Track of the Day: ‘Country Pie’ by Bob Dylan

By NYSSA BULKES

Some people think of Bob Dylan as the gaunt folk singer who penned “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” while others see him as the Ray-Ban-wearing rocker who raspily snarled “Like a Rolling Stone.”

Both are right, but in the late sixties, Dylan rejected fans who appealed to the singer to return to political activism, instead of opting to record with Johnny Cash in a Nashville studio.

“Country Pie” comes from the resulting album, “Nashville Skyline,” where we hear Dylan’s trademark whimsically crafted lyrics. What’s different is the soft and melodic nature of not only the backing band, but Dylan’s voice. Who said Dylan can’t sing?

The song, like many on the album, isn’t as deep or introspective as other Dylan tunes — please don’t try to convince me that “Country Pie” is some subtle reference to a larger life lesson — but it’s still an endearing and infectious listen.

It’s not exactly a line-dancing song, but it might offer a new perspective on the days when country music was actually good.

From “Nashville Skyline” (1969).