I just picked up the latest edition Volume 8 of Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series: Tell Tale Signs. This collection traces Dylan's best outtakes and rarities from his most successul era since the 1960's. It seems that Dylan was resurrected when he went south. You can hear it on Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind and beyond. The ever changing artist found creative salvation in New Orleans. You can hear it throughout these stellar selections. He fits the traditional southern gentlemen persona and his music reflects this. Dylan has never sounded this alive.
A highlight is this acoustic version of one of my favorites, "Most of the Time"
"Most of the time
I know exactly where I went,
I don't cheat on myself, I don't run and hide,
Hide from the feelings, that are buried inside,
I don't compromised and I don't pretend,
I don't even care if I ever see her again
Most of the time..."
Without Lanois' swamp atmospheric arrangement, Dylan sounds like a shadow of his troubador self. With two discs of gems, you will discover some golden rarities that you yrself with cherish.
My Trusted MOGs
I streamed that song on the NPR website the other day. When it started I was startled, since I'm so familiar with the album version. But I really like this version, and now I think I like it better.
My Trusted MOGs
I agree, I too was taken by the difference in sound. But there is something about the true test when it is stripped down to its core, you can hear the essence of it's greatness. This version of Most of the Time reflects this.
My Trusted MOGs
one of my top five dylan songs. i have so much love for it.
i'm still on the fence about this version. perhaps i need to listen more. it startled me, like andrea said...and i'm still not sure about it. i like it...just not sure if i'd say i prefer it.