Various artists: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan

Inside track With more than 80 artists from very different musical genres –as diverse as RedOne (Gaga’s producer) and Evan Rachel Wood (yes, really) – this 4CD compilation was put together in honour of Amnesty International’s 50th birthday. Bottom line: there are surprisingly few duds and an equally surprising number of flat-out gorgeous covers: I love Maroon 5’s I Shall Be Released, K’naan’s With God On Our Side and Adèle’s Make You Feel My Love, among many others.

Quotable lyrics
What’s not quotable about Dylan? The one that I hooked onto in the car this morning: ‘I had an undying wish to keep from dying.’

Key tracks  
‘One More Cup of Coffee’ by Steve Earle and Lucia Micarelli; ‘Mama, You’ve Been on My Mind’ by We Are Augustines and ‘Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream’ by Taj Mahal

Sound off  
This is a great entry album for anyone who has ever wondered why Bob Dylan is as revered as he is: his songwriting is consistently brilliant throughout, shining through even the sketchiest interpretations. Even Dylan purists (and I know, because I live with one) will slowly start to come around to the album - if the exposure is relentless enough.

If you like this, then try the real thing - Bob Dylan’s Love Minus Zero. (Brilliant!)