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red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
Thu May 5, 2016, 03:34 PM May 2016

What are your five favorite Bob Dylan songs?

Last edited Thu May 5, 2016, 05:42 PM - Edit history (1)

-- Blowin' in the Wind
-- Just Like a Woman
-- Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
-- Shelter From The Storm
-- Percy's Song (Turn, turn, turn again) ..Fairport Convention's version



(Feel free to list as many favorites as you want)

71 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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What are your five favorite Bob Dylan songs? (Original Post) red dog 1 May 2016 OP
This was hard. Ask me again in 10 minutes and I will have changed my mind but: redwitch May 2016 #1
Like this one: redwitch May 2016 #3
Mine: Contrary1 May 2016 #2
In no particular order Hayduke Bomgarte May 2016 #4
The Traveling Wilburys was a truly great band, IMO red dog 1 May 2016 #6
I'm right there with ya Hayduke Bomgarte May 2016 #10
Del Shannon was rumored to be the one the Wilburys chose to replace the late Roy Orbison red dog 1 May 2016 #13
My memory must be faulty Hayduke Bomgarte May 2016 #14
Great story about his writing of "Runaway" though, right? red dog 1 May 2016 #18
Yes, absolutely. Hayduke Bomgarte May 2016 #19
It's funny, because I've had "Buckets of Rain" stuck in my head all afternoon nemo137 May 2016 #5
Subterranean Homesick Blues is the best music video Dylan ever made, IMO red dog 1 May 2016 #7
It's also the first song I learned to play on the guitar nemo137 May 2016 #8
The Neville Brothers did a killer cover of "The Ballad of Hollis Brown" KamaAina May 2016 #9
Ask me tomorrow I might have a different list. aidbo May 2016 #11
As you probably know already, "Hurricane" was written about the boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, red dog 1 May 2016 #16
Yep, I knew most of that. aidbo May 2016 #20
Are you going to see him at the Greek Theater in Berkeley? red dog 1 May 2016 #37
Cuthbert in Eugene aidbo May 2016 #43
Go Ducks! red dog 1 May 2016 #48
Infidels....underrated hibbing May 2016 #36
I'll have to think about it ailsagirl May 2016 #12
But it's better than "What is your favorite Bob Dylan song?" red dog 1 May 2016 #17
OK, off the top of my head... ailsagirl May 2016 #21
Off the top of your head? red dog 1 May 2016 #38
Well, I kept remembering more and more... ailsagirl May 2016 #41
in no particular order mulsh May 2016 #15
i love Black Diamond Bay Enrique May 2016 #23
Mr. Tambourine Man The Second Stone May 2016 #22
You Gotta Serve Somebody is one of my favorites red dog 1 May 2016 #39
Thanks. It sounds like a classic blues number The Second Stone May 2016 #44
Yeah, I like the vocal harmonies and the guitar in the Byrds' version, cemaphonic May 2016 #54
Today's 5 Danmel May 2016 #24
I never saw that movie, but I'll put it on my "wish list" red dog 1 May 2016 #40
Mine too Danmel May 2016 #45
Bob who? greendog May 2016 #25
And my favorite recent cover of a Dylan song. greendog May 2016 #26
What is that? vanlassie May 2016 #33
I'll Keep It With Mine greendog May 2016 #34
No special order... GoCubsGo May 2016 #27
I'm surprised no one else has picked "If Not For You" red dog 1 May 2016 #42
I am, as well. GoCubsGo May 2016 #46
Before I read the thread.......This has always been my TOP Dylan song. WinkyDink May 2016 #51
Me too. Enthusiast May 2016 #64
Lay Lady Lay..... IcyPeas May 2016 #28
Maggie's Farm, Quinn the Eskimo, Tangled Up and Blue.... Tikki May 2016 #29
My 5 in order pressbox69 May 2016 #31
I Shall Be Released ....excellent Tikki May 2016 #32
Five: vanlassie May 2016 #30
This one is right in my sweet spot hibbing May 2016 #35
Like A Rollin' Stone lastlib May 2016 #47
Watching the river flow, and his 115th dream .... kwassa May 2016 #49
#1 = "If Not For You." #2 = "LLL." #3 = "BitW." #4 = "LaRS." #5 = "It Ain't Me Babe.' WinkyDink May 2016 #50
My most recent Bob mix CD: Miles Archer May 2016 #52
Nice assortment! red dog 1 May 2016 #53
Not one clunker in that list...nicely done! n/t VOX May 2016 #61
How can you limit it to 5 cemaphonic May 2016 #55
I did say "Feel free to list as many favorites as you want" red dog 1 May 2016 #56
Here's one ballardgirl May 2016 #57
+1 Enthusiast May 2016 #65
Ok, here we go....... Dyedinthewoolliberal May 2016 #58
here's mine Cheese Sandwich May 2016 #59
I'd forgotten about Knockin' on Heaven's Door red dog 1 May 2016 #62
I changed my mind. A completely different list since yesterday Cheese Sandwich May 2016 #63
Jokerman lovemydog May 2016 #60
My 5 Sky Masterson May 2016 #66
Tough to pick 5 cyberswede May 2016 #67
Love his voice on this likesmountains 52 May 2016 #68
I'll always remember Blue_In_AK May 2016 #69
There are too many struggle4progress May 2016 #70
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right ghostsinthemachine May 2016 #71

