Search - Hollies :: Sing Dylan

Unjustly Overlooked Showcase

Randall E. Adams | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/24/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the album that drove Graham Nash out of the band. Nearly continually reviled as blasphemous, "Hollies Sing Dylan" is actually one of the most persuasive showcases of the band's interpretive talent. Twelve mostly familiar Dylan tunes are given the full Hollies transformation. Their version of "This Wheel's On Fire" stands confidently among any of the competing versions (such as by the Byrds). "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is equally powerful and anthemic. Allan Clarke expands his budding talents as balladeer in a moving version of "Just Like a Woman" and puts in a jaw-dropping performance on "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"--there will never be another singer like him. Tony Hicks gives his first virtuoso acoustic guitar solo on "Quit Your Lowdown Ways." Bobby Elliott's drumming is more prominent and effective than ever before. The Clarke/Hicks/Sylvester vocal blend is still a little rough in places but already hinting of the seamless sound soon to come. Gripes? In most places the additional orchestration is unnecessary and detracts from the material. The worst example is "My Back Pages" which starts with a dramatic drums and organ accompaniment to Allan Clarke's trenchant solo delivery, only to be trivialized by an invasion of fruity reed and woodwind instruments.No one criticized Joan Baez for doing an album of Dylan songs and there is no reason to knock the Hollies for doing the same. In some ways this is the most pure Hollies album of all, forcing the group to exert itself to burn its brand on every song."

Clarke, Hicks, Elliott, Calvert, Sylvester...and Nash

Randall E. Adams | 01/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the original 1969 LP reissue plus two bonus tracks. Originally issued in the US under the title "Words & Music By Bob Dylan", this was the reported straw that broke the camel's back as far as one Graham Nash was concerned. However, the two bonus tracks are proof that Nash WAS involved in at least the early stages of the album when David and Stephen came calling. Musically, the album is a treat for Hollies fans. The alternate version of "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is the first official release of any live Nash-era material. Track 13, "Blowin' In The Wind", was originally issued only in West Germany well ahead of the album and extraordinarily rare."

A few personal notes

jim mello | Maine,USA | 05/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Can't add much to the fine review above.I would probably give the album 3.5 stars(based on my treasured vinyl copy,so the CD's sound may be of higher quality).I would say it compares favorably to the Byrds' Dylan covers(and subsequent compilation album),and occasionally surpasses them."Quit Your Lowdown Ways" is my favorite cut.I gave a vinyl copy to a close,Dylanophile friend,who owns "everything Dylan"(but had never heard this) for his 50th birthday.My wish has always been that Graham Nash would have left the Hollies after this album and added his creative energies to this fine collection of songs.A must for Hollies fans,a challenge for Dylan's.All we are saying is give the Hollies a chance."