Tuesday 30 October 2007

Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble in Woodstock

Thanks to Larry Kosofsky:

“I finally got around to going to Levon's Ramble last night - the Hallowe’en edition, no less. I live only 30 miles away, and I don't know what kept me from getting there sooner.

“This is American music at its best – a down-home jamboree of the highest quality. The Alexis Sutter Band kicked it off at 8 pm, followed by the Felice Brothers, and finally Levon, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and a group that included string bass, keyboards, trombone and saxophone.

“Forgive me for not getting all the members' names; I was too busy having fun. There's an additional lead guitarist who shared vocals, another drummer who took over for Levon when he picked up the mandolin, and of course Little Sammy Davis, who came on to sing a half dozen blues numbers in two stints.

“It's a great scene: about a hundred people scattered around Levon's Woodstock, N.Y. studio, with free food and drink available, mostly brought by the audience members to be shared.

“I won't go into a detailed breakdown of all the music, but I will say that you won't be disappointed when you go. The high point for me was Levon's rendition of a tune from his excellent new CD "Dirt Farmer", "Got Me a Woman." We also heard "Ophelia", "The Weight", and a version of "Chest Fever" that featured Larry Campbell playing Garth Hudson's organ intro on electric guitar.

“The joint was rockin' - Levon's backbeat makes the band swing all down the line.

“Not much more to say, just get there if you can; the money's going to a good cause (you can read about Levon's struggles in other places) and it's an unforgettable night. Visit Levon's website to make a reservation. I will be back.”

Tuesday 23 October 2007

Bruce Springsteen’s Magic

Thanks to Mike Ollier:

“The new Springsteen album is attracting sobriquets in the press such as "His best for 20 years" and "Best since Nebraska." I never understand this type of writing; what I want to know is "Is it any good, should I buy it?" It's either good or it's not. End of story.

“Bruce has been unusually happy recently with the joie de vivre of "The Seeger Sessions" and then the (pointless) "Live in Dublin" DVD and album. This is all together a different kettle of cod.

“I've lived with the album for three weeks now (it's fought for plays on my CD tray along with Steve Earle and Mick Jagger). The cover shows a sombre, brooding Bruce photographed in sepia tones and the gatefold sleeve shows a similarly sepia-tinted E Street Band. Nils Lofgren looks glum whilst Steve Van Zandt seems to have mistaken the E Street Band for his TV family ~ bottom lip jutting defiantly, hands crossed at waist level. Silvio, you gotta go! The pictures sum up the album, strangely muted and sober and shot through with broken promises and tired optimism.

“We roar off with "Radio Nowhere" muscling through the speakers, but it's curiously joyless. The chorus is evidently built for singing along to and it's sure to be a belter live. That old E Street magic permeates "Livin' In The Future" which harks back to the second album in feel and sound. The words don't match the sonic though, some sour lyrics that hint at political dissatisfaction.

“One of the album’s key tracks is "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" with its Spector-ish shtick; but again it has a downbeat sense to the lyrics that surprise. It's got that typical Springsteen 'someone going nowhere' story-arc, with a tired sounding protagonist out in the streets, noticing all around him but being curiously adrift.

“Once again you are reminded of the cinematic qualities of Springsteen's best songs and it brings to mind "The Last Picture Show." The romantic lyricism of "I'll Work For Your Love" is welcome after this, putting a bit of colour back into the music,

“The rage is palpable in "Last To Die" which is a paraphrase of a John Kerry quote; its imagery of blood and bodies, martyrs and flames makes the subject explicit. The 'hidden' track (don't you just hate that phrase?) is, strangely, perhaps the album’s highlight. The track is untitled but is dedicated to his personal assistant Terry MacGovern who died earlier this year. A lovely piano, organ and harmonica ballad, which shows the love Bruce must have had for his friend.

“The album seems to be a requiem for an America that has gone, that has lost its youthfulness; the America of Bruce's earlier albums. Perhaps it's Bruce who has grown up, realising that he's not 'Born To Run' anymore. As ever, there are political undertones here but he never rams it down your throat, rather leaves it for us to find and decipher, just like in our own lives. The feel and tone is a little like "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" (referenced on "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"), it has a valedictory air and downbeat hue.

“To return to my original question: is it any good? Yes, it's superb. Should you buy it? What do you think?

