Meshell Ndegeocello Enlists Bill Callahan and Chris Thile for Dylan Cover
Meshell Ndegeocello has released a cover of Bob Dylan's “With God on Our Side” featuring Bill Callahan and Chris Thile, from her upcoming duets album Synonym. The accompanying video was directed by Damani Baker. Ndegeocello described the arrangement as more aggressive and a challenge to reinterpret the folk song.
The track marks the latest preview of Synonym, Ndegeocello's collaborative album due October 2, which also features contributions from Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, Moses Sumney, and Anohni. A previous single, a cover of the Human League, included Cat Power. The accompanying video, directed by Damani Baker, was filmed on a park bench.
Ndegeocello described the arrangement as carrying more aggression than the original folk rendition, framing the reinterpretation as a puzzle-like challenge that honors the source material. She praised Callahan's voice as enchanting and Thile's as earthy and grounded, highlighting the distinct textures each brings to the trio's vocal blend.
This cover could introduce Dylan's protest-era catalog to younger audiences through Ndegeocello's genre-blending lens, while also bridging folk, jazz, and indie-rock fan bases. The collaborative format may strengthen interest in Synonym as a whole, potentially boosting album visibility in a crowded release season. For artists like Callahan and Thile, the project offers cross-genre exposure that could expand their reach beyond their usual listeners.