Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 years of Amnesty International

I am often referencing the role Bob Dylan played in my childhood. He was a poet who's lyrics spoke to a generation desperate for a voice. He certainly spoke to my father who will still sit with his guitar, strumming and nasaling up his voice. "Once upon a time you dress so fine..."My fathers was not the only generation Dylan spoke to. His songs are timeless. He is one of the most covered artists of all time.

This month, Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International was released. It is a 4-cd compilation of Bob Dylan covers and all procedes go to Amnesty International. Artists range from favorites of mine like Carolina Chocolate Drops, Johnny Cash, Maroon 5 and Adele. It includes older live recordings like my all time favorite Dave Matthews Band version of All Along The Watchtower. The line-up is diverse as a wide range of artists take Dylan in great musical directions. Of course there are exceptions like the inclusion of Miley Cyrus (who doesn't sound the worst she's ever sounded), which I could have done without, but it is a solid album of timeless music.

Accidental Christmas: Bob Dylan "Little Drummer Boy"

I love the way my father used to sing Bob Dylan when I was growing up. In fact, I like the way most anyone sings Bob Dylan other than Bob Dylan. His scruffy, nasally voice has never entirely appealed to me, but his poetry in lyrics is so wonderful. All of this considered, it seems strange that I would like Dylan's recent Christmas album, but somehow his aged scruffy voice lends itself well to these classic tunes. Here he is singing Little Drummer Boy.