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
1. This was hard. Ask me again in 10 minutes and I will have changed my mind but:
Thu May 5, 2016, 03:53 PM
May 2016

The Times They Are a Changing
When I Paint my Masterpiece( the Band version is my fave)
Desolation Row
Idiot Wind
Highway 61 Revisited


But there are so many more!


Contrary1

(12,629 posts)
2. Mine:
Thu May 5, 2016, 03:55 PM
May 2016

Positively 4th Street
Like A Rolling Stone
Mr. Tambourine Man
It Ain't Me Babe
Just Like a Woman

Sneaking in #6
Knockin' On Heaven's Door

Hayduke Bomgarte

(1,965 posts)
4. In no particular order
Thu May 5, 2016, 04:01 PM
May 2016

7 Deadly Sins-Traveling Wilburys

All Along the Watchtower-Jimi Hendrix

Handle With Care-Traveling Wilburys

Mr. Tambourine Man-Byrds

Tweeter and the Monkey Man-Traveling Wilburys

Anything performed/sung exclusively by Dylan-No thankyou

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
6. The Traveling Wilburys was a truly great band, IMO
Thu May 5, 2016, 04:22 PM
May 2016

I only wish they had lasted longer, and recorded more albums.

Hayduke Bomgarte

(1,965 posts)
10. I'm right there with ya
Thu May 5, 2016, 04:34 PM
May 2016

I also wished we could've heard them with Del Shannon, who was to be in the original line-up before Committing suicide.

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
13. Del Shannon was rumored to be the one the Wilburys chose to replace the late Roy Orbison
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:27 PM
May 2016

Things were going well for him in early 1990...with a Jeff Lynne-produced album of original material already completed.
Unfortunately, shortly before he committed suicide, he started taking the antidepressant Prozac.
His widow would later file a high-profile lawsuit against Eli Lily, the manufacturer of Prozac
The lawsuit was eventually dropped.

For a great story about the origin of his Number # 1 hit "Runaway" , go to:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/del-shannon-dies-of-a-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound

Hayduke Bomgarte

(1,965 posts)
14. My memory must be faulty
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:37 PM
May 2016

My recollection was that he was to be one of the originals and that either Tom Petty or Roy Orbison was the replacement.

"in the midst of a concerted comeback effort in early 1990, with a Jeff Lynne-produced album of original material already completed and rumors swirling of his taking the late Roy Orbison’s place in The Traveling Wilburys".

You're quite right, though. My bad.

