Various Artists
I’m Not There — The Original Soundtrack
Sony, 2007
By Eva Bowering
The soundtrack to I’m Not There, like the film, is a bit overwhelming to those who aren’t full-fledged Dylanologists. People such as, admittedly, myself, who have never truly thrown themselves into Bob Dylan’s massive collection of work. That said, given the multitude of Dylan-inspired work available, it’s refreshing to find something that offers a entirely different perspective; something much more then your average Greatest Hits compilation. That’s exactly what Todd Haynes (director of I’m Not There) is aiming to provide. Much like the film, the soundtrack offers an eclectic array of personality: artists young and old interpret Dylan’s work. Multitudes of musicians covering Bob Dylan is certainly not a new concept, but it can be said that there’s no other single resource of this caliber available. It is consistent throughout, with not one artist putting Dylan to shame.
Mainly comprised of headliners (such as Sonic Youth, Stephen Malkmus, Yo La Tengo, Chan Marshall of Cat Power, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco), it’s a mixed-bag of styles over two discs. Many of the artists collaborate with a back up band called the Million Dollar Bashers. They’re actually a super-group of musicians consisting of Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, as well as Wilco’s guitarist Nels Cline, Television’s Tom Verlaine, and long time Dylan bassist Tony Garnier. “Million Dollar Bashers” is also a reference to Dylan and The Band’s The Basement Tapes, first released in 1975.
In fact, a good portion of what inspired the soundtrack and film is The Basement Tapes, including the first standout song, Sonic Youth’s cover of “I’m Not There.” Also from The Basement is one of the most stunning covers on the album, Jim James of My Morning Jacket (backed by Calexico) doing “Goin’ To Acapulco.” It’s featured full-length in the film, as James makes an appearance in one of the most visually startling scenes of the movie. He sings this requiem in painted face and uniform, as a crowd of gatherers stand and stare, a ballad in reference to Dylan’s Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid era. Stephen Malkmus contributes most to the soundtrack with “Ballad Of A Thin Man” and “Can’t Leave Her Behind,” as well as “Maggie’s Farm.” Mason Jennings does several as well, though his cover of “The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Harroll” is probably his best.
This soundtrack is by far the most well-produced of the year, and will probably be found on plenty of people’s best-of lists. There is so much to interpret with regard to how Dylan inspired these interpreters of his work; you could spend hours going over each song. I think it proves just how relevant Dylan has been for years — and will be for years to come. This soundtrack gives you the opportunity to hear him in a completely different context. It’s here and there and everywhere, just like Dylan’s multiplicity, his many personalities and interpretations.
