Sure, ONJ had a nice voice and was a good looker (RIP), but too saccharine for me. George & Bob get my vote, not the most together performance but authentic.
One of my favourite songs and a classic in the debate about Dylan as a performer or songwriter which Iirc has been debated on here.
Bob and George both independently recorded versions which were very different. ONJ's is heavily influenced by Harrison and copy the guitar riffs which is why it gets my vote today.
Can I be the first to say they were both absolute garbage. Dylan/Harrison sounded like two guys who know the song, but have never rehearsed together, while ONJ is just overdone saccharine.
Can I be the first to say they were both absolute garbage. Dylan/Harrison sounded like two guys who know the song, but have never rehearsed together, while ONJ is just overdone saccharine.
Harrison and Dylan: 'you wouldn't hear a Robin sing'
Olivia: 'you couldn't hear a Robin sing'
The more important question is who got this right?
Actually I've looked this up and it's 'couldn't' so I can only assume that Harrison got it wrong.
Anyway, I don't like this song all that muchbut I always think that if you do a cover version then you need to put a new slant on it, for better or worse.
Therefore I vote Olivia although between the three I agree with @SomervilleAddick.
Ultimately I personally prefer this over all three:
Can I be the first to say they were both absolute garbage. Dylan/Harrison sounded like two guys who know the song, but have never rehearsed together, while ONJ is just overdone saccharine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjzTf9BVLR4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dqJnXmIEhc
Comments
Bob and George both independently recorded versions which were very different. ONJ's is heavily influenced by Harrison and copy the guitar riffs which is why it gets my vote today.
Dylan, great songwriter, marmite performer IMO.
The more important question is who got this right?
Anyway, I don't like this song all that muchbut I always think that if you do a cover version then you need to put a new slant on it, for better or worse.
Therefore I vote Olivia although between the three I agree with @SomervilleAddick.
Ultimately I personally prefer this over all three:
We have a winner.
If Not For You (Remastered 2014) - YouTube
Another similar version which I think is worthy of a mention is Glen Campbell.
Glen Campbell - If Not For You. - Bing video
Like all musical debates its a question of taste.
Wikipedia has a good entry about the song and the various interpretations.
If Not for You - Wikipedia
The excellent Secondhand Songs site gives a definitive list of cover versions.
Song: If Not for You written by Bob Dylan | SecondHandSongs
The second song he chose was this one by ONJ.