“Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)” is a Bob Dylan song originally recorded with the Band for the 1967 Basement Tapes. It was not part of the first batch of Basement Tapes songs released in 1975.

However, Manfred Mann covered it and released it in 1968. This version was very popular.

Of the Dylan versions, I really like the one with the Band from 1969. It’s much more relaxed than the Basement Tapes version. It sounds like they’re having fun; it’s a light, funny song, not serious like some of the other Basement Tapes songs. Dylan uses his Nashvill Skyline voice accompanied by casual, ragged harmonies by the Band. Also, the Band’s backup is great and really keeps it moving.

“Salt of the Earth” is the last song on the great 1968 Rolling Stones album Beggars Banquet. “Salt of the Earth” still sounds great today.

“Cissy Strut” was recorded by the Meters in 1969. I heard it on a TV sports broadcast this week – can’t remember which one.

Doctor Clayton’s 1941 record became Pat Hare’s “I’m Gonna Murder My Baby” in 1954. Hare’s chilling recording wasn’t released until 1990. The amazing thing is that Hare later did it – he killed his girlfriend in 1963!