Thursday 18 October 2007

The trio of Van Morrison compilations from 2007

Thanks to Clem Harris:

“I share your enthusiasm for Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation from Polydor, due on Monday, and the promise of re-released, expanded versions of Van’s fabulous back catalogue.

“But I can’t agree that the two 2007 compilations from EMI – At The Movies and Best Of vol 3 – were “valid”. They might have been commercially sound, but they don’t make artistic sense.

“The Movies CD was unnecessary – 9 of its first 10 tracks are on the wondrous The Best Of, from 1990.

“Best Of Vol 3 is a mess. Its mix of solo material from weak recent albums wasn’t worth re-releasing. The duets showcase Morrison’s greatness as a vocalist and should have been released by themselves, without the other stuff. Am I alone in thinking this?

“I’m looking forward to Still On Top washing away the bad taste of these two unwanted releases. The new 3CD is an absolute crackerjack.”

Wednesday 17 October 2007

Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation: three questions

The new Van Morrison compilation, Still On Top – The Greatest Hits, released next Monday, 22 October (UK), raises three questions:

1. Why? It’s the third Morrison compilation of 2007. You wait 14 years for a Van comp, then three turn up at the same time!

Almost certainly the rush to compile is the result of two record labels – EMI and Polydor – wanting their due from a leaving/returning artist. EMI’s two compilations were both valid – creatively and commercially. The new (Polydor) comp heralds an exciting re-release project of the Van Man catalogue. Watch this space…

2. Is it worth buying? You kidding? The 3CD Ltd Ed has 51 tracks. By my reckoning, all but six tracks are simply wonderful: almost 90% of the collection hits the spot. Missing? Summertime In England… , and there’s nothing from Astral Weeks… .

3. Is “Greatest Hits” an accurate title? Naaaah. The Ulsterman’s had very few “hits”. Didn’t he once confide to a small, rapt audience in South Wales: “F*ck the f*cking pop charts…”?

The record shops have been denuded of Morrison product for many months. The new Polydor release programme will put the legacy back in front of music buyers. And persuade some hardcore fans to buy the product, yet again, for the promised bonus additions.

What a legacy! Rave on.


Gerry Smith

Tuesday 16 October 2007

Major new Van Morrison compilation due next Monday

A major new Van Morrison compilation, Still On Top – The Greatest Hits, will be released next Monday, 22 October (UK) in both 2 and 3CD versions – though why anyone would buy the 2CD version instead of the 3CD Collector’s Edition is a mystery.

The release follows hot on the heels of the new DYLAN compilation, which also has 51 tracks over three discs.

Rockpop for Grown-Ups commentary to follow this week.


Gerry Smith



Disc 1:
1. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) 2007 Re-mastered
2. Dweller On The Threshold, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Whenever God Shines His Light, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Moondance
5. Bright Side Of The Road, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Brown Eyed Girl
7. Wavelength, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Crazy Love
9. Someone Like You, 2007 Re-mastered
10. When Will I Ever Learn To Live In God, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Tore Down A La Rimbaud, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Wild Night, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Gloria, Stereo Version
14. Real Real Gone, 2007 Re-mastered
15. Into The Mystic
16. In The Garden, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Saint Dominic's Preview, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Stranded, Album Version

Disc 2:
1. Precious Time, 2007 Re-mastered
2. Domino
3. Here Comes The Night
4. Little Village, 2007 Re-mastered
5. And It Stoned Me
6. Days Like This, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Cleaning Windows, 2007 Re-mastered
9. Baby Please Don't Go
0. Back On Top
11. Vanlose Stairway, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Celtic New Year, Album Version
13. Irish Heartbeat, 2007 Re-mastered
14. The Healing Game, Alternative Version
15. Full Force Gale, 2007 Re-mastered
16. Warm Love, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Did Ye Get Healed, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Tupelo Honey, 2007 Re-mastered
19. Wonderful Remark, 2007 Re-mastered

Disc 3:

1. Hey Mr. DJ, 2007 Re-mastered
2. In The Forest, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Queen Of The Slipstream, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Rave On John Donne, 2007 Re-mastered
5. Hymns To The Silence, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Crazy Jane On God, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Rough God Goes Riding, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Steal My Heart Away, 2007 Re-mastered
9. One Irish Rover, 2007 Re-mastered
10. Listen To The Lion, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Streets Of Arklow, 2007 Re-mastered
12. The Beauty Of The Days Gone By, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Take It Where You Find It, 2007 Re-mastered
14. Coney Island, 2007 Re-mastered

Monday 15 October 2007

The Other Side of the Mirror – vital addition to the Dylan catalogue

Last night’s screening of The Other Side of the Mirror - Dylan at the Newport Festival 1963-1965 (BBC Four, to be repeated on Wednesday) was riveting – the definitive document of the emergence of a great, rare talent.

