I love Bob Dylan, make no mistake. But recently I've met people who hate Bob Dylan. So, here's a playlist that will make you like Bob Dylan.  In order to like Bob Dylan:  Don't worry about the voice  Don't worry about the protest stuff  Don't worry about the crazy drug or religous stuff .  LISTEN to the lyrics.  In each of these songs you... [+]

I love Bob Dylan, make no mistake.
But recently I've met people who hate Bob Dylan.
So, here's a playlist that will make you like Bob Dylan.

In order to like Bob Dylan:

Don't worry about the voice
Don't worry about the protest stuff
Don't worry about the crazy drug or religous stuff .

LISTEN to the lyrics.

In each of these songs you have an amazing lyrical journey that no other artist will ever take you on.

Most of these songs are taken from the Bootleg or alternate albums that have been released over the years... and if this is what Dylan leaves out, you can only imagine how good his albums actually are.

So listen up, and join the Bob Dylan Lovers.

1. Desolation Row (Bootleg Series Volume 7 version)
Dylan's most evocative lyric masterpiece. and yes I have heard Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.
The story is just so emotive, from the 'hanging postcards' to 'Einstein disguised as Robin Hood' this song would make any Dylan hater an instant lover.

2. Like A Rolling Stone (Highway 61 Version)
Another incredible journey. Yes it is a classic and also a hit, but have you ever really listened to it? I love that organ. And who else but Dylan can make that throwaway line 'didn't you?' into one of the most scathing lyrical attacks I've ever encountered.

3. Chimes Of Freedom (Bootleg Series Volume 7)
It's true that Dylan started out as a protest singer, something sorely lacking in today's 'booty call' music. Here's one of the scariest 'melting furnace' songs I've ever heard.

4. Ramblin' Gamblin' Willie (Bootleg Series Vol 1)
Dylan had some fantastically funny songs, and this is one of them. It takes you on a 'wild west' journey like no other. But it's also wistful and sad in so many ways.

5. Visions Of Johanna (Live, Biograph Version)
The biograph album is an amazing compilation, and this is the standout track. Hard to imagine a live concert today where the crowd would be so quiet during the main performer's set. A lyric fest that entwines you.

6. Queen Jane Approximatley (Highway 61 Version)
A neat little package this one. Beautifully written and sung, none of that 'nasal' Bob that Bob haters, hate. The little organ grinds along in the background, You can't resent this song.

7. Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts (Blood on the tracks Version)
For a long long long time this was my favourite Dylan song. So much to take in... it's like watching a film. The narrative shifts and tumbles like the jack of hearts.

8. Sally Gal (Alternate Take) (Bootleg Series Volume 7)
A very nice piece of ramblin' western style music that will have your toes 'a' tappin. A cool lyric too.

9. Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carrol (Biograph Version)
One of Dylan's most incredible protest moments. Still so current after all these years. Now is the time for your tears.

10. One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later) (Blonde On Blonde Version)
For years I looked at those 'best of' album lists where Blonde on Blonde dominated the top spot, and I always wondered why. Here's the reason. 'I didn't know you'd be sayin' goodbye for good' How angst ridden!

11. Up To Me (Biograph Version)
Dylan's great lost classic. This song is so heartfelt and so poetic. and if you've read the biograph liner notes you'd know it's also autobiographical. "In 14 months I've only smiled once, and I didn't do it consciously" If that doesn't make you want to go out and listen to Bob Dylan, then give up.

12. With God On Our Side (With Joan Baez) (Bootleg Series Volume 6)
It's great to hear this one in a live version. It is so protest it ain't funny. But it's so patriotic and slippery all in one. Who can do this better than Dylan?

13. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome (Blood On The Tracks Version)
When you get to the end of all these songs you're gonna be so sad you didn't discover Dylan earlier. But it ain't too late to start discovering now. Who else can rhyme Rimbaud and Verlaine, let alone put them in a song? [-]