but the one album of his that I find a really easy listen, and it's got plenty of good stuff on it is Highway 61 Revisited. It's one of those cases where the cognoscenti agree with me!

Then you might want to start with the stuff he was doing around that time - particularly Oh Mercy. Then perhaps Infidels?

Disclaimer - this advice goes against all my better instincts, which would be to start with the '60s classics, then Blood on the Tracks and Desire - but I suspect that might not work here.

Oh, and do get the Christmas album. It's bonkers.

If you want tuneful and a bit playful can't go wrong with this. Dylan and The Band sparking off each other at the the very peak of their powers.

?

and don't mind the idiosyncrasies of the modern day Dylan voice, then I would try one of his recent efforts... Love and Theft, Modern Times or Together Through Life. His Christmas album is a hoot as well... and genuinely lovely.

Bringing it All Back Home or Highway 61, for me that's when he was at the peak of his powers - mysterious, cryptic and ice cool fronting a fantastic rock n' roll band

There's a great 3 disc best of just called "Dylan" - covers all the bases.

...and work your way backwards (and forwards).

Forget about the individual albums and download these tracks.

They are all quite accessible with a modern sound, great tunes, a strong production and are reasonably upbeat.

Most importantly, Dylan sings really well on all of them.

Silvio
Things Have Changed
Dignity
Everything Is Broken
Ring Them Bells
Heart Of Mine
Hurricane
Sweetheart Like You
License To Kill
Man In The Long Black Coat
Man Of Peace
Mississippi
Most Of The Time
Political World
Series Of Dreams
The Groom’s Still Waiting At The Altar
Tight Connection To My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love)
Watching The River Flow
Workingman's Blues #2
Tomorrow Night

not to mention my committed atheism I've always liked Slow Train Coming. Some very good songs and a smattering of great ones (imho).

I think I'm just going to have to dive in, and will probably start with Paul W's recommendations, given that

a) there seems to be a low price, 3-in-1 CD or download of Infidels/Oh Mercy/Time Out of Mind around, and

b) then I won't have to look blank or sheepish when I see Paul at the next NW mingle. (This is a good thing - will motivate me to actually listen to them.)

However, Highway 61 Revisited, Blood on the Tracks and Desire do seem tempting as well. Think I might avoid the "best of" compilations in case I do get hooked - then think of all that lovely back catalogue I'll have to get stuck into.

PS. I listened to the samples of the Christmas album on Amazon. I can only think there must have been grandchildren involved, who never wanted to hear "Grandad Bobby" do his turn at family get togethers ...

Then Blonde on Blonde, then Highway 61, then Bringing it all Back Home.

Add in the Rolling Thunder Bootleg Series album and that's all the Zimmerman you'll ever need.