Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series Vol. 8
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Free Music Notes for Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series Vol. 8
Free Music Review: Bootleg Irony
Hit: 5 Stars
This is not a complete review of the album, but an observation. Some of the other reviews have noted the two versions of this album, the regular 2-CD version selling for about $15 and the deluxe version with a book of pictures of single jackets, a vinyl disk with two songs, and 3 CDs. The deluxe version is priced at $100+. Of the 3 CDs in the deluxe version, two of them are the same as the regular version. I grudgingly bought the deluxe version, but asked myself why would the deluxe version include more real music and not just additional padding. Also why is the price differential so crazy? The thought occurred to me that the intent (Dylan's?) was to insure that the 3rd CD in the deluxe version would actually be bootlegged. That is, people would share it with one another rather than everyone buying it. The bootleg series began as a way of releasing some tracks through official channels that had been bootlegged earlier. So the title was somewhat ironic to start with. But the current release of outtakes, alternate versions, and live tracks must contain much that has not been bootlegged. I suggest that this configuration and pricing may be intended to turn it into real bootlegged material.Free Music Review: Rare Cuts Deep
Hit: 5 Stars
What a great release! Standout tracks are almost too many to list; here are the best of the best: (1) Girl from the Red River Shore. This song alone is almost worth the price of the entire collection. Lyrically a very moving song (some of us turn off the lights and we live, in the moonlight shooting by; some of us scare ourselves to death in the dark, to be where the angels fly;). (2) Marching to the City. Blues the way they were mean to be played, driving, dripping with melancholy. (3) Acoustic Mississippi. This track, pared down, shows how great this song really is. (4) Dreamin of You. Infectious piano, performed in a style not typical of Dylan. (5) Cross the Green Mountains. From a movie few people saw, a song steeped in Americana, 1860s style.
Overall, these recordings in a strange way outpace the albums they were cut from. They are spare, less worked. Stripped down to basics, the songs themselves flourish. Generally the first disc has the real gems. Columbia could have released this all one CD and cut some of the weaker tracks, which tend to fill out disc Two.
Free Music Review: Filled to the Brim
Hit: 5 Stars
I've had this two-CD set for some time now and haven't yet listened to CD #2 because CD #1 is so satisfying an experience! This album is in the same category as Modern Times and Love and Theft: all full of music and those intriguing Dylan poems and connections that move deep into the listener's consciousness and stay there. The voice is appropriate for his songs of sadness for lost loves and found hopes for today. Dylan's wisdom and genius shine through. He's one of our American Masters and I'm grateful he still cares to share his music. I often imagine his
audiences are the object of his references to love, since he still seems
to draw life-giving energy from performing. Of course, I could be making that up. It doesn't matter in the end, because what the listener receives is so rich. If you've not been paying attention, check out this CD set and listen carefully. It's about your life.
Free Music Review: The Bottomless Well of Genius
Hit: 5 Stars
Bob Dylan's "also-rans" reach the heights of most artist's best work. This collection also makes you realize that there may be no definitive version of a Dylan song. The two versions of Mississippi included here are ample proof of that. While some may quibble that the "rockabilly" take on Dignity trivializes the song somewhat, it is still interesting to hear him attempt it. His band has perfected an elegant take on the blues that is very rich, while being blistering on the live takes. Overall, the variety here is dazzling. This set also makes clear that he has been doing some of his best work for movies lately. 'Cross The Green Mountain, written for "Gods and Generals", immediately ascends to the top 20 Dylan songs - ever. If you think you know Dylan, check this out and be amazed. If you're waiting with bated breath for his next album (as I am) buy this now for some instant gratification.Free Music Review: Holy crap, this set is just amazing
Hit: 5 Stars
Bob Dylan proves once again that his throwaways are often better than the tracks that actually make his albums. Not only that, but the "alternate versions" (often stripped-down) of his songs bring out just what amazing songs they truly are. "Mississippi" is brilliant (here it is in two very different forms than the album version, but both are wonderful). There's some great live tracks on here, some swampy heartfelt blues (I love his cover of Cocaine Blues on here, soooooo good). If you buy this, I'm sure you know what you're getting into with his voice, right? Every year he loses a little bit more of his range and becomes a little more raspy, but as always, his intonation, phrasing, and emotion when he sings are unparalleled. These last 10-15 years have been extremely fruitful for Bob, and here's the 2-CD set to prove it once and for all. This set exceeded my expectations.