I advocated BLOOD ON THE TRACKS being taught in schools, right alongside Louis Armstrong and The new Deal I don;t agree that the New York version is the better. The first I read that opinion put forth was in Clinton heylin's book (BEHIND THE SHADES), and he made a sufficient case as to what an "ideal" (big facetious quotes there) sequence would be, leaning more heavily on the NY sessions. The result to my ear was a monotonous album. Almost everything was in the same key (open D tuning) and with the same instrumentation. BOTT in its issued form is as great a record as you can ever buy. The New York sessions are a fascinating step in the process (I have them and enjoy them). But I don;t think you're missing anything just to have the finished product anymore than I think you're missing a big chunk of your fav SIMPSONS episode by not seeing the animatic. Yeah, it's really interesting. But you're really there for the end result. That said, I have a fairly insane collection of Dylan bootlegs which I collect rabidly and listen to often. Last week, I saw him driving by on Ventura Bl and it made my week. So consider the source when I offer any opinions with regard to Bob. Odds are I've put too much time, energy, and ego into my opinions. sh on 12/29/03 8:25 PM, rjs at legalwalleye@yahoo.com wrote:

the words "John Wesley Harding" are always magic to my years. It was my first Dylan disc, which lead to a long succession of just about his whole collection, but remains at my top one or two. I can relate with your view of some of the probable dylan picks that seem to commonly be at the top, public-wise, but sort of remain so-so or just over played. JWH is a true gem though. Please try if you haven't already - ?Blood on the Tracks? or better yet - Blood on the Tracks: The New York Sessions?