Cover Alert | Houndmouth and Goldsmith’s I Shall Be Released

While the Newport Folk Festival has a long and storied history, it’s arguably most famous as the place where Bob Dylan shocked the folk world in 1965 when he ditched his acoustic guitar, and plugged in an electric – much to the chagrin of Pete Seeger and the old folk guard. At this year’s edition, Dylan’s influence loomed large, as his songs where covered by at least four acts over the three days – with Ramblin’ Jack Elliot covering “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” Beck taking on “Nashville Skyline Rag” and Rayland Baxter tackling “To Ramona.”

The other cover came on Saturday afternoon during Houndmouth’s must-listen set at the Harbor Stage. Roughly three-quarters of the way through their 13-song set, the up and coming act from New Albany, IN invited out Dawes front man Taylor Goldsmith to join them on vocals for a cover of Mr. Zimmerman’s “I Shall Be Released.” The song was penned by Dylan, but originally appeared as the closing track on The Band’s 1968 debut Music From The Big Pink.

For their joint collaboration, much like the original, the members of Houndmouth, along with a bearded and sunglass-wearing Goldsmith, who vaguely resembled Dylan, each handled a verse from the song.

Let’s check it out…

Houndmouth continue their summer tour today with another high profile festival stop at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL; where they hit the BMI Stage at 3:20 p.m. this afternoon.

Written By: Jeffrey Greenblatt