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
18. Great story about his writing of "Runaway" though, right?
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:44 PM
May 2016

(I like your avatar photo so much I made it mine too)

Hayduke Bomgarte

(1,965 posts)
19. Yes, absolutely.
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:50 PM
May 2016

I had a dog, as a kid, that looked much like the avatar, is why I use it. I get a warm feeling just from seeing it, so having it in one more place is a good thing.

nemo137

(3,297 posts)
5. It's funny, because I've had "Buckets of Rain" stuck in my head all afternoon
Thu May 5, 2016, 04:22 PM
May 2016

And if I'm going to go with my gut, probably just the first side of Bringing It All Back Home, but thinking a little harder:

1.) Love Minus Zero/No Limit
2.) Shelter from the Storm
3.) Idiot Wind
4.) Subterranean Homesick Blues
5.) It ain't me, babe

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
7. Subterranean Homesick Blues is the best music video Dylan ever made, IMO
Thu May 5, 2016, 04:25 PM
May 2016

It's definitely in my Top 10

Shelter from the Storm might be Dylan's best song.

 

aidbo

(2,328 posts)
11. Ask me tomorrow I might have a different list.
Thu May 5, 2016, 04:55 PM
May 2016

Last edited Thu May 5, 2016, 06:01 PM - Edit history (1)

Tangled up in Blue
Jokerman
Hurricane
Sara
One more cup of coffee


Since the OP took the cap off the number, I'll just say that Infidels is my favorite album and I love every song in there.

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
16. As you probably know already, "Hurricane" was written about the boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter,
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:38 PM
May 2016

who spent 20 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit.

In 1999, the film directed by Norman Jewison came out called "Hurricane".starring
Denzel Washington as Rubin Carter.

Boxer Joey Giardello sued the producers of "Hurricane" for libel over the depiction of his fight with Carter.

 

aidbo

(2,328 posts)
20. Yep, I knew most of that.
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:55 PM
May 2016

Didn't know about the other boxer suing the producers, though.

My favorite version is the live recording from the Rolling Thunder Revue album.



ETA: I meant to include that I'm going to get to see Bob in concert for the 3rd time in June!

hibbing

(10,076 posts)
36. Infidels....underrated
Fri May 6, 2016, 11:01 AM
May 2016

I like a lot of songs on that one too and play it quite often. I've had Don't Fall Part on Me Tonight in my head the last few days.

Peace

ailsagirl

(22,842 posts)
12. I'll have to think about it
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:14 PM
May 2016

It's kind of like asking, "what are your favorite Shakespeare quotes?"

Hard to limit answer to five choices!

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
17. But it's better than "What is your favorite Bob Dylan song?"
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:41 PM
May 2016

Isn't it?

BTW, I should have said in the OP "Feel free to list as many favorites as you want"
which I usually do, and which I will do now.

ailsagirl

(22,842 posts)
21. OK, off the top of my head...
Thu May 5, 2016, 06:08 PM
May 2016

God, he's written upwards of 350 songs!!

Maggie's Farm (Obama's favorite)
Sad-eyed Lady of the Lowlands
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Tangled Up in Blue
Desolation Row
Like a Rolling Stone
The Times They Are a'changin'
Highway 61 Revisited ("Well God said to Abraham...&quot
Mr Tambourine Man
It's Alright Ma...I'm Only Dyin'
Stuck Inside of Mobile...
Rainy Day Women
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Subterranean Homesick Blues
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
All Along the Watchtower
Don't Think Twice
Ballad of a Thin Man
Forever Young
I Want You
Positively 4th Street
It Ain't Me Babe
Tombstone Blues
Motorpsycho Nightmare
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Love is Just a Four-letter Word

...and more

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
38. Off the top of your head?
Fri May 6, 2016, 04:35 PM
May 2016

Not bad!

Is "Maggie's Farm" really Obama's favorite?

"Maggie's farm" is the song he started off with at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band backing him, where the boos were louder than the music.

Not a good decision by Bob, IMO

(After all, it was the Newport FOLK Festival)

ailsagirl

(22,842 posts)
41. Well, I kept remembering more and more...
Fri May 6, 2016, 04:54 PM
May 2016

Dylan is brilliant and, I hate the expression, but "a legend in his time."

Yes, I read that about Obama and I was glad-- great song!!

mulsh

(2,959 posts)
15. in no particular order
Thu May 5, 2016, 05:38 PM
May 2016

Black Diamond Bay
Talkin New York
Till I Fell In Love With You
Silvio
Time Passes Slowly.