The 1963 segment shows a precociously gifted young singer playing the role of diffident, unassertive folkie to perfection: he gives his audience what it wants. Highlights are North Country Blues (performed seated) and Only a Pawn in Their Game. The writing is breathtaking, the performances searing.

The middle year has one great performance - Chimes of Freedom. Dylan’s beautifully sung version of one of his leading compositions is probably the highlight of this must-see film. The rest of the 1964 section is blighted by unwelcome intrusions.

The 1965 kiss-off, with the electric band, is magnificent to behold – great performance art, supremely confident performances of Maggie’s Farm and Like a Rolling Stone by Dylan and his well-chosen accomplices.

Visibly affronted by the mixed reaction to the electric set, Dylan’s acoustic encore has him playing as if his life depended on it. He’s never been more commanding than he is on Mr. Tambourine Man and It's All Over Now, Baby Blue.

Throughout the 80 minutes, Dylan’s evolving singing voice is magisterial. We are lucky that the film was a low budget project (shot on one, maybe two, cameras) – because it forced its director to point the lens at Dylan for the duration. Murray Lerner simply recorded the performances - nothing else is allowed to get in the way.

The Other Side of the Mirror is a vital addition to the Dylan catalogue. Though the BBC transmitted the whole 80 minutes, I’ll probably end up buying the DVD, too – just so I can edit out the unwanted distractions of 1964.


TRACKLIST:

All I Really Want To Do (1965)

1963:
North Country Blues
With God on Our Side (with Joan Baez)
Talkin' World War III Blues
Who Killed Davey Moore?
Only a Pawn in Their Game
Blowin' in the Wind (with the Freedom Singers, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary)

1964:
Mr. Tambourine Man
Johnny Cash, Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Joan Baez, Mary Hamilton
It Ain't Me, Babe (with Joan Baez)
Joan Baez interview
With God on Our Side (with Joan Baez)
Chimes of Freedom

1965:
If You Gotta Go, Go Now
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Rehearsal (with electric band)
Maggie's Farm (with electric band)
Like a Rolling Stone (with electric band)
Mr. Tambourine Man
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue



Gerry Smith

Thursday 11 October 2007

Joy Division celebrated

Not before time, the peerless legacy of the great Joy Division is being celebrated in England with impressive new record releases to piggyback on the acclaimed new Ian Curtis biopic movie, Control.

The Manc gloomsters’ three major record releases - Closer, Still and Unknown Pleasures – have been re-released as special editions with re-mastered sound and - here’s the important bit – a (different) formerly unreleased live performance packaged as a second CD with each album.

Yummy. Must buy!


Gerry Smith

Wednesday 10 October 2007

Another BBC Bobfest this weekend

To promote its broadcast of No Direction Home in September 2005 the BBC stuck a wonderful Jerry Schatzberg portrait of Dylan on the cover of its weekly listings mag, Radio Times.

I was so shocked I bought a copy. Radio Times is a big circulation mag (over 1m copies sold every week). It focuses on mainstream middlebrow entertainment. Putting Dylan on the cover was a brave move.

And, blow me, they’ve done it again with the new issue, to promote a second BBC Bobfest this weekend.

That’s two Dylan covers in two years! It illustrates how Bobby now occupies centre stage in UK popular culture.

Thanks to Martin Cowan for supplying the Bobfest detail:

“Dylan is this week's somewhat unlikely cover star of venerable TV listings mag "Radio Times". The reason for this is a TV and radio Bob-fest of epic proportions.

* Sunday 14 October is a date for the diaries of all Dylan fans, as BBC Four kicks off with "Arena: Dylan's folk - the pure, the bad and the holy" which is a look at the Newport Festival at 9pm.

* As mentioned previously on Dylan Daily, next up at 9.40 is "The Other Side of the Mirror - Dylan at the Newport Festival" - a chance to get this for free prior to its DVD release.

* This is followed at 11.00pm by "Arena - Dylan in the madhouse", a look at Dylan's appearance in the TV drama Madhouse on Castle Street, a show that was regrettably wiped by the BBC back in the 1960s.

