Bob Dylan is arguably the greatest modern songwriter, and certainly the most influential. People all over the musical spectrum cover his songs. But there a special few who specialize in covering Dylan. For me, Jerry Garcia has always been the premiere Dylan interpreter. If you don’t believe me – or if you do – you should check out the Garcia Plays Dylan collection. Particularly the “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”

But now I have to say that Jerry’s old partner in crime, Bob Weir, is giving Jerry a run for his money these days. Bobby has always been adept with the occasional Dylan cover, but he and RatDog have really embraced it. They play a Dylan cover at well over half their shows.

Below are five of the best from the 2009 RatDog shows available in the Live Music Archive.

1. Bob Weir and RatDog – “She Belongs to Me”. This is a song I didn’t know very well before I saw RatDog play it at the Royal Oak Music Theater last year. It must be one of Bobby’s favorites – he’s played it at least 3 times this year. The song is originally from Bringing It All Back Home, but I mostly know it from the 1966 Royal Albert Hall show. She’s got everything she needs, she’s an artist, she don’t look back. Full show: August 21, 2009 – Brit Pavilion, Jacksonville, OR

2. Bob Weir and RatDog – “When I Paint My Masterpiece”. A contender for my favorite Dylan song. Full show: August 21, 2009 – Brit Pavilion, Jacksonville, OR

3. Bob Weir and RatDog – “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”. Mama, put my guns in the ground… Full show: July 17, 2009 – The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA

4. Bob Weir and RatDog – “Senor”. Top five for me. Full show: July 12, 2009 – Highland Bowl, Rochester, NY

5. Bob Weir and RatDog – “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue”. Look out, the saints are coming soon. Full show: January 28, 2009 – Grand Lido Resort, Negril, Jamaica