Yesterday bought the Bob Dylan 70th birthday issue of Rolling Stone, containing RS ranking of top 70 Dylan songs, and bookstore owner asked if I knew which was their # 1. That's obvious, I said, but the question is: Which is your #1? Haven't read the RS list yet, but here is/are mine:
Favorite Bob Dylan song of all time: Visions of Johanna, a complete meditation on love, loss, longing, with wit and beauty and pathos. Live versions especially good.
Best Bob Dylan song: Love Minus Zero/No Limit. Original, memorable, beautiful - If he had written only this song, he would still be famous.
Best lyrics: probably It's All Right Ma. One of the many that you could read as a poem.
Prettiest: To Ramona. One of several in waltz time. He used to open concerts with it.
My walk-on song: Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat. He sometimes opens concerts with this one now.
My walk-off songs (3 to play at my funeral - not for a long time, let's hope): Emotionally Yours, I'll Remember You, Shooting Star
Most influential: Like a Rolling Stone. Established once and for all that rock could be personal and visceral.
Most inventive: Subterranean Homesick Blues. The first rap song, decades ahead of its time.
Most unappreciated: I and I. Where Teardrops Fall. Two beauties that occurred during realative lulls in Dylan's great career.
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