Biograph [Long Box] by Bob Dylan

I got this from my mom last year. Being a big Bob Dylan fan, I was excited to get it. I was curious/skeptical as to how they were going to capture an incredible 30 (at the time - this was released in '85) year career. Think about it - Bob Dylan is a giant not only in the quality of his work, but also in sheer volume. So many of his songs have become pop culture anthems (Blowin in the Wind, Knockin of Heaven's Door, etc.) but just as many are unheard of and brilliant. He's produced an average of about an album a year since 1960.

They did a marvelous job, somehow. I know that if I were presented with the task, there's no way I could satisfactorily present Bob Dylan with just three CD's.

I would recommend this album to just about anyone, because there is something for everyone. It would serve as a good introduction to Dylan, as it's clear and accessible - many of the songs are widely known, so it's like an extended greatest hits package. Then for someone like me, who's been listening to Dylan for several years, it's a bit of a step into the unknown. My favorite songs on this collection are the previously unreleased ones :) Here are some of my favorites.


Up To Me: This is a Blood on the Tracks outtake, written in the first person narrative style of Tangled Up in Blue. It's the kind of song that stays in your head for several weeks. Like many of Dylan's songs, it has a central theme but is boundless in exploring it.

Lay Down Your Weary Tune: It has a sweeping, big ocean feel to it. It's a simple three chord song that Dylan just somehow manages to inject with wonderful mood. In the hands of anyone else, it's another slow 1-4-5. But Dylan, his lyrics, his style...very special song.

Visions of Johanna - Actually released on Blonde on Blonde, but as Dylan is wont to do, he changed it around totally for a live performace. On the album, VOJ is an uptempo, charged, electric full band type song. On Biograph, it's just him and the acoustic.

and so on and so on...there are too many more songs I like about this to keep talking about them like this. Like I said, I'd really recommend this to anyone who needs a good introduction to Dylan, because it's more than suitable despite the unreleased stuff. It's also good for longtime fans because you'll have all his best stuff in one place, along with some unreleased material.