 

The Second Stone

(2,900 posts)
22. Mr. Tambourine Man
Thu May 5, 2016, 07:43 PM
May 2016

is as good as anything in the English language gets, and for that reason alone, it tops any list of mine. Everything else is a very honorable mention for Mr. Dylan, who, while not particularly my cup of tea, is as much of a genius as he thinks he is at songwriting.

Summa Cum Honorable mentions:

All Along the Watchtower (Hendrix version)
Queen Jane (Grateful Dead version)
Stuck in Mobile, With the Memphis Blues Again
You Gotta Serve Somebody (personal favorite, not popular with most people)

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
39. You Gotta Serve Somebody is one of my favorites
Fri May 6, 2016, 04:41 PM
May 2016

Mr. Tambourine Man is an outstanding song, but I prefer The Byrds' version to Bob's.

If you haven't heard "Percy's Song" played by Fairport Convention, you might want to Google it & hear it up on You Tube

 

The Second Stone

(2,900 posts)
44. Thanks. It sounds like a classic blues number
Fri May 6, 2016, 05:32 PM
May 2016

and is quite pleasant.

I find The Byrd's MTM too slick and harmonized. I prefer a Dylan version where he is putting some effort into clearly lyrics. Unadorned, like the Percy's Song you directed me to.

cemaphonic

(4,138 posts)
54. Yeah, I like the vocal harmonies and the guitar in the Byrds' version,
Sat May 7, 2016, 05:10 PM
May 2016

bur the rhythm is completely squared off and lifeless. Dylan's timing on the vocals is very nuanced, and really swings.

It's also missing a bunch of verses.

Danmel

(4,892 posts)
24. Today's 5
Thu May 5, 2016, 09:22 PM
May 2016

Shelter from the Storm (always my favorite)

My Back Pages

Like a Rolling Stone

A hard rains a gonna fall

Maggie's farm (did you ever see Bert Parks rendition in "the freshman?)

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
40. I never saw that movie, but I'll put it on my "wish list"
Fri May 6, 2016, 04:50 PM
May 2016

because i love both Brando and Bert Parks....(and I like Matthew Broderick too)

Shelter from the Storm is probably my favorite Dylan song..

greendog

(3,127 posts)
25. Bob who?
Thu May 5, 2016, 09:28 PM
May 2016

Girl From The North Country
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
I & I
Every Grain Of Sand
Boots Of Spanish Leather
Visions Of Johanna
Just Like A Woman
One More Cup Of Coffee
Tangled Up In Blue
Duquesne Whistle
Isis
This Wheel's On Fire
Mississippi
Shelter From The Storm
Buckets Of Rain
Most Of The Time
Everything Is Broken
Ring Them Bells
Chimes Of Freedom
Jokerman
Spanish Harlem Incident



greendog

(3,127 posts)
34. I'll Keep It With Mine
Fri May 6, 2016, 07:15 AM
May 2016

Bob gave it to Nico for her first solo album.



Fairport picked it up from there.

https://m.
#

The video is from one of those annual Fairport reunion shows. Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe are helping out with the vocals.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
27. No special order...
Thu May 5, 2016, 09:53 PM
May 2016

If Not For You
Positively 4th Street
Everything is Broken
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
You Ain't Going Nowhere
Tangled Up in Blue--Yeah, I know that makes it 6. I can't pick just 5.

red dog 1

(27,648 posts)
42. I'm surprised no one else has picked "If Not For You"
Fri May 6, 2016, 04:57 PM
May 2016

It's certainly one of my favorite Dylan songs.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
46. I am, as well.
Fri May 6, 2016, 06:53 PM
May 2016

I think it's probably my favorite of his songs. I suspect that a lot of people don't realize that he wrote it, because Olivia Newton John was the one who made a hit of it. Bob's version is infinitely better.

Tikki

(14,539 posts)
29. Maggie's Farm, Quinn the Eskimo, Tangled Up and Blue....
Thu May 5, 2016, 10:32 PM
May 2016

Subterranean Homesick Blues, Forever Young.



...'the pump don't work 'cause the vandals took the handle....


