Things have changed

"Bettye LaVette has been enjoying a remarkable career resurgence in the 21st century, and Things Have Changed demonstrates why - she's as strong and compelling an interpretive vocalist as you're likely to hear in this day and age, and given a set of great songs, she can work magic with ease".

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"An all-Dylan album wasn't her idea but she warmed to the songs, mostly from Dylan's later years, where she found "prose rather than poetry". She brings vehemence to the world-weary title track (theme to The Wonder Boys), and turns Mama, You Been On My Mind from mournful folk into a sensual rap, and stalks spookily through Ain't Talkin'. Most startling is The Times They Are a-Changin', alchemised from Oakie singalong to menacing blues. "He's always angry about something, and when black women get angry they cuss," says LaVette, an intense, mesmerising presence throughout".

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"LaVette has played around with the rock repertoire since 2005's I've Got My Own Hell to Raise, covering everyone from the Stones to Fiona Apple. Yet this album is more hers - more personal and reflective of her wicked ways, sly humor and battle-tested wisdom - than any she's made. Consider Dylan a jumping off point for LaVette - a way of drawing power and focusing attention until she can take the time she needs to describe the world the way it feels to her: a tangle of longing, lust, struggle and hard-won satisfaction".

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