Bob Dylan, have an opinion?

I don't think sdcampbell's missing the point. Dylan's peculiar, and it's easy to see why he just might not hit it off with some people. However, I'm a big fan. He introduced a literary quality to the lyrics of popular music that came from the streets and railroad yards. But mainly, the man writes a mean tune... and what a range in songwriting he's got. From great love songs to nasty payback anthems. Also, he's a good interpreter of traditional stuff. And, his going electric -- that's at the top of profiles in courage in popular music. Favorite album? That would change from day to day. Today it would be John Wesley Harding. Hey, on some days it's been Self Portrait; I dare anyone else to say that!

SD, in terms of uniqueness of delivery, the analogy with Betty Carter (whom I love) is not too shabby. Dylan's songwriting prowess (both lyrics and music) is for the ages, I think, and maybe as good as any way to appreciate it is by listening to other artists' covers. This morning, I listened to a cover of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by a reggae artist named Arthur Lewis that is really cool.

Need to replace my old John Wesley Harding LP. Can anyone offer some guidance about alternatives -- reissues, vinyl v. CD, etc.? General info about Zimmy's reissues would be interesting, too. Thanks