Essential Times

The Essential Bob Dylan is a compilation by Bob Dylan, released as a double-CD set in 2000, part of Columbia Records' "The Essential" series. The Essential Bob Dylan spans from 1963's "Blowin' In The Wind" (taken from The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan) to 1999's "Things Have Changed" (Dylan's Oscar-winning song from the motion picture, Wonder Boys). The Essential Bob Dylan has proven to be a solid seller in Dylan's catalog, reaching #67 in the US, and peaking at #9 in the UK.

Buckwheat Zydeco can be counted on for a joyous, upbeat zydeco party groove and his albums are remarkably consistent in that regard. This set draws tracks from his mid-'80s albums for Rounder Records, including sides from 1983's Turning Point, 1985's Waitin' for My Ya Ya, and 1987's Buckwheat's Zydeco Party, and makes a nice sampler and introduction to what was arguably Buckwheat Zydeco's most commercially viable and inspired period. The title track, "Let the Good Times Roll," "Hot Tamale Baby," and a nice version of Fats Domino's "Walkin' to New Orleans" are among the highlights.