Tikki


vanlassie

(5,637 posts)
30. Five:
Fri May 6, 2016, 12:10 AM
May 2016

You're a big girl now
Working mans Blues #2
Hurricane
All along the watchtower
Gotta serve somebody

hibbing

(10,076 posts)
35. This one is right in my sweet spot
Fri May 6, 2016, 10:49 AM
May 2016

Like others, depends on my mood, and this list would change in ten minutes. I'm a HUGE fan and he is one of my heroes. Very hard to limit to five, but that's the choice given!


Mean - Idiot Wind
Funny- Motorpsycho Nightmare
Sad- Not Dark Yet
Rocker - Leopard skin Pillbox Hat
Surreal - Visions of Johanna


Others- Desolation Row, John Brown, Lay Down Your Weary Tune, Highlands, Tempest, Drifter's Escape, Every Grain of Sand....I better stop.

Peace

lastlib

(22,981 posts)
47. Like A Rollin' Stone
Sat May 7, 2016, 12:43 AM
May 2016

The Times, They Are A-Changin'
Hurricane (story of Rubin Carter)
Positively Fourth Street
Highway 61 Revisited
Rainy Day Women
Mr. Tambourine Man
All Along The Watchtower

(Oh, yeah!) Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts!
and Tangled Up In Blue

Miles Archer

(18,837 posts)
52. My most recent Bob mix CD:
Sat May 7, 2016, 02:45 PM
May 2016

There is a new box set called "Dylan Revisited: All Time Best."



Normally I make mix CDs from multiple sources and if the sound levels aren't consistent I normalize the files in Nero Burning Rom. I made a mix CD from this box set so I wouldn't need to do that. 77 minutes of killer Bob.



Subterranean Homesick Blues
Maggie's Farm
Like A Rolling Stone
Highway 61 Revisited
Positively 4th Street
Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Watching The River Flow
Tangled Up In Blue
Simple Twist Of Fate
Jokerman
Sweetheart Like You
The Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar
Everything Is Broken
Most Of The Time
Born In Time
Cold Irons Bound

cemaphonic

(4,138 posts)
55. How can you limit it to 5
Sat May 7, 2016, 05:41 PM
May 2016

So I'll just list some great ones that have been overlooked in this thread:

Isis
Mississippi
Tryin' to Get to Heaven
Girl From the North Country
Lily, Rosemary & the Jack of Hearts

Dyedinthewoolliberal

(15,485 posts)
58. Ok, here we go.......
Sat May 7, 2016, 09:28 PM
May 2016

Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat
If Dogs Run Free
John Brown's War
The Time's They ....etc
Stuck Inside of Mobile .... etc

 

Cheese Sandwich

(9,086 posts)
59. here's mine
Sat May 7, 2016, 09:57 PM
May 2016

positively 4th street
hurricane
all along the watchtower
like a rolling stone
knockin on heaven's door

 

Cheese Sandwich

(9,086 posts)
63. I changed my mind. A completely different list since yesterday
Sun May 8, 2016, 11:10 PM
May 2016

New favorite, Sweetheart Like You



Bonus track: emotionally yours



Edit to add, Baby Please Don't Go

Sky Masterson

(5,240 posts)
66. My 5
Mon May 9, 2016, 05:57 AM
May 2016

Idiot Wind
Don't think Twice its alright
Positively 4th street
Brownsville girl
Make you feel my love

Strange how people who suffer together have stronger connections than people who
are most content
I don't have any regrets they can talk about me plenty when I'm gone
You always said people don't do what they believe in they just do what's most
convenient then they repent
And I always said. "Hang on to me baby and let's hope that the roof stays on".

cyberswede

(26,117 posts)
67. Tough to pick 5
Mon May 9, 2016, 12:36 PM
May 2016

This might be different tomorrow. LOL

All along the Watchtower
Hurricane
Masters of War
Ballad of Hollis Brown
Subterranean Homesick Blues

Blue_In_AK

(46,436 posts)
69. I'll always remember
Wed May 11, 2016, 05:08 PM
May 2016

"Rainy Day Women" and the Mothers of Invention "Brown Shoes Don't Make It" from the first time I smoked weed in 1967.

ghostsinthemachine

(3,569 posts)
71. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Thu May 12, 2016, 08:26 PM
May 2016

Everything is Broken
One More cup of Coffee (the Valley Below)
Jokerman
Simple twist of Fate

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