This record came out after a long lapse, probably because of Dylan's motorcycle accident. At least that's what I've read. Unlike a lot of hits records and like it's American cousin, this is a great stand alone record in it's own right and it flows as if all of the songs were meant for this record and this record alone. However, the tracks are in a different order than on the American version. On this record the tracks appear to be ordered by the times they were originally recorded, so the record starts with "Blowin' in the Wind", rather than with "Rainy Day Woman." In addition, "Positively 4th Street" is not on the record, but it's been replaced by not one, but three extra songs and they're all good ones. This is just a wonderful record and one any Dylan collector will want to own.

My dad says the problem with this record when it came out, back in the day, was that it didn't have "Positively 4th Street" on it. The collectors, though, all had to have it because of the different cover. The above editorial says this version has three songs not included on the American version, "She Belongs to Me" and "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" from "Bringing it All Back Home," and "Sooner or Later" from "Blonde on Blonde." So what? "4th St." is still not on it and since any serious Dylan fan already owns "Bringing it All Back Home," and "Blonde on Blonde," there is no reason to buy this CD. Still the material is outstanding, so I'm giving it three stars anyway.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

I really like this album. I love "Tambourine Man", love the subtle electric guitar. I adore "It Ain't Me Babe," it ain't no stinkin' love song. And neither is "Positively 4th Street." These are bitter and biting songs that grip like glue. "If you were standing in my shoes, you'd know what a drag it is to see you." What a line. Nobody writes them like Bob Dylan. "Rolling Stone", "Rainy Day Woman," and "I Want You," three jumpin' rockers. And then there is "Just Like a Woman," Lord I love that song that shows what a mesmerizing voice Dylan can have when he wants to. And, of course, I can't forget that song that is almost impossible to sing along with, " Subterranean Homesick Blues." Try memorizing the lyrics to that one, try singing them without the record playing. Was Dylan ahead of his time? You betcha.

I love the cover on this record. It looks like an Out take from the "Blonde on Blonde" session. I have both the CD and the record and boy that record was hard for me to find. Finally it came up on eBay and I got in the same week I got the poster that came with the American version of this record.

"She Belongs to Me" one of the songs on this record (which has 12 songs instead of the 10 on the American version) is one of the best love songs ever written and Dylan's voice on this is nothing short of perfect, as it is on "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue." "Blowing in the Wind" is the lead off song here and it is nothing short of chilling. The electric songs are sublime and really are just about the best Dylan had done up until this record came out. This is a great collection.

For some reason, the UK and the European versions of this record didn't have "Positively 4th Street" on them, instead opting out for "She Belongs to Me", "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," two of my all time favorite Dylan songs and a very nice song, "One of Us Must Know" from "Blonde on Blonde. Though I miss "4th Street" when I play this CD, I just love those other songs.

I can only imagine the impact this record must have made back when it came out. Just imagine "Rainy Day Woman" and "Like a Rolling Stone" on the same record. What must the establishment thought back then. There there is "Mr. Tambourine Man." How could they ever understand that. Add "Blowing in the Wind" and "Times" two songs they probably understood only too well, understood and didn't like. Yes, America was changing, the times were blowin' away in the wind. The future was coming fast. This record must have really shook 'em up.