Haven't tuned into bob dylan until now
because he seemed too mainstream.
I want to hear his best album. So, what should i
start with?

Start with the Holy Trinity.

Bringing It All Back Home.
Highway 61 Revisited.
Blonde On Blonde.

All human life is here.

I think Blood on the Tracks is the most user friendly, and fits the image most of us have of Bob.

Blood on the Tracks - it's a masterpiece!!

OH MERCY. amazing album released in 1988 (or was it 89?) produced by Daniel Lanois.

my favorite is definitely :
bringing it all back home

but, as others have suggested, you can't miss with:
bringing it all back home (also released in europe as "subterranean homesick blues")
highway 61 revisited
blonde on blonde
or
blood on the tracks

smellmyfunk said:

IMHO, I would start out with THE FREEWHEELIN' BOB DYLAN. Just about every song is a work of art. Then move on to BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME. FREEWHEELIN' is acoustic Bob at his best. BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME is where he plugged in and started to rock. HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED continues that vibe. BLONDE ON BLONDE is good, but I could never really get into it. I appreciate it way more than I like it. The next masterpieces would be THE BASEMENT TAPES and BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, and maybe even DESIRE - all released in the 70's. In recent years, he's released the excellent TIME OUT OF OF MIND (Grammy winner) and LOVE AND THEFT (AWESOME!!!). These 9 releases are his best!

smellmyfunk said:

Start with "The Essential Bob Dylan" - good compilation,


Then take your pick from:

Love & Theft - the most recent
Time Out Of Mind - his best since Oh Mercy
Oh Mercy - his best since Blood On The Tracks
Blood On The Tracks - his marital break-up album, often considered his best since ...
Blonde on Blonde - sixties classic 3
Highway 61 Revisited - sixties classic 2, features "Like A Rolling Stone"
Bringing It All Back Home - sixties classic 1


Then get back to us for more directions.

Nashville Skyline
its country time!

But seriously, its the album i listen to most. I love it.

smellmyfunk said:

Is this a common perception of Bob Dylan? I've never heard him described this way.

Agree with a compilation because Dylan is very diverse...whatever style you like from there is where you should start. I actually think you almost cant lose...very few aren't worth having. A personal comp if you can afford the outlay is

The Bootleg Series Vol 1 to 3

Amazing compilation of outtakes which Prince should have done for Crystal Ball

There's really only one answer to your question:


Oh God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son"
Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"
God say, "No." Abe say, "What ?"
God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin' you better run"
Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done ?"
God says. "Out on Highway 61".

Thanks for all the recommendations.
I've just ordered "The Essential Bob Dylan" and "Blood On The Tracks"
from PLAY now
I'll get back to you guys after i've got them
[Edited 10/12/04 11:13am]

smellmyfunk said:

You will love blood on the tracks. Every song is beautiful and very heartbreaking. When you first listen to it, do it alone without distraction. It is a true masterpiece.