In the early 70s singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy was proclaimed one of the “new Dylans”, along with Bruce Springsteen, Loudon Wainwright and John Prine. Whether the world needed a new Dylan is debatable, but all four went on to have impressive careers. Over the years Murphy has often covered Dylan songs, so all in all Murphy seems like a good person to ask for his top 10 Dylan tracks. Given the passage of time, the focus is on Dylan’s later years – tracks released after he was 60, more or less – the shiny 21st century, as we head on to oblivion. Let’s go!
10. “Most Likely You’ll Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)” (from Shadow Kingdom, 2023)
…and that’s the truth even in this updated version.
9. “Here Comes Santa Claus” (from Christmas in the Heart, 2009)
I think he got a lot of flak for this off-beat album, but I loved it. And the original was recorded by the singing cowboy Gene Autry back in the day when only singing cowboys strummed guitars while crooning. So what’s not to like? Bob is a traditionalist who doesn’t look back.
8. “Summer Days” (from Love and Theft, 2001)
Could this great song have been Great Gatsby inspired? I mean, he paraphrases fellow Minnesota native F. Scott Fitzgerald, “You can’t repeat the past. You can’t? What do you mean, you can’t? Of course you can.” Is Dylan the rock ‘n roll Gatsby – or am I?
7. “Mississippi” (from Love and Theft, 2001)
Also like the Sheryl Crow version and who can deny the chilling effect of the line “Your days are numbered, so are mine”. My grandfather was from Tupelo, Mississippi by the way – same hometown as Elvis.
6. “Autumn Leaves” (from Shadows in the Night, 2015)
Bob knows how to pick a classic melody and make it his own. I’m sure his Sinatra period will grow on us the same way Self Portrait has gained gravity. Originally a French song but a heartbreaker in any language.
5. “It’s All Good” (from Together Through Life, 2009)
When sarcasm and rhyme is freely mixed into a spiritual blender to make highly ironic post-apocalypse pop.
4. “Ain’t Talkin” (from Modern Times, 2006)
The story of Bob’s post-60 life from my vantage point. Politicians should take his advice. Me too!
3. “Roll on John” (from Tempest, 2012)
Come on – who can deny the epic importance of a Bob Dylan song about John Lennon and not think of the two of them sitting in the back seat of that Rolls Royce in “Eat the Document” [1972 bootleg documentary], stoned out their minds and still cooler then the rest of us!
2. “Key West (Philosopher Pirate)” (from Rough and Rowdy Ways, 2020)
I was sick as a dog on this legendary Key back in 1971 and then in the late 70’s drunk as hell in Sloppy Joe’s and a few years ago sober as a judge while visiting Hemingway’s house and although it’s turned into a stoned mecca for tourists, there’s still something otherworldly about the sunsets.
1. “Murder Most Foul” (from Rough and Rowdy Ways, 2021)
This song got me through the Covid isolation – I listened to it every day of the confinement while I exercised on a stationary bike. As important as “Like A Rolling Stone” IMHO.
LISTEN HERE (SPOTIFY PLAYLIST)
ABOUT ELLIOTT MURPHY
Elliott Murphy is an American musician and writer, living in Paris. His debut album, Aquashow (1973) received huge critical acclaim. A further three albums followed in the ‘70s, six in the ‘80s, four in the ‘90s and at least another 13 up to 2022, not including live albums. He’s worked with Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Sonny Landreth and Bruce Springsteen amongst others. Read more about his thoughts on Bob Dylan HERE (the Foreword to the Paolo Vites book Bob Dylan – 1962-2002: 40 Years of Songs).
Poetic Justice 
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