I was pretty excited to get I’m Not There from Netflix a couple of weeks ago. I’d wanted to see it in the theaters but hadn’t gotten the chance.
I liked the film, but loved one scene in particular. It’s in the Richard Gere segment which, if I remember correctly, represents Dylan’s post-motorcycle crash recluse period. There’s a funeral service in a town square, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket (backed up by Calexico) is singing Dylan’s “Goin’ to Acapulco”.
It’s a haunting and beautiful performance for a scene that is not entirely explained, expected or even particularly relevant. The shots of the funeral mourners add such intense weight to the mood. The whole thing knocked me on my keister when I saw it. I got choked up and inspired at the same time. Check it, bleed:
And, of course, I have 233 Dylan songs in my library and no copy of “Goin’ to Acapulco”. Smitch was able to dig it up in the Basement Tapes and post it here for our listening pleasure. Thanks, buddy. I also dug up the soundtrack version via the wonders of the machine of hype.
“Goin’ to Acapulco” by Bob Dylan (from The Basement Tapes)
“Goin’ to Acapulco” by Jim James & Calexico (from the I’m Not There Soundtrack)
334 songs, bitches.
I’m not sure I’m allowed to brag, though, since (astonishingly) I’ve never listened to the Basement Tapes all the way through. This is a great track, and the cover is outstanding! Thanks for posting.
Of course, we both have our good friend Timbone Q. McRedbeard to thank for much of our Dylan collections. And in my case, at least, I have him to thank for just generally steering my boat down the river Dylan.
Great site guys!
Oliver
http://www.thefourohfive.com
nice touch that jim james slapped on dylan’s white face-paint from the rolling thunder shows…
Dude thanks, I feel the exact same way and Jim James of My Morning Jacket explains everything – I loved that scene and the version of the song. My Morning Jacket is one hell of a band, and he kiiled on this. Is that actually him on stage?
My pleasure! And yeah, that is him. I have only recently started coming around on MMJ. Until, that is, I got Evil urges off eMusic this morning. Not too psyched about my first listen, but will reserve judgment…
I know! I loved the movie, and although I was kind of tired and dozing off when this scene started, I was instantly hypnotized. Had to buy the CD and download the clip, because it stuck to my mind in such a way. The guys lifting the casket, and Jim James singing in that sad and ponderous way.
So its from the basement tapes… I too love that scene, I was glad to see it in the bonus materials as an uncut piece. I bought the soundtrack to the movie, and it is my favorite song on there. I was going through all my dylan songs, wondering why i dont remember hearing it… basement tapes… gotta get those. :D