Pop Culture

Tim Heidecker Takes Bob Dylan's 'Titanic' for a Joyride

By Adrienne Blaine | Jul 29, 2012

Thanks to James Cameron's 3D movie extravaganza, few can forget that the Titanic tragically collided with an iceberg 100 years ago on April 15, 1912. And it was possibly no surprise when reports surfaced that Bob Dylan would release a 14-minute track inspired by the Titanic on his forthcoming album entitled, Tempest, set for release in September of this year. With a high-budget movie over three hours long and a rambling ode written by a music legend, it is apparent that this shipwreck continues to inspire long-winded tributes. However, appropriating this historic catastrophe for yet another artistic vision of grandeur could set us all up for disappointment.

Only one man -- the comedian, Tim Heidecker -- was brave enough to ask the tough question: "Oh Titanic, how could you let us down?" This query is the chorus of Heidecker's own musical interpretation of the Titanic's sinking, sung in the storytelling style of Bob Dylan. Clocking in at an impish 15 minutes (one minute longer than Dylan's), Heidecker's "Titanic" set sail on July 24th in a brazen attempt to "beat the Master to it."

Bob Dylan's Titanic by Tim Heidecker from Tim Heidecker on Vimeo.

The song details the Titanic's overblown history from port to present day ruins and Hollywood resurrection. On his Tumblr page, Heidecker states he "can't wait to see how close [he] got to the real thing." There's no way of knowing until September 11th, but in the meantime Heidecker's 99 cent parody is a welcome resuscitation of the rebellious edge that Dylan first became known for 50 years ago with the release of his 1962 debut album.

Hopefully, Dylan appreciates the homage -- however, at some point we are going to have to leave the Titanic at peace in its watery grave.

More on Music

• Music Review : Jay Nash 'Letters from the Lost'

• Festival Report : BottleRock Napa: A Music Festival in Wine Country

• Noise Pop : May 2013

• Music : A BottleRock 2013 Wish List

• The Bay Bridged : Live This Month: May 2013

« Previous Next »

The Latest on KQED Arts

Theater Review | May 18, 2013

Everybody's Helen of Troy at EXIT Theatre's DIVAfest

One Helen of Troy was enough trouble for the ancient world. What happens when you get five of them in the same room? By Sam Hurwitt  

NPR Film | May 17, 2013

'Into Darkness,' Boldly And With A Few Twists

The 12th film based on Gene Roddenberry's '60s sci-fi TV show is the second to star a new group of actors as Kirk, Spock and their crew. J.J. Abrams returns as director, and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch plays the memorable villain. By David Edelstein  

NPR Film | May 17, 2013

Polley's 'Stories': A Family Saga Strikingly Spun

A director's film memoir of her theatrical family is transformed by surprising discoveries about her parents' past -- and her own heritage. Sarah Polley's film becomes a superb meditation on how we dramatize memory. (Recommended) By Bob Mondello  

The Do List | May 16, 2013

The One About Orange Peels And Music On A Mountain

Cy Musiker and David Wiegand scout the Bay Area for things to do this coming weekend and turn up orange peels, music on a mountain, and much more!   

The Bay Bridged | May 16, 2013

Mixtape: San Francisco's Newest Psychedelic Sounds

Listen to the new Bay Bridged mix of Bay Area psych-rock, featuring Lumerians, Disappearing People, Golden Void, Coo Coo Birds, Barn Owl, and more.   

Music

• Laura Mvula: A Soulful Voice That Once Answered Phones

  Less than two years ago, Laura Mvula was a receptionist honing her phone answering skills at music organization in Birmingham, England. Now, she's got a record deal, a lot of critical acclaim and she's touring around the U.S.

• Marques Toliver: An R&B Crooner With Strings Attached

  Toliver's music is anchored by the violin, on which he is classically trained. He says he discovered the instrument in fifth grade — and that in a way, it chose him.

• Draco Rosa: A Pop Survivor Returns From The Brink, With Friends

  In the 1980s, he was Robi Rosa, the lead singer of Menudo at the boy band's peak of popularity. Rosa went on to write hits for bandmate Ricky Martin and develop a solo career. When Rosa was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, some of the biggest names in Latin music assembled to support him.

• After Health Issues, Influential Conductor Back At Met Opera

  Host Scott Simon speaks with New York Times classical music critic Anthony Tommasini about conductor James Levine's return to the Metropolitan Opera after a series of health problems kept him away for two years.

Also on KQED.org this week ...

We Need You!

Volunteer during our current on-air radio fundraising drive. It's a great way to support KQED Radio with your time. You can really make a difference!

• Apply Now

Enter the New "ImageMakers" Screening Room

Enjoy films from present and past seasons of KQED's short independent film series, divided into Animation, Comedy, Drama, and Suspense.

• Screening Room