Dreamin Of You – new free download on bobdylan.com - encore…

Thanks to Martin Cowan:

“Following recent comments, I too have downloaded this new old Dylan song.

“While picking up the lyrical similarities between this and ‘Standing in the Doorway’, I was also struck by how it didn’t sound like it came from the TOOM sessions - I’m wondering if it has had a sexed-up remix?

“Nice song though.”

Tell Tale Signs: encore… encore… encore

Thanks to Liam Mogan:

“Just a quick response to avid collector Daniel Lobby’s disappointment at my post about the new ‘bootleg’ album.

“My comment ‘If it’s a true ‘bootleg’ then give us something truly rare’ was specifically referring to the inclusion of already officially released tracks within the collection. His musings on this statement are contradictory especially when he goes on to say that ‘Perhaps the answer is for Columbia Records, every now and then, to gather these oddities and rarities together and release them on a compilation album.’ A statement I heartily agree with I, especially when the new collection misses out on some fantastic one-off tracks, such as ‘Red Cadillac..’ and ‘I Can’t Get You Off of My Mind’ (amongst others). I also agree that the inclusion on the No Direction Home OST of ‘Song to Woody’ and ‘LARS’ was below the belt and unnecessary.

“I do not doubt the rarity value of the Oh Mercy/Time Out of Mind outtakes, I was simply questioning the vitality of a new Bootleg Volume containing a large volume of multi-takes.

“Similarly, I have no idea about the quality of items within the Dylan Vaults - I merely suggested it would have been nice for this volume to have followed the successful blueprint of Volumes 4, 5 and 6 in releasing top-notch live collections. This is why I suggested the Supper Club and Born Again recordings.

“Finally, I take umbrage at Daniel’s questioning my description the first instalment of the series” as “majestic”. Was it not majestic even to the likes of Mr Lobby who obviously had the majority of the tracks anyway? Did he not enjoy or appreciate the sound clarity of the release?

“For me, as a 16 year old Dylan fan at the time it took my breath away (it still does). Even if a lot of the tracks did already exist amongst collectors, the majority had never been officially released.

“Does Daniel suggest that the first official release of ‘I’m Not There’ on the OST was not of interest because the Tree With Roots/Genuine Basement Tapes collections already included it? Even though the sound quality was a million miles away from the bootlegs?

“To my mind the purpose of the Bootleg Series is not just to offer outtakes and alternative versions. No one can doubt that the first 7 volumes entrenched His Bobness’ position as the greatest songwriter, performer and recording artist of the 20th century. Can anyone truly say that this collection promises to do the same?

“Been listening to Dreamin’ of You for the past few days. Nice enough but not a patch on the song that used the same lyrics. Cleary, Bob’s quality radar was switched back on in the 90s.”

Tell Tale Signs: encore… encore…

Thanks to Daniel Lobby:

“I am quite disappointed by some of the comments made about the forthcoming “Bootleg Series” release.

“Liam Mogan said, “If it’s a true ‘bootleg’, then give us something rare” and then went on to describe “the first instalment of the (bootleg) series” as “majestic”. I would suggest that he re-examines that first “Bootleg Series” release. Of its 58 tracks, only 21, as I recall, were new to collectors at the time plus one line recording that we already had as an audience recording.

“The full 3-CD version of Volume 8 will have at least 16 tracks that are new to collectors, up to 10 more “new” tracks (depending on which takes of the Oh Mercy songs are used), plus another 6 that we already have as audience recordings (likely to be line recordings and/or better quality on “Volume - not to mention “Ring Them Bells” from the Supper Club, which sounds better on the USA TODAY video than on the soundboard recording that emerged recently.

“Whilst on the subject of the Supper Club, David Faulkner says that he didn’t realise that these shows were professionally filmed. The sole purpose of the four shows was to film them and thus the only reason they took place at all. This is certainly mentioned in Clinton Heylin’s biography of Dylan.

“As for a fan-based “Bootleg Series” release, I’m not at all convinced. Who amongst Dylan fans knew about “Dreamin’ Of You” or “Can’t Escape From You” or “Marchin’ To The City” or “Mary And The Soldier” before this track listing was announced? Precious few, if any, I’d suggest.

“And, similarly, even for previously released songs, who amongst Dylan fans would know which exist in a usuable demo form? Or with different lyrics? Or with totally different musical arrangements? Again, very few of us. We would have been blundering around in the dark.

“The inclusion of recordings already officially released is a difficult one. The record company cannot win. Those who who have already bought the soundtrack albums for the one Dylan track feel swizzled. Those who have not (or were even unaware of the recordings) welcome it.

“Perhaps the answer is for Columbia Records, every now and then, to gather these oddities and rarities together and release them on a compilation album. Anyway, what about “Song To Woody” and “Like A Rolling Stone” on Volume 7 (No Direction Home), the former a straight lift from a regular Dylan album and the latter a repeat from the previous volume in the series? These were far greater “crimes” against collectors but I recall little complaint at the time.

