Today’s Song of the Day is “Down on the Bottom,” from the Lost on the River: The New Basement Tapes project. This version is sung by Jim James of My Morning Jacket — but the story behind it, of course, starts with Bob Dylan.
What I love about this track is how it feels like you’re stepping into a half-forgotten memory. I actually have the Basement Tapes on vinyl, and since this song kicks off the whole album, it always reminds me of opening up an old journal — it begins with a problem that’s been buried for years and invites you to walk with it for a while.
I recently put this at the top of a playlist I’m building (Sunset on the Side) for people who enjoy a slow, reflective walk in the woods. There’s just something so right about letting “Down on the Bottom” set the mood. The guitar tones feel raw and lived-in, with solo licks that slide in and out like passing thoughts. It’s got this dusty, retro grunginess that somehow feels brand new — like Dylan’s words woke up in a new era, wearing boots they’ve always owned.
One of my favorite things about this song — and the whole New Basement Tapes project — is that it proves you don’t have to polish an old idea into pop perfection for it to matter. Dylan’s lyrics keep that indie-folk edge, and the production (shoutout to T-Bone Burnett) respects the spirit of the originals while letting each artist bring their own touch. It’s a reminder that some songs find their moment decades later — and they’re better for it.
If you’ve never heard this version, do yourself a favor: throw it on, grab your headphones, and take it for a spin on a trail somewhere (and listen to my playlist). Let it sort out your worries for a bit.
Check it out if you haven’t heard it!