* Finally at 12.10, is a showing of "Festival", the music documentary filmed at the Newport Folk Festival between 1963 and 1966.

* Also, Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour kicks off again on BBC 6 Music on Friday 19 October at 9pm, with a taster running on Radio 2 on Saturday 13 October at 8pm.

Dylan fans may also be interested in the Culture Show on Saturday 13 October on BBC2 at 7.10, which features an interview with Neil Young.”

Monday 8 October 2007

Columbia Legacy on a roll – new Sinatra and Billie Holiday boxes

The Columbia vaults must be the most valuable repository of popular music for grown-ups. The almost indecent riches, recently demonstrated by massive historic Dylan and Miles Davis releases, are again on show with new releases of gems by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

While the Sinatra material on Columbia isn’t as strong as his later recordings on Capitol and Reprise, it’s still top quality. Columbia’s Holiday recordings are the cream of the crop.

Here’s the official Sony PR:

* Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time

“Frank Sinatra set the standard by which pop vocalists are still judged today. Sinatra single-handedly brought the Big Band vocalist from the back row to center stage and became the very first teenage heartthrob in the process. Between 1939 and 1952, Frank Sinatra had well over 100 Top 30 hits including an astounding body of work he created with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey.

“The Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time 4-CD collection celebrates his legacy with selections from his seminal big band years, Number One Hits and familiar songs that made him America's first true music icon. Among the greatest hits are selections of rare radio transcription recordings and some of his studio work from Victor and Columbia which has all been restored and remastered for the best possible sound.


* Billie Holiday - Master Takes and Singles
“The recordings Billie Holiday made between 1933 and 1944 for Columbia and its associated labels represent not only her finest work, but American jazz and pop singing at its zenith.

“Backed by legends in their own right, Teddy Wilson (piano), Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Benny Goodman (clarinet) and others, this collection highlights the passionate singing of the great Lady Day. This new 4 CD set, taken from the Grammy-winning box set LADY DAY: THE COMPLETE BILLIE HOLIDAY ON COLUMBIA (1933-1944), includes 80 tracks representing the golden years of Holiday's career. Billie Holiday will forever be the enduring Voice of Jazz.”





Gerry Smith

Thursday 4 October 2007

More on Mick Jagger - must-listen musician for grown-ups

Yesterday’s praise for The Very Best Of Mick Jagger, the new compilation CD/DVD, prompted requests for more – about the new album and the solo work on which it’s based.

The Very Best Of Mick Jagger is a 17-track CD, plus a 10-track DVD. The audio CD fillets the four Jagger studio albums – two tracks from She's the Boss (1985), one from Primitive Cool (1987), four from Wandering Spirit (1993), and three from the most recent, Goddess In The Doorway (2002). It also has a song each from the film soundtracks of Performance and the Alfie remake. Two duets – the hit singles recorded with Davis Bowie and Peter Tosh – and three unreleased tracks complete a well-rounded collection.

The DVD has a generous 35 minute interview with the main man, as well as nine delicious songs on film. The detailed, revelatory liner notes are a bonus.

So the new release is a firm favourite in this parish, successfully places Jagger near the top of the poprock heap.

What about the original albums? She's the Boss, Primitive Cool, Wandering Spirit, and Goddess In The Doorway all merit the serious attention of those who realised long ago that the Jagger-led Stones are rather more than mere entertainers.

Media reaction to Jagger releases usually includes a fair bit of critical smirking: the Jagger-baiting press delights in reporting disappointing sales. Some of the criticisms are valid: Jagger's subject matter can be iffy; his solo writing can veer between razor sharp and embarrassing; and the albums' production values occasionally strain credibility.

And yet... and yet... there's some fine music in these CDs. Much of it puts me in mind of Goats Head Soup, and the best of the later (post-Black and Blue) Stones.

Mick Jagger's solo albums position him as a must-listen musician for grown-ups.



Tracklists:

She's The Boss:
1. Lonely at the Top (Jagger/Richards) - 3:45
2. Half A Loaf (Jagger) - 4:58
3. Running Out of Luck (Jagger) - 4:15
4. Turn the Girl Loose (Jagger) - 3:52
5. Hard Woman (Jagger) - 4:23
6. Just Another Night (Jagger- 5:13
7. Lucky in Love (Alomar/Jagger) - 6:13
8. Secrets (Jagger) - 5:01
9. She's the Boss (Alomar/Jagger) - 5:14

Uses contributions from Herbie Hancock, Pete Townshend, and Jeff Beck.


