Some Nice Gems
Based on Berliner's review, I listened to "James Alley Blues". He's right in one sense: Listen to Dylan singing "Time Out of Mind" or after, and there are unmistakable strains there. Why would Bobby choose this song as a vocal touchstone? I guess that's the mystery that is Dylan. What I'd like to say is, stick around. I came to this album searching for Sylvester Weaver's "Guitar Rag". There are many more worth considering - "Whiskey & Gin Blues" "Bamalong Blues" "Gravel Camp Blues" to name a few. Keep searching. Sometimes you hear a great song and wonder, did they ever sing like that a hundred years ago? Truth is, they did. And the evidence is hidden throughout here.
