I Love the New Bob Dylan Record Tell Tale Signs

The latest release is Bootleg Series, Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs - Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006. It won't be released until Oct 7th, but can be heard at NPR's Preview site. This volume covers some of Dylan's best modern work, with alternate versions and unreleased tracks from the Oh Mercy, Love and Theft, Time out of Mind, and Modern Times sessions. The songs on this collection are as good or better than anything on those records (which is saying a lot as those four records are all fantastic in their original form). When I hear a track like Mississippi [Version #2], which is even better than the version on Time out of Mind, I wonder how Dylan selects which versions make it on to the final release. The whole Bootleg series shows just how often Dylan has gotten those choices wrong. It is fascinating to discover these alternate gems that often present an alternative mood for the tunes. Equally fascinating are the live recordings of songs released between 1989-2006 that were taken from performances during the Never Ending tour. These tracks show both how tight his touring band has been over the past two decades as well as how Dylan has adapted his songs to his deteriorating voice. Overall there is a lot to love on this compilation and I will be ready with my Best Buy gift card in hand when this record finally hits the shelves.