Media

Rock Plaza Central: "I Want You" (Bob Dylan Cover) (MP3)

6:32 p.m. · October 29, 2009 · by Matthew Fiander

Earlier this year, with ...at the Moment of Our Most Needing, Rock Plaza Central proved they can make folk-touched pop that is as affecting and subtle intricate as anybody. Part of that power comes from their ability to surprise us, which they do all over this cover of Dylan's "I Want You."

What makes it so surprising? Well, mostly that Chris Eaton's hard-edged, deep-the-throat voice might be the least likely candidate to take on Dylan's nasal bleat. But that ill fit may be what makes this song work so well. Banjo and violin swirl behind him in a slow burn, taking their time in building up to the melancholy pay-off when the drums roll their way in and Eaton sings the refrain with a heartbreaking warble. It might not sound much like Dylan's version, but Eaton and company get the most out of this cover by making it wholly their own.