I have always found the three Billy songs fascinating. Titled Billy 1”, Billy 4” and Billy 7,” they show his mind at work. He takes the same theme, with and without lyrics, and alters the timing and the tempo to fit the movie’s action. Given the numbers, I am assuming there were other versions as well.
A couple of other songs stand the test of time well. “Turkey Chase” is just good old foot stompin’ music. It is more blue grass than anything else. “Final Theme” is a memorable conclusion to the album and the movie. It is a haunting piece that that presents a mood of tragedy and longing.
Is Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid of equal quality to Dylan’s best albums? The answer is no. However, it does remain an excellent and calming listen over thirty years later. Not many soundtracks can make that claim.
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