10 Greatest Covers Of Bob Dylan Songs
3. The Byrds - Mr Tambourine Man
Despite his wide and diverse catalogue, “Mr Tambourine Man” probably remains the archetypal Dylan song in the public consciousness. Its meandering, mysterious lyrics and deadpan delivery are what most people would reach for if tasked with doing a Dylan impression.
While the original is a great song, it’s fair to say The Byrds’ rendition has a great deal more replay value. The California band were huge fans of Dylan and his intellectual aura, and can lay claim to nearly as much influence as Bob on the future of pop. A lot of this starts here, with their merging of Dylan’s literary lyrics and their warm, jangle-pop sound a key touchstone for bands to come like Big Star and R.E.M.
Every element of The Byrds’ “Mr Tambourine Man” just shines. From the 12 string Rickenbacker riff to the gurgling bass and the joyous harmonies of the chorus, it’s a quintessentially ‘60s sound, but one that doesn’t sound parodic or played out today. Everything is beautifully clear and delivered with conviction.
It was a major hit for The Byrds and helped to usher in a new wave of bands in their stead. While the sound itself is the most important element, though, it’s not nearly as effective without the already-legendary words and melody.