The tone is set with the first two songs. Eddie Vedder and the all-star house band for the project, The Million Dollar Bashers, tackle perhaps his most famous song ("All Along the Watchtower") and Sonic Youth follows with the title song which has never been released until now. The rest of the album is a mix of classics and obscurities in the Dylan cannon, some performed faithfully, others given new arrangements. The beauty of his music is the simplicity of the melodies juxtaposed with the challenge of his lyrics. These artists prove up to that challenge and the result is one of the most satisfying tribute albums ever assembled.

Newcomers Jim James, Cat Power, Karen O, Sufjan Stevens, The Hold Steady, Iron and Wine along with indie rock stalwarts Steven Malkmus, John Doe, Jeff Tweedy, Mark Lanagan, Yo La Tengo and old-timers Willie Nelson, Richie Havens, Roger McGuinn and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot are themselves a tribute the three generations of individualists Dylan’s music has inspired. Even without knowing how the music will be used in the film which is due out in late November and said to be very impressionistic, this album stands by itself as a way to enjoy his familiar songs anew and discover some that have been lost to the ages.

Listen for songs all this week from the soundtrack album "I’m Not There" during Paul Shugrue’s new music show on Hampton Roads Public Radio 89.5 WHRV-FM. Monday through Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm, Saturday afternoon from 1 pm to 5pm and on-demand at www.whrv.org/outofthebox