'Unplugged' does not quite match your expectations if, as I did, you are looking forward to Dylan doing an entirely acoustic version of some of his most famous compositions. At its heart, it is simply Dylan performing nine of his most famous compositions with an amplified backup band, plus 'Shooting Star' and 'Dignity' which are not that familiar to me.

Now any performance of Bob Dylan material, especially by Bob Dylan, is not to be overlooked, but there is a lot of overlap here, if you already own Dylan's albums up through 'John Wesley Hardin'. In a sense, Dylan is doing covers of his own classic stuff. And, in many cases, the covers are different, but not necessarily better than the originals. 'All Along the Watchtower', for example, is clearly not as good as the original, and it is not even quite as good as the great cover done by Jimi Hendrix, but it's still Dylan, so it's a very respectable and interesting collection, just a bit more interesting than a 'Best of' collection of original recordings.

Theres something not right here and I don't know what it is exctly but; WHY THE HELL? TOMBSTONE BLUES? I wasn't happy with this butchering of one of my faves the last time I heard it. Listen, I have a hard time saying anything bad about my man BOB DYLAN, but there is so much better stuff than this CD.
DYLAN was great fun to watch when he did this special for MTV, but admit it, didn't you think it was all over for him when this initially aired? I mean yeah, he was smiling, and he was getting down with the audience, but didn't you think he was one away from the grave? I don't know man, I really hate to say it, this guys my hero. He ultimatley proved he was about to KICK SOME ASS in a year or two and he still is today, but in 1994 it wasn't happening. This is not a great CD. PUT OUT A LIVE CD OF THE LAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS (2002-2005) AND I'LL BE ALL OVER IT! This package gets four stars cuz its DYLAN and I do like the JOHN BROWN rendition; its not an essential or anything, but is pretty cool.

BOB DYLAN; NO DISRESPECT!!!!! KEEP ROCKIN, I'LL BE THERE NEXT TIME YOU COME AROUND!!!!

I love this album, Bob plays all the classics in acoustic form and nails each one. For those who tell you his voice is not up to par, well hear this, I don't listen to Bob Dylan for his voice. Though I love it (all the raspiness and inflection), god forbid you actually listen to the words in the song. That's not what he's famous for or anything.

Another thing, to those who say the Byrds of Peter, Paul and Mary's versions of Dylan's songs are better. You are shallow and have no soul. The only reason those songs made it was due to the way they were written not the damn pretty voices and harmony those sell outs used. By the way, are those groups still around? Didn't think so.

I saw Dylan in concert two years ago and though his voice is ultra-haggard, the inflection and passion is still there. End of Story. Buy this album if you like lyrics and songs not pretty voices.

all these songs have the life breathed back into them, and though Dylan has certainly gotten older, he hasn't lost his edginess as a performer. His songs are still challenging and poetic, and sound better then they have in years thanks to the all-star support he gets on this. a terrific addition to any Dylan collection, with hard edged classics getting a new and improved treatment. All I can say is, it certainly took awhile!

I'm not one to get too nostalgic and linger in the past because the present is much to exciting However every now and again I listen to some Dylan. There is something to be said for longevity. This outing from 1995 finds Dylan in a loose mood with a fine nasal vocal tone that ducks and peeks while his strong lyrics jab and punch your sensibilities leaving your brain feeling like silly putty. Created for the superlative accoustic MTV series, Dylan is right at home with his folksy pre-electric roots. His harmonica playing adds luster to the folksy sound. He displays an impassioned vocal range that you will either hate or love but you have to give him his props for his poignant songwritting. Actually he is singing on "Knockin on Heaven's Door"in a very uncharacteristic style that indicates he can actually carry a tune! More at home in his delivery of barely understandable slurring and distorting in his vocal phrasing is more the norm on this disc. This cat was the original white rapper sans urban beats. His poetical lyricism is superb. This collection of songs are timely some 35+ years later. Of particular interest is "John Brown" about the soldier who goes off to war and sees the enemy "whose face looks just like mine" and returns to see his mom after being wounded . In these days that finds our country once again at war the words, reality and horror of war are very relevant. "Desolation Row" is one of those classic Dylan songs that paints surreal imagery with words that still reads like a modern epic tour de force. There are several other songs from the excellent 1965 "Highway 61 Revisted" including the unofficial 60's anthem "Like a Rolling Stone" that begs the question "how does it feel to be without a home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone"? Further along in the song Dylan states, "You said you'd never compromise, with the mystery tramp, but now you realize he's not selling any alibis as you stare into the vacum of his eyes and ask do you want to make deal"? These lyrics might make baby boomers choke on their lattes and cause them to wreck their Lexus suv's now days as they reflect on their rebellious youth. Another "Highway 61" song is the mind blowing "Tombstone Blues" with which he opens the set as he makes reference to the everything from the "commander in chief, John the Baptist, Gaileo, MaRainey, Beethoven, Deliah and the Phiilistines." In these times of world trouble and tension, heightened by terrorism, Dylan's exploration of war is very timely today. He ends his song and set with the words"If God's on our side He'll stop the next war." Even though "The Times TheY Are A-Changin'" some concerns remain the the same. This is as important music today as it was originally in the 60's and when this 1995 MTV version was released. Buy it especially if you don't have any Dylan, it is a nice introduction to the poets music. Every song is a winner.