Bob Dylan at 80

Celebrating the Minnesota Bard As He Begins His Octogenarian Phase.

Photo: Xavier Badosa

Bob Dylan spent the year before turning 80 releasing his first album of original material in eight years, Rough and Rowdy Ways - a double album at that, which closed with the nearly 17-minute, “Murder Most Foul.” A modern epic that begins at the assassination of JFK but sticks around to give us a state of the union address since the boomers took over. Finally, an “American Pie” from the Jester’s point of view.

Let’s be honest. There’s nothing I can write here that would add anything to what’s already been, or being, said about one of the greatest artists of all time, so I’ll just let the music and his songwriting do the talking. Here are 80 of my favorite Dylan tunes for his 80th birthday. The fact that I had a hard time whittling this playlist down to a mere 80 should tell you all you need to know about his impact.

Feel free to argue over the choices in the comments. Happy Bobday!