Greatest Hits Vol.3 - Bob Dylan > Reviews > one for the collection

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it rate alongside the competition	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	some vintage tracks nicely compiled
Disadvantages:	nothing new

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

My copy of this album was bought in Russia so I hope it's the same as the Amazon version. It must be a new experience to listen to Dylan's all American music for many over there, since Glasnost, I suppose.
I never could afford to buy much of even my favourite music so if all the people who listened to Bob Dylan were like me, it's a wonder he became a millionaire at all. Yet listen I did, and like Andrew Motion the Poet Laureate, I view Dylan as a masterful poet who adds another dimension to superb lyrics by permeating it with incredible music. Dylan says he began his career by busking. If you've ever been out there on a street corner singing your heart out then "Knockin On Heaven's Door" you might have found very compatible. Intended for a tragic cowboy story, like so many Dylan songs, it's drama is it's simplicity.
The CD begins with "Tangled Up In Blue", originally from Blood On The Tracks and as I remember was performed live with Dylan having covered his face with what looks like Nivea Cream. I really like the harmonica which plays its own little orchestra as yet another strange tale of love, loss, and experience unfolds. "I was standing by the side of the road, rain falling on my shoes, heading out for the east coast.....Lord knows I paid my dues, coming through, tangled up in blue." How could this girl have forgotten him, and why did she bend down to tie up the lace of his shoe? This is a good song, I like it right the way into the harmonica crescendo at the end.
When I saw Dylan in Earls Court in the 70's I remember the girl choral backing there. It's use is at its finest in "Changing Of the Guards" where the quirky mystical words are reminiscent of earlier Dylan, banners over fields, good shepherds and tarot like figures moving in a crazy landscape fulfilling an enduring ritual. Another good song.
"The Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar" is vintage also with use of a repeating choral phrase mentioning Jordan and Gibraltar with the desired effect.
"Hurricane" to me is most memorable for the violin, musically. It's dramatic effect as a protest/civil injustice song is indelible and carries on Dylan's desire to straighten out an unjust world. Not one of my favourites, but not bad.
Forever Young encroaches on Dylan's publicised Christian trip, God is now closer to his Judaic roots.
The idol with the eyes in it's iron head launch Jokerman to watch birds flying high by the light of the moon....from Infidels, superb.
Dignity we all need, not one of my favourite songs, it preaches too much for me. Still not bad.
Silvio, (Silver and Gold) fast, folk rocky, repeats well, nice. Ring Them Bells, Series Of Dreams and Brownsville Girl are all excellent tracks. Gotta Serves somebody and Under The Red Sky I'm not so keen on.
If you didn't get the original albums this compilation is an excellent buy. Even if you did, it's an interesting collection to play in this order. And if you're like me, you'll really enjoy it if someone gives it tto you.