Search - Bob Dylan :: Bootleg Series 1-3: Rare 1961-1991 (Dlx)

Got the essentials? Here's where you go for more

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 01/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hardcore Dylan-philes probably own this already, but more casual fans will find a lot to like here as well, although this three-disc set may be a bit too much for those who just want Dylan's biggest hits and best-known songs.

But if you already have the Bob Dylan "essentials" (like the wonderful boxset "Biograph", which is bolstered by several rarities), this is where you go when you want more.



These the first three CDs in the renowned "Bootleg Series" contain 58 outtakes, live performances, alternates and rarities recorded between 1961 and 1991. And these aren't rejects; on the contrary, this box contains some of Dylan's most interesting material. Disc one is devoted to acoustic songs dating from 1961-1963, and that one is probably the least interesting to casual or "mid-level" fans, but Dylan-philes will delight in "Walls Of Red Wing", the spirited "Walkin' Down The Line", and these fine versions of "Only A Hobo", "Let Me Die In My Footsteps", and "The Times They Are A-Changin'".



Disc two is the most diverse; it goes electric about a third of the way through with a wonderful band-backed "If You Gotta Go, Go Now", and it also includes an acoustic solo performance of "Subterranean Homesick Blues", and the original up-tempo "It Takes A Lot To Laugh".

"I'll Keep It With Mine" (which can be found as a solo performance on the "Biograph" box set) is here in a tentative band-backed rendition, followed by a driving rock n' roll-version of "She's Your Lover Now" and a tremendous, slow "I Shall Be Released", sung by Dylan with harmony vocals by the Band's Richard Manuel.



You'll also find the original low-key recording of "Idiot Wind", an alternate "Tangled Up In Blue", a band-backed and much slower than usual "If Not For You", and a genuine country waltz, "Wallflower".

Disc three opens with a beautiful alternate take of "If You See Her, Say Hello", another one from the original "Blood On The Tracks" sessions which were never issued. "Catfish" and the slow, swinging "Golden Loom" are outtakes from the "Desire" sessions, and this gentle demo of "Every Grain Of Sand" is at least as beautiful as the one issued on "Shot Of Love", just Dylan at the piano, an acoustic guitar, and Jennifer Warnes supplying a discreet backing vocal. Oh, and there's a dog, too, barking a few times about 2½ minutes into the song.



There are a few rather forgettable, sometimes over-produced songs on disc three, but those are outnumbered by the good ones. The memorable dark ballad "Angelina" is another highlight, as is "Someone's Got A Hold Of My Heart" (which features Mark Knopfler and Mick Taylor on guitars), and the slow blues ballad "Blind Willie McTell".



If you truly want more than just the hits, this is where to look. "The Bootleg Series" is a great addition to the Bob Dylan catalogue, one which truly underlines the breadth and depth of his talent.

4 1/2 stars. A fine collection, exquisitely packaged and superbly annotated."

AWESOME! PHENOMENAL!

Nadia | 09/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD set is a super collection of terrific work--the most Golden of Trash Cans you can ever imagine of thrown away masterpieces and never before released songs and surprises of all sorts. Ah, Blind Willie McTell--the song fans are raving about yet baffled about as to why Bob Dylan threw this one masterpiece away!!! Other musicians would kill to have such a masterpiece in their name. When I first heard Blind Willie McTell (and many more times after that), I had to wipe tears tricking down from my eyes--SO good is this song!!! Bob chose to discard this because he said that it needed more development, but I cannot see how he could have improved on this one--maybe have Bruce Hornsby play some fancy piano work? I don't know. This collection of songs is packed with terrific surprises. Foot of Pride, another masterpiece equal to that of Blind Willie McTell, has an Indian-type beat. You have lots and lots of his old songs and many terrific surprises. Some of his earlier work is just as GREAT as some songs he did later on, and his voice sounds rich when he was younger. He sings his OWN version of an ancient ballad (House Carpenter) and he did it awesome--only Bob and his acoustic guitar! It's one of his best--ever. His voice is perfect, his guitar is awesome. He can take center stage by himself w/his guitar--he needs no one else around him. That is how talented he is. You have so so many songs to choose from, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed in any way with this collection. You even have humorous songs, serious songs, lively songs and songs just to entertain you. I love "When the Ship Comes In" which he wrote during one evening at a hotel--there is still another version of this one on the other bootleg Series #7 that is slightly better (my opinion). That song is one of my favorites and should be appreciated much more than it is. I would like to hear "When the Ship Comes In" sung by a chorus. You have LOTS AND LOTS to choose from. Seven Days is really AWESOME and is sung live, and too bad he never put that one on a CD (as far as I know) because he only did that song about 5 times and dropped it. I have too many favorites from this set to mention, but you will not be mistaken by buying this set. Trust me on this. I don't know how he is able to have composed so many good good songs. Gee Wiz my father was a talented musician and composed music, and I, his own child CAN'T compose music in my waking hours. You really have to admire such talent because that is a gift from above."

The Best!!!

Sandra K. Pope | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got it for my boyfriend's birthday along with a few other Dylan cds...I think he's morphing into another version of Dylan. He absolutely loved this series though. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Mr. Bob Dylan!!"