La Tengo simply bring their sonic palette to a song that needs no rejigging.
Dylan songs are rarely as simple as they seem on the surface, and “Fourth Time Around” managed to wind up John Lennon despite its gorgeous melody. Yo La Tengo allow us to enjoy the tune without that element, which is a gift.