Primitive Cool:
1. Throwaway (Jagger) - 5:03
2. Let's Work (Jagger/Stewart) - 4:50
3. Radio Control (Jagger) - 3:56
4. Say You Will (Jagger/Stewart) - 5:07
5. Primitive Cool (Jagger) - 5:50
6. Kow Tow (Jagger/Stewart) - 4:54
7. Shoot off Your Mouth (Jagger) - 3:34
8. Peace for the Wicked (Jagger) - 4:03
9. Party Doll (Jagger) - 5:19
10.War Baby (Jagger) - 6:39

Produced by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). Unfairly slammed: my favourite.


Wandering Spirit
1. Wired All Night (Jagger) - 4:05
2. Sweet Thing (Jagger) - 4:34
3. Out of Focus (Jagger) - 4:31
4. Don't Tear Me Up (Jagger) - 4:10
5. Put Me in the Trash (Jagger/Rip) - 3:34
6. Use Me (Withers) - 4:25
7. Evening Gown (Jagger) - 3:34
8. Mother of a Man (Jagger) - 4:17
9. Think (Pauling) - 2:58
10.Wandering Spirit (Jagger/Rip) - 4:16
11.Hang on to Me Tonight (Jagger) - 4:34
12.I've Been Lonely for So Long (Knight/Weaver) - 3:26
13.Angel in My Heart (Jagger) - 3:21
14.Handsome Molly - 2:03

Generally regarded as Jagger's best solo album. Good choice of Producer (Rick Rubin). Includes the delicious tenor sax of Courtney Pine.


Goddess in the Doorway:
1. Visions of Paradise (Clifford/Jagger/Thomas) - 4:01;
2. Joy (Jagger) - 4:40;
3. Dancing in the Starlight (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:06;
4. God Gave Me Everything (Jagger/Kravitz) - 3:34;
5. Hide Away (Jagger) - 4:33;
6. Don't Call Me Up (Jagger) - 5:14;
7. Goddess in the Doorway (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:56;
8. Lucky Day (Jagger) - 4:51;
9. Everybody Getting High (Jagger) - 3:56;
10. Gun (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:41;
11. Too Far Gone (Jagger)- 4:35 ;
12. Brand New Set of Rules (Jagger) - 7:39

A mixed album; some found it disappointing. Has some strong tracks.



Gerry Smith

Wednesday 3 October 2007

New Mick Jagger compilation – fine collection from an under-rated solo artist

Mick Jagger’s new compilation album, The Very Best Of Mick Jagger, released on Monday, is virtually invisible on the English High Street. Several supermarkets I shop in simply don’t have it.

Great pity because it’s a fine album. I bought mine on Monday (Morrison’s, £9.77), in preference to the new Dylan, new Springsteen and new Joni the Eco-Warrior albums. Apart its delicious assembly of strong tracks from Jagger's four solo albums, the bonus DVD and liner notes make it a contender for Music for Grown-Ups album of the year.

I used to go along with the conventional wisdom that Mick Jagger's solo outings are less than vital. Until, that is, I heard Michael's version of Long Black Veil, the traditional song which dominates the Chieftains' outstanding duets album of the same name.

Some Stones fans even argue that Keith Richards' solo albums, notably Talk Is Cheap, are superior. Ludicrous, rockist tosh: I find Keefe's solo outings squirm-inducing.

Jagger is under-appreciated as a musician because all the other stuff - the women, the celebrity, the show biz - gets in the way, obscuring an outstanding vocal talent. But listen carefully, with an open mind, to his solo material - the four official albums, the film sound tracks (Performance, Alfie), and the guest appearances (Peter Tosh, David Bowie, Tina Turner...) - and Jagger can be seen as a nonpareil contemporary musician: a rock singer from the top drawer, especially on ballads. And an intermittently good writer, even without the other Glimmer Twin.


Gerry Smith

Tuesday 2 October 2007

For You, new Springsteen book - a must-have for hardcore Bruce fans

For You, the new Springsteen book, is a must-buy for hardcore Bruce fans. It’s published on 26 October in a limited edition of 2000 and can only be purchased online.

Here’s the press release from main man Lawrence Kirsch:



With over 400 photos and over 200 unusual tales from some of Bruce Springsteen's most dedicated fans - this is one book you won't want to miss.

