Multiple Versions Monday: Masters Of War
Five takes on this fighting folk masterpiece ...
Hello to all of my music-loving connections While it is Monday … BOO HISS, it IS time for a multiple versions listening session! Something good amidst the less than stellar, I hope.
This week’s song selections is a powerhouse folk anthem penned by Bob Dylan written over the winter of 1962-63. It was written in protest of the nuclear arms build-up and “competition” during the Cold War.
The lyrics and theme make it a powerful song no matter who sings it …
You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it's your little toy
The Playlists
Listen with Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/multiple-versions-monday-masters-of-war/pl.u-V9D7LEJc3plY9o7
Listen with Tidal:
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/e5651cd2-71b5-494f-92aa-e427e7c476a2
There you go. Five versions of “Masters of War.” Let me know which version is your favorite. Also, I’m always open for suggestions for other multiple-versions ideas! Chime in!
I’m late coming to this this week. If I’m honest I actually only like the Dylan version 🙈 I think it suits his voice and delivery but outside of that I really don’t like it as a song - sorry!
Love this concept! Maybe I said that last week ? Doesn't matter, still true. To the countdown . . .
5) Odetta
Odetta is fantastic. Bog fan. But this particular version didn't feel natural to me, or something. Maybe its that the musical arrangement is similar to Dylan's but her stately operatic vocals are so different than Dylan, and it creates some dissonance for me? I dont know for sure I just wasn't vibing with it. I had to stop the playlist and listen to a few other Odetta tracks just to remind myself how good Odetta was.
2c) Eddie Vedder
Gen X white boy with hippie boomer parents here. Yes this checks all my boxes. The most faithful tribute to the original out of the bunch, with the added bonus of Eddie Vedder being a better singer than Dylan on his worst day and Dylan's best.
2b) Judy Collins
I liked this one more than I thought I would. Again, largely faithful to the original, and its one that I could believe actually was the original in some parallel timeline. Judys softer voice sweetens it up, making the songs dark messaging a little more palatable. Kind of like a little honey stirred into your oatmeal that you know is good for you but isn't the sausage bacon egg ham and cheese biscuit that you really want.
Oh man I'm hungry.
2a) The Staples Singers
Now its getting interesting. This is a very different arrangement, like an old timey blues spiritual. It sounds like the type of song Dylan himself used to cover, like "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" or "House Of The Rising Son" on his first album. A cover done in an older style that makes it seem like an original. A faux-riginal? I think I just made up a new word.
1. Dylan. Say what you might about Dylan's singing, but his sneering tone is absolutely on point for this song. He knows how to convey the meaning of what he's trying to say, and that's why he's the Master.