GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND – JUNE 25: Paul McCartney performs as he headlines the Pyramid Stage during … [+]
In addition to being one of the greatest and most successful musicians of all time, Paul McCartney is also a die-hard lover of music. He has never been shy about heaping praise onto other artists, especially songwriters, as he knows how hard it is to craft a tune that the masses will sing along to.
Music magazine Mojo asked a bevy of rock superstars to pay their respects to Bob Dylan, who is also recognized as one of the best songwriters ever. They all picked their favorite song from his catalog, sharing their thoughts about why the tune they chose means something to them.
The list of artists who took part in this exercise includes names like David Crosby, Richard Thompson, The Doors’ Robby Krieger, Sheryl Crow, and even rapper Nas. McCartney is included in the roundup, and his endorsement may be the most high-profile of the bunch.
The former Beatle chose Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and yes, he’s aware that some people might think it’s not the coolest choice…but he doesn’t seem to care. In true McCartney form, he makes a joke and is slightly self-deprecating in his write-up, beginning his comments by admitting, “I know it’s corny.”
McCartney goes on to explain why “Mr. Tambourine Man” ranks at No. 1 on his personal list. “I heard him do it at the Albert Hall,” and Mojo notes that the show took place on May 9, 1965. The rocker continues, “I was aching for him to do it and knowing Dylan, I thought he might not do it. Just to be awkward, just to be perverse.”
The chart-topper went on to reveal that the concert he was at is remembered among Dylan fans–and rock historians–as one where many fans became upset with the folk musician. He spent the first half playing songs that were traditional to the sound and style, but then he plugged in and continued his foray into electrically-powered rock, which was met with plenty of blowback.
McCartney is not among Dylan’s detractors for that decision. “It was the infamous show where all the folkies thought he’d sold out,” the touring musician stated, adding, “How crap is that? It was fantastic.” Taking it back to “Mr. Tambourine Man,” McCartney digressed by saying, “He did it there, the first time I’d ever heard it live. A really good song, very much of the period. Totally nailed that year. I was lucky to be there.”
“Mr. Tambourine Man” is one of Dylan’s most recognizable songs. He never released it as a proper single, but rising band The Byrds covered it and put their own spin on it in 1965, the same year Dylan wrote the track. Their tune went right to No. 1 on the Hot 100, and it helped usher in an era of folk-inspired rock, bridging the gap between the genres.