'For You' - a collection of stories, tales and fan experiences from across the world, is currently on the presses and is scheduled for release on October 26, 2007.

Over two years in preparation, and containing hundreds of stories and anecdotes written by his legendary fans, as well as over 400 photographs, most of them never previously published. This is one not-to-be-missed book for the dedicated Springsteen fan.

Editor Lawrence Kirsch said: "Being a life-long Springsteen fan myself, I recognized there was a pent-up desire for fans to come together and share. Something magical happens at a Springsteen concert. Each concert is like a huge family reunion, even though in all reality you actually know very few of the people there. Complete strangers connect with an immediacy that is tangible."

"So, in 2005 I came up with the idea for this book and set up a web site called: Foryoubruce.com to confirm if my theory was correct. I asked fans to write in with their experiences, and I was simply amazed by the response. Over 1500 fans from across the globe submitted stories and anecdotes to the website. It was difficult to make the final selection."

Unfortunately, there was no way to include them all. All I can offer is that the tales that are there are representative of so many other stories we received. Fans will be able to identify and relate through the memories of others. I promise you there is something for everyone in this book."

Although Kirsch requested the stories be submitted in English, he did in fact receive a number of stories in a wide variety of the world's languages. So, to underscore the fact the music made by Bruce Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band, the Sessions Band - as well as the other musicians and performers with whom he has played, does indeed cross the language barrier, touching fans across the globe, Kirsch has scattered throughout the book some stories written in languages other than English. His personal recognition For You - the fanatical Springsteen fan, no matter what language you actually speak.

"I wanted everyone to feel included," said Kirsch, "so these non-English language stories serve as reminders that the Boss has a worldwide fan base and his music and the Bruce Springsteen concert experience transcend the boundaries of one specific language."

About the book
This 208 page, large format, 8.75" x 11.75"/222mm x 299mm full color, hard cover book is printed on EuroArt Silk 200m paper stock and contains over 400 photographs reproduced clean on the page, with as little cropping of the image as possible. The image reproduction achieved in this book is of the highest quality. The book is only available online for purchase.

www.Foryoubruce.com

Monday 1 October 2007

DYLAN – today’s massive new release – all you need to know in 5 seconds

Today sees the (UK) release of DYLAN, the new compilation album. If you’ve missed all the hype, here’s all you really need to know, in 5 seconds:

1. The breadth and depth of the collection demonstrates the greatness of Dylan the creative artist over 45 years.

2. The 3CD set is now the strongest compilation in all of popular music, replacing the previous Dylan comp, The Essential…

3. There are three versions:

– single CD (bundled with bonus disc, the new 2 track single) – why anyone would choose to buy this version escapes me. Expect to pay about £8
– three disc version (51 song tracklist below) – the one to buy for the music. About £12
– de luxe version – same three discs plus luxury packaging - £17-26 – the one for collectors who don’t mind shelling out up to £14 extra for a few pieces of cardboard.

4. Because there’s no music I don’t already have, I won’t be bothering with any of the versions. Neither will many Bobfans I know. The products are aimed at consumers who don’t have much Dylan music. I envy them their voyage of discovery.

5. The selection is, almost inevitably, idiosyncratic. There’s tons of epoch-defining music, but how, for example, can you possibly leave off a masterpiece like Visions Of Johanna?



Gerry Smith

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DISC ONE
Song To Woody
Blowin' In The Wind
Masters Of War
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
The Times They Are A-Changin'
All I Really Want To Do
My Back Pages
It Ain't Me Babe
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Mr. Tambourine Man
Maggie's Farm
Like A Rolling Stone
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Positively 4th Street
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
Just Like A Woman
Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine
All Along The Watchtower

DISC TWO
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Lay, Lady, Lay
If Not For You
I Shall Be Released
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
On A Night Like This
Forever Young
Tangled Up In Blue
Simple Twist Of Fate
Hurricane
Changing Of The Guards
Gotta Serve Somebody
Precious Angel
The Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar
Jokerman
Dark Eyes

DISC THREE
Blind Willie McTell
Brownsville Girl
Silvio
Ring Them Bells
Dignity
Everything Is Broken
Under The Red Sky
You're Gonna Quit Me
Blood In My Eyes
Not Dark Yet
Things Have Changed
Make You Feel My Love
High Water (for Charley Patton)
Po' Boy
Someday Baby
When The Deal Goes Down