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Bryan Ferry: Dylanesque—The London Sessions

By Cyril Pearl -- Video Business, 5/28/2007

EAGLE VISION
Street: June 19
Prebook: now
> Roxy Music frontman croons his way through 13 lucky Bob Dylan numbers.

Rock-n-roll crooner Bryan Ferry takes another breather from Roxy Music for his latest solo project, a 13-song collection of Bob Dylan covers. Ferry’s in-studio live performances with his band are intercut with interview segments in which Ferry offers his feelings on Dylan (“‘Like a Rolling Stone’ was a pivotal moment for me,” he declares) and why he chose each song that’s represented. Highlights, of course, are highly opinionated, but for our money, the most winning interpretations are “Simple Twist of Fate,” “If Not For You” and the bonus clip “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall.” Another bonus track, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” which tells of an embittered man bidding a lady friend adios, is given an exceptionally strong rendering by Mr. Ferry, who has certainly experienced his share of heartache (and then sang about it).

Shelf Talk: Dylanesque is streeting the same week as its CD counterpart, which will undoubtedly get the lion’s share of press and sales. But Ferry’s dedicated fanbase is prone to purchase all things Bryan, and this DVD probably won’t be an exception. Ferry is still regarded as a music video pioneer from his earliest Roxy days in the ’70s, and he demands some respect for keeping the video ball rolling, even if his days of over-the-top fashions and scantily clad women are behind him.

Music, color, NR (nothing offensive), 61 min., DVD $14.98
Extras: bonus tracks
Director: Bob Smeaton
First Run: British TV, 2007

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