Bob Dylan

Given the length and magnitude of Dylan's career, a single-volume distillation is precarious business, and though Best of leans heavily on his early years, the inclusion of palatable stuff from his troublesome midcareer makes this as diverse as any other single-volume compilation. The most unfortunate omissions are from the years between 1983 and '97 and his return to acoustic traditionals, but for Dylan beginners, this has the basics covered.