This week we listen to 4 GARAGE versions of what some boomers say is the greatest song of all time: Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone." We think the very first cover of the tune was done by the Soup Greens, presented to the world only one month after BD released the original.(1:47) They don't bore us, they get to the chorus! In their soupy hands, the song becomes a frat rock rager - with a burbling organ, boom-crash drums, and a great clattering ending. Mike Mitchell > Mike Bloomfield by the way ... in 1966, The Other Half took the song on (40:19). These aren't the "Mr. Pharmacist" guys but they add a cool opening bass riff we like. Next up is those "shoulda-beens," The Remains (1:03:43). Their rendition has studio banter, pounding drums, snotty Jagger-esque vocals replacing the Dylan whine, and includes a throat-shredding rendition of the famous chorus. The second verse has a wicked stop and chop section a la "Hang On Sloopy," as well. Finally, the stone rolls all the way to Sweden and lands next to the Lee Kings (1:36:06). These guys produce a nice dreamy version with a softer approach to the caustic chorus, and a more mournful harp part than the original. Basically, they give the song a Swedish accent, showing the love the Scands had for BD before awarding him the Nobel Prize, which we also discuss. Man, this descripto has more words than Dylan himself ... gotta go!!
