Watch: My Chemical Romance - “Desolation Row”
With Watchmen’s debut on the big screen still a month away (March 6th to be exact, assuming legal entanglements do not prevent it), it’s hard not to restrain ourselves from storming the studios demanding an early release, especially now that it so happens that the end truly is nigh. Not that anyone should be surprised, but My Chemical Romance is the culprit. Yes, the emo-goth rockers have returned, and they’ve shed all pretense of conceptual themes and goth accoutrement for a rather excellent punk edge twist on Bob Dylan’s classic piece, “Desolation
Row”.
Surprisingly, it’s a pretty decent tune. Considering the setting of Watchmen is rather doom and gloom (an extended Nixon presidency and the Soviet Union threatening real nuclear attacks), a song like this is very appropriate for the film soundtrack. What’s pretty cool is that the music video was even helmed by the film’s director, Zack Snyder himself, which lends itself some credibility.
Footage of rioting crowds being beaten and arrested alongside the band feel almost authentic, and all the while is very entertaining. People will surely ask why My Chemical Romance had to “ruin” a Dylan song, but I tell you what - while all of those people sit around complaining, just remember that there are far more devastating covers out there (Marilyn Manson’s “Tainted Love” anyone?).
At risk of being manhandled by “Hipsters Against MCR”, here is the perfect song to keep you Watchmen fans at bay. Is it awesome? See for yourself. While YouTube has gone all copyright crazy over the video, MySpace has an exclusive feed, as we’ve provided below.
Not bad at all. Even in concert Dylan has played sped up versions of his classic; nothing punk, obviously, but Bob has suped it up enough to make it a rocker. This song definitely can be played fast. So props to MCR for a decent cover.
I will say, however, that I think the lyrics, other than maybe each verse’s Desolation Row line, are pretty much lost in this version. At least they don’t register with me anymore. I almost think MCR might be better served to write their own and keep the “Desolation Row” refrain.
mm
uhh this doesnt sound anything like post-punk man, sorry nick
I think it just felt like months away, which was attempted to convey here.
Does the soundtrack kick ass? Absolutely.
Honestly, this track is still probably the best I’ve seen out of MCR since…ever. They sound more punk than before, and it is truly admirable. Not to mention, it feels nothing like a cookie cutter cover (which happens far too often these days).
Cannot wait for the film, because it looks accurate as well as entertaining. Between this, The Dark Knight and <The Incredible Hulk I think comic book films are finally being taken more seriously than ever.
Sorry, Tobey.
this sounds like a generic, post punk, horrible, Guitar Hero track (too many adjectives?). the rest of the soundtrack has so much more potential than this piece of shit…
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
The Times The Are A-Changin - Dylan
The Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
Me & Bobby McGee - Joplin
All Along the Watchtower - Hendrix
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
to name a few. that said, the video was pretty good, but given the quality of the viral campaign launched by WB allready, i wouldn’t expect anything less.
and what did you mean by “With Watchmen’s release still months away”? it comes out in exactly one month!
Did anyone else see Night Owl’s blimp in the background during the intro?
Feb 19th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
[...] Cover Alert: My Chemical Romance tackles Bob Dylan [...]