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This is the 2002 version of the 1997 version of the 1986 CD version of the 1985 box set. Although there had been multi-disk LP releases in the pop world, this compilation, along with the earlier Buddy Holly box and almost contemporaneous Springsteen Live 1975-1985, could be seen as the prototype for the box sets that would become a feature of the CD era (am i wrong to think of it as the CD era?). Biograph is in many ways a perfect product. For the Dylan fan, it provides a wealth of previously unreleased material, nicely dispersed among a selection of big hits and album tracks, providing the archival material with some context and the familiar material with a fresh setting. The vinyl version was thoughtfully programmed, each of the ten sides forming a discreet statement, sort of like a stack of EPs. Some of the charm of the programming is lost on the three CDs, each disk sprawling the length of a double LP, but that's a flyspeck on a big big window. For the uninitiated, Biograph may be more than enough, but it may also be the best summation of Dylan, giving a fair account of his depth and scope, covering a twenty year span without merely recapping the greatest hits or resorting to boilerplate. This CD version differs from the LP in one minor aspect - the LP contained an alternate take of Mixed-Up Confusion, whereas the CD contains the take that was released as a single, albeit in stereo instead of mono. The booklet essay by Cameron Crowe assumes that the reader knows the broad strokes, but it does not descend into the labyrinth of Dylanology. Thank goodness for that. The notes with the track listing are often Dylan's own remarks, lifted out of interviews it seems, but for all i know done specifically for this collection. I picked up this product because the price was right and I had wanted to have the CDs to play in places where there is no turntable. Sad to say, but that stereo version of Mixed-Up Confusion was part of the calculation. Of the four three-CD sets in the Dylan catalogue, this is the one for everyone.Read full review
I have wanted to reacquire this box set since it, along with much of my CD collection, was stolen from me in 1990; about two years after I purchased it. I had always liked Dylan from a distance but this collection took me to a new level of appreciation for Dylan's unique voice, both metaphorical and literal. After consuming this collection of songs, I saw beyond the classifications of post modern beat folk poet storyteller etc.... Dylan transcends his context and speaks to the timeless issues of mind, heart, and relationship. Whether it’s between two people or an individual and his government, Dylan challenges the collective and individual perspective. This set has some of the best versions of Tangled Up in Blue and Maggie's Farm I have heard. It also includes a very informative booklet covering the life, career, and songs of Bob Dylan through the early nineteen-eighties. If you already love Dylan or if you like Dylan but want to know more, this is an excellent choice. I’m glad to have it backRead full review
These three cd’s have a wonderful flow to them which a collection put together in chronological order just wouldn’t have. In my opinion, the best way to listen to Dylan and appreciate the variety of his catalog is to skip around through his different phases. This box set achieves that goal. It has all the well known songs you’d expect, plus a decent amount of rarities, b-sides and live tracks. “Biograph” is an excellent overview of Bob Dylan’s work up to 1985. Highly recommended!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
If you are just discovering how great Dylan actually is, this is a fantastic set to own. Of course, after listening to it and loving it, you will want ALL his stuff. What an amazing artist.
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