Bob Dylan-- The Bootleg Series Volume 8: Tell Tale Signs

[Josh]

The eighth volume in Bob Dylan’s official “bootleg” series, Tell Tale Signs, arrives in stores today, handsomely packaged and sounding for all the world not like a collection of leftovers, but like a lost Dylan masterpiece. Its 27 songs– including outtakes, alternate recordings, soundtrack material, and live cuts from 1989’s Oh Mercy all the way through 2006’s Modern Times– confirm that this current period of Dylan’s career is among the best, if not the best, and that the music he’s making today is as challenging, rewarding, and vital as anything he’s ever done.

[bloop]

It is good.  I don't think it'll be long before I consider several of the cuts to be the definitive versions of the songs.

[Josh]

I think ALL of the Oh Mercy cuts here leave their studio counterparts in the dust-- but then, I've always resented Daniel Lanois' production on that LP.

On the other hand, I think his artier tendencies work much better on Time Out of Mind, but I think most of the cuts here from that album are superior, as well.

Heck, even the live cuts from Love & Theft sound definitive to me-- and that album is my favorite of Dylan's.

[Josh]

My review.