Dylan released: Nov 16, 1973 BUY

This album was released inexplicably by CBS records in what must be assumed as an act of vengeance in response to Dylan’s defection to Geffen records. CBS held the rights to dozens of unreleased Dylan songs but chose these as the first tracks to release after Dylan had left the label. The common view is that this is near, or at, the bottom of any ranking of Dylan albums, and it may be, but it has its moments along the way as Dylan does other people’s songs. The main problem is the presence of intrusive background singers, who really cheese up the proceedings throughout. If you can tune them out, Dylan’s version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is a fine performance, as is his energetic romp through “Sara Jane,” in which he sounds as if he is having a blast, despite the softheaded lyrics. He also has fun with Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” and turns Hank Snow’s “A Fool Such As I” into an archly comic spoken rap over a boogaloo beat. He was playing it for laughs; you’ll laugh too. Lily of the West | listen | Can't Help Falling in Love | listen | Sarah Jane | listen | Mr. Bojangles | listen | The Ballad of Ira Hayes | listen | Mary Ann | listen | Big Yellow Taxi | listen | A Fool Such as I | listen | Spanish is the Loving Tongue | listen |