Released March 19, 1962, Bob Dylans first album is a rather curious affair. The record contains only two original compositions, but more to the point, some of the songs cut at these sessions had not been performed live by him and never would be. Dylan stated in an interview in 2000 that he didnt want to reveal too much of himself. 

This new compilation looks at the collection of songs that Dylan chose to perform - and ultimately have Columbia Records release - as his debut LP, under a new light. Each of the numbers included on that 1962 record are here coupled with the original version or, in certain cases, with the version Bob was known to have drawn his inspiration from. The two aforementioned tracks for which Dylan received full composition credits Talkin New York Blues and Song To Woody are each paired with the songs that inspired the originals and from which Dylan borrowed the tunes. 

Featuring extensive booklet notes fully detailing the lines and connections between original and cover, this collection provides an entertaining and informative revival of a record which, in retrospect, has come to be appreciated as the catalyst of a new music, albeit a new music largely emanating from the pen and the performances of a single artist. 

 

TRACKLIST

 

SIDE A 

1. Youre No Good Bob Dylan 2. Youre No Good Jesse Fuller 3. Talkin New York Bob Dylan 4. Talking Subway John Greenway 5. In My Time Of Dyin Bob Dylan 6. Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed Blind Willie Johnson

SIDE B 

7. Man Of Constant Sorrow Bob Dylan 8. Im A Man Of Constant Sorrow Stanley Brothers 9. Fixin To Die Bob Dylan 10. Fixin To Die Blues Bukka White 11. Pretty Peggy-O Bob Dylan 12. Maid Of Fife-E-O Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem 13. Highway 51 Bob Dylan 14. New Highway 51 Tommy McClennan 

SIDE C 

15. Gospel Plow Bob Dylan 16. Hold On Odetta 17. Baby, Let Me Follow You Down Bob Dylan 18. Mama, Let Me Lay It On You Blind Boy Fuller 19. House Of The Risin Sun Bob Dylan 20. House Of The Risin Sun Clarence Ashley 

SIDE D 

21. Freight Train Blues Bob Dylan 22. Freight Train Blues Roy Acuff 23. Song To Woody Bob Dylan 24. 1913 Massacre Woody Guthrie 25. See That My Grave Is Kept Clean Bob Dylan 26. See That My Grave Is Kept Clean Blind Lemon Jefferson