Bob Dylan’s discography is quite hefty. Naturally, quite a few B-sides through the years have been more or less forgotten in favor of a few famous A-sides. Still, I think some of Bob Dylan’s B-sides are amazing, and they definitely deserve more love. Let’s look at a few examples, shall we?
“Spanish Is The Loving Tongue”
The OG version of “Spanish Is The Loving Tongue” is a standout song from Dylan, complete with a large band backing it. However, the B-side version of the song that once accompanied the A-side “If Not For You” from the album New Morning is, in my opinion, even better.
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Many of Dylan’s finest works have been stripped down, and this is an excellent example of how his emotion and vulnerability come out when there’s less instrumentation in the way. This version of “Spanish Is The Loving Tongue” is almost ethereal in a way, and a gorgeous exploration of lost love and pushing forward.
“Blind Willie McTell”
The “official” version of “Blind Willie McTell” didn’t make it to a B-side release until the 2000s. However, a more polished recording of the song was recorded in 1983 and released in 1991 on Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3.
Still, there’s something about the live version that just hits. This gorgeous track accompanied the single “Things Have Changed”, and I can’t figure out why Dylan didn’t give this version a proper, non-B-side release years earlier. It’s really a fantastic song. It’s one of Dylan’s more historical songs when it comes to lyrics and storytelling, and it’s a treat from beginning to end.
“Thirsty Boots”
This example of top-notch Bob Dylan B-sides is really something. The demo version of “Thirsty Boots” served as the B-side to the single “Wigwam” in 2013 in celebration of Record Store Day.
It’s a well-aged demo that features a gorgeous backing piano and harmonica. If you were a fan of Dylan’s John Wesley Harding era, you’ll probably love this B-side. And you can tell by the smoothness of Dylan’s voice on this track that it was recorded quite a while ago. However, there’s something to love about how Dylan’s voice has aged through the years.
Photo by John Byrne Cooke Estate/Getty Images
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