“On the other hand, I do agree that the price of the Deluxe edition only available through bobdylan.com (the one that includes the 7″ vinyl single) does seem very, very high indeed, particularly when you add in the postage cost from the States to Europe. Does anyone yet know the retail price of the shop-bought or internet-bought version of the DeLuxe package? The one that is housed in the bigger, hardback slipcase (complete with the two hardback books and the 3 CDs) but excludes the vinyl single?

“I’m tempted to say “Get real!” to your contributors and the record company executives alike!”

No new content on Friday or Monday – see you again on Tuesday

I’m taking advantage of the fine summer weather to get the garden sorted, and am turning off my computer for a few days.

So there’ll be no new content on Friday or Monday. I’ll be back posting new copy on Tuesday 5 August.

Make sure you drop by!

Gerry Smith

Tell Tale Signs: encore

Thanks to David Faulkner:

“I agree with Liam, a disappointing track list.

Not poor enough to stop me buying it of course, but I won’t be investing in the 3-disc set which is priced absurdly high if you just want the music.

“Maybe it will all sound more like a coherent whole when I hear it, but my hopes are not high.

“My respect for Steve Berkowitz and his management of the Bootleg Series has taken a big knock. I am certain that, if they were guided by a consultation with fans (as Sony purportedly was for the Dylan hits collections), we would not being seeing a track listing like this one.

“Now that we are up to Volume 8 of the Bootleg Series, the only market Sony have for these collections is the relatively diehard fans - so why not give us more of what we want and sell more stuff as well as keeping our goodwill? And it can only be goodwill, or a lack of sanity, that has seen me buy, for example, six copies of “Blonde On Blonde” in various formats over the years.

“After the our hero’s ‘renaissance’ over the last decade with three excellent albums, the Oscar win, the Chronicles autobiography, the Scorsese No Direction Home documentary, the wonderful Theme Time Radio Hour, the approval of the I’m Not There film idea, the Pulitzer Prize award and the praise for his series of paintings I guess it was about time us fans got brought down to earth by what appears to be a relatively ill-thought-through pasting together of miscellaneous tracks, with lots of ‘repeats’. Of course there will be a huge range of views about what the ‘next’ collection would be but I suspect this one will provide little satisfaction beyond the genuine rarities.

“As with Liam, I had also been kinda hoping for a complete Supper Club live set. I just love those stripped down acoustic performances that Bob and the band deliver with such energy and commitment. Until I saw the article in USA Today I hadn’t realised these shows had also been filmed professionally; what a great DVD we may (or may not) get one day.

“Ho hum.

“I was going to suggest we fans put together a proposal for the next three Bootleg Series collections, but we’d never agree, would we?”

And to Cornelius Collins:

“Re: ‘I’ve already spent stupid prices for the Gods and Generals, North Country and the Lucky You soundtracks and the Ralph Stanley album. I don’t particularly want to pay for them again.’

“Sorry to say, but I think it was fairly stupid of Liam M. to have spent so much on these albums for one track apiece. Major artists like Dylan always have their odds and ends compiled eventually.

“I would agree the Bromberg sessions are notable by their absence. And the price is another matter entirely. And probably the repeated versions of songs should all be on the bonus disc, though that’s without hearing them–maybe they’re quite different sounding.

“But I like how the selection focuses on Oh Mercy forward. There’s an integrity to that.”

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EARLIER RELATED ARTICLE:

Thanks to Liam Mogan:

“Just read the track listing from the latest Bootleg Series, Tell Tale Signs. Don’t know about everybody else, but I’m feeling kind of underwhelmed.

“It seems that there is a lot of repetition - 3 alternative versions of Mississippi! Now, whilst I think it’s a good track (I even have a secret soft spot for the Sheryl Crow version), surely this is barrel scraping at its most brazen.

“Similarly, we get 2 alternative versions of Most of the Time, Born in Time and even the mediocre Can’t Wait. Also, there’s a few tracks the diehard Dylan fan will already have.

“I’ve already spent stupid prices for the Gods and Generals, North Country and the Lucky You soundtracks and the Ralph Stanley album. I don’t particularly want to pay for them again.

“If it’s a true ‘bootleg’ then give us something truly rare. Especially when you consider the $129.99 price for the Deluxe Edition on bobdylan.com!

“Once it’s released I’m sure I’ll savour every track. I’m looking forward to hearing some pristine live tracks, the World Gone Wrong outtakes and the real rarities (Red River Shore, Miss the Mississippi etc).

“But where are the rest of the Bromberg outtakes, why no complete Supper Club set or DVD? It seems like a missed opportunity to me, and light years away from the majestic first instalment of the series and the historic Albert Hall set.

“Personally, I was hoping for a live album from the ‘born again’ era (some of the Toronto bootlegs are breathtaking), but, alas, it was not to be.

“I suppose all the people can’t be all right all of the time.”

(Full details, inc full tracklist and stunning artwork, now online at www.bobdylan.com

What do YOU think of the new release? Let me know. Gerry Smith, Ed)

More doubts about Tell Tale Signs, the new Bootleg Series album

Thanks to Bernard McGuinn

“While I found myself nodding in agreement as I read through Liam Mogan’s comments (below), I can’t help thinking that every Dylan fan, not least myself, thinks that he/she could do a much better job with The Bootleg Series than any record exec, given half a chance.

