Comments for Dylan, Bob, Self Portrait

No, i'm not going to admit owning a copy of this, but can it really be THIS bad. Quinn the Eskimo isn't a bad song, and the redone LARS couln't be but SO bad. or could it?

Well, it's not as bad as it's alleged to be, but if you're a casual fan, don't bother. The few worthwhile cuts here can be had on "Gt. Hits, Vol. 2"

Alright, I finally got it, and can say that, while it is no Blonde on Blonde, it isn't crap either. There are a number of good tracks, and it's all pleasant to listen to. But none of it's deep or even thoughtful. But the singing is fantastic. What a great voice he had when he got away from the cigarettes! Not a good choice for the causual fan, though.

Don't buy this, you will vomit by the fourth track!!

Self-Portrait is easily one of Dylan''s most trashed albums and I think that is unfortunate. Certainly it does not have the bite of a Highway 61, but it has a generous spirit, some lovely instrumental work, and some warm singing. It is a good, if not a great album. "All the Tired Horses" is hauntingly beautiful and cryptic; both Albertas have a compelling feel, as do the frenzied "Little Sadie" and the more more bouncy version. "Belle Isle" may not be a classic but it does conjure a mythical time and place. A few of the covers Dylan offers on his oddly titled Self_portrait are notable as well_ "Take a Message to Mary", "Days of 49", "Blue Moon", "Take Me as I Am". If one can detach from one expects to find in a Dylan album, this one can be enjoyed on its own merits.