EASE DOWN THE ROAD

 4 Stars

The idea of Bob Dylan allowing a bunch of indie rock types half his age to record their versions of his songs seems a bit unlikely, but then so does the thought of the 1960s’ most political songwriter “acting” in commercials for corporations like Victoria’s Secret and Cadillac. While most of the time Dylan plays it distant and cold (just as any self respecting done-it-all legend should), he’ll occasionally drop his rigorous facade to let someone peek in. The someone in question behind this 34-song collection is film director Todd Haynes, the man responsible for such films as Velvet Goldmine, Far From Heaven and Corporate Ghost.

When word came that Haynes had cast a bevy of actors - including Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Richard Gere and Heath Ledger - to play Dylan, people (especially the Dylan purists) started to worry. Though the film has yet to hit theatres nationwide, the press and trailers currently available imply that Haynes treated the film as a loose celebration of all things Dylan rather than a story about the man himself. One listen to the sprawling I’m Not There soundtrack leaves the same impression. The songs here, many of which feature backing accompaniment from a super group - billed as The Million Dollar Bashers - come off as a celebration. And not just any celebration, but one featuring some of the best bands of the current generation.

Television guitarist Tom Verlaine, Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley, Dylan bassist Tony Garnier, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, legendary guitarist Smokey Hormel and Medeski, Martin and Wood key-man John Medeski join Sonic Youth guitar legend Lee Ranaldo in the aforementioned Million Dollar Bashers, the band responsible for giving the soundtrack its legs. Fronting the Bashers throughout are Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Stephen Malkmus (Pavement), Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and Verlaine himself. Additionally, Calexico back other artists on five songs, including Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Iron & Wine, Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Willie Nelson and Charlotte Gainsbourg, thus - along with the Bashers - offering a level of continuity not usually found on compilations featuring well over 20 different artists.

Also along for the ride are Cat Power and her Memphis Band, Sonic Youth, Richie Havens, John Doe (X), Yo La Tengo, Mason Jennings, Los Lobos, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees), Mira Billotte, Sufjan Stevens, Jack Johnson, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, The Hold Steady, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, The Black Keys, Marcus Carl Franklin, Bob Forrest and Antony and the Johnsons. As a bonus, Dylan also allowed Haynes to include the legendary (but never properly released) title track from the film; it alone is worth the $14 this disc will run you.

So there you have the facts. And while this album hardly plays through in a way that will satisfy everyone, it does attain the uncommon “something for everyone” element. My favorites, you ask? Sure. The Malkmus tunes with the Bashers, specifically “Ballad of a Thin Man” and “Maggie’s Farm,” are, believe it or not, nearly as raucous and memorable as the originals. Sonic Youth’s take on the title track also stands out, as does Jeff Tweedy’s straight-ahead version of “Simple Twist of Fate,” the two Yo La Tengo tracks, Willie Nelson’s “Senor” and Iron & Wine’s take on “Dark Eyes.” While some of the tracks (namely the cuts by Eddie Vedder, Cat Power, Mason Jennings and Los Lobos) feel a bit too much like cover band recordings, the bulk of I’m Not There is well worth your time, likely due to the excellent production throughout, especially the tracks handled by Joe Henry and Ranaldo.

As much as I enjoyed the I’m Not There soundtrack the first week or so after buying it, I have to admit that it hit my shelves pretty quickly (filed under “D” for Dylan, of course). More than anything else it has me dreaming of Dylan dropping everything and taking 10 or 11 new songs into the studio with The Million Dollar Bashers at his back and Joe Henry on the boards. Maybe even invite Dylan-superfan Ranaldo along for executive producer duties. Until then, we have I’m Not There, one of the better tribute albums you’ll find.

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