“The reality is you can’t please any of the people, any of the time, when it comes to Bob’s archives.

“So, while we may get three versions of Mississippi, and question why they didn’t supply us with, say, two more Bromberg out-takes, I also know that there will be some - me included! - who will be wondering how many more versions may be available!

“The obvious solution, from a purely selfish fan-based perspective, is to take advantage of the digital wizardry, and put everything online for downloading at a reasonable price.

“Some hope! ;-)”

And thanks to Brian Fairbanks:

“I would even go further — I might not even buy them, as a protest. With all the content that’s floating around out there, can’t we get some of that?

“I’d love to have official versions of the ENTIRE Supper Club run, at least rather than this. I’d love to have Restless Farewell from the Sinatra birthday concert and that good song from Hearts of Fire…

”… and so forth.

“If the record company’s gonna release bootlegs, they should release the best stuff first.”

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EARLIER RELATED ARTICLE:

Thanks to Liam Mogan:

“Just read the track listing from the latest Bootleg Series, Tell Tale Signs. Don’t know about everybody else, but I’m feeling kind of underwhelmed.

“It seems that there is a lot of repetition - 3 alternative versions of Mississippi! Now, whilst I think it’s a good track (I even have a secret soft spot for the Sheryl Crow version), surely this is barrel scraping at its most brazen.

“Similarly, we get 2 alternative versions of Most of the Time, Born in Time and even the mediocre Can’t Wait. Also, there’s a few tracks the diehard Dylan fan will already have.

“I’ve already spent stupid prices for the Gods and Generals, North Country and the Lucky You soundtracks and the Ralph Stanley album. I don’t particularly want to pay for them again.

“If it’s a true ‘bootleg’ then give us something truly rare. Especially when you consider the $129.99 price for the Deluxe Edition on bobdylan.com!

“Once it’s released I’m sure I’ll savour every track. I’m looking forward to hearing some pristine live tracks, the World Gone Wrong outtakes and the real rarities (Red River Shore, Miss the Mississippi etc).

“But where are the rest of the Bromberg outtakes, why no complete Supper Club set or DVD? It seems like a missed opportunity to me, and light years away from the majestic first instalment of the series and the historic Albert Hall set.

“Personally, I was hoping for a live album from the ‘born again’ era (some of the Toronto bootlegs are breathtaking), but, alas, it was not to be.

“I suppose all the people can’t be all right all of the time.”

(Full details, inc full tracklist and stunning artwork, now online at www.bobdylan.com

What do YOU think of the new release? Let me know. Gerry Smith, Ed)

Thumbs down for Tell Tale Signs, new Bootleg Series album, due October

 

 

Thanks to Liam Mogan:

“Just read the track listing from the latest Bootleg Series, Tell Tale Signs. “Don’t know about everybody else, but I’m feeling kind of underwhelmed.

“It seems that there is a lot of repetition - 3 alternative versions of Mississippi! Now, whilst I think it’s a good track (I even have a secret soft spot for the Sheryl Crow version), surely this is barrel scraping at its most brazen.

“Similarly, we get 2 alternative versions of Most of the Time, Born in Time and even the mediocre Can’t Wait. Also, there’s a few tracks the diehard Dylan fan will already have.

“I’ve already spent stupid prices for the Gods and Generals, North Country and the Lucky You soundtracks and the Ralph Stanley album. I don’t particularly want to pay for them again.

“If it’s a true ‘bootleg’ then give us something truly rare. Especially when you consider the $129.99 price for the Deluxe Edition on bobdylan.com!

“Once it’s released I’m sure I’ll savour every track. I’m looking forward to hearing some pristine live tracks, the World Gone Wrong outtakes and the real rarities (Red River Shore, Miss the Mississippi etc).

“But where are the rest of the Bromberg outtakes, why no complete Supper Club set or DVD? It seems like a missed opportunity to me, and light years away from the majestic first instalment of the series and the historic Albert Hall set.

“Personally, I was hoping for a live album from the ‘born again’ era (some of the Toronto bootlegs are breathtaking), but, alas, it was not to be.

“I suppose all the people can’t be all right all of the time.”

(Full details, inc full tracklist and stunning artwork, now online at www.bobdylan.com

What do YOU think of the new release? Let me know. Gerry Smith, Ed)

Classic Dylan photographs on view in central London gallery

I must have walked within 50 yards of Blink Gallery, at 11 Poland St London W1, a thousand times without ever realising it was there. Then, for some reason last week, I headed down Poland St, south off Oxford Street, opposite HMV Oxford Circus branch, for the first time.

And there it was – a fabulous small gallery of two floors of framed, signed limited edition rock musician photos.

Pride of place goes to two Dylan pics by Jerry Schatzberg:

* Bob Dylan Pliers 1965 5/20 £2k + VAT 16” x 20” Silver Gelatin print, and

* Bob Dylan 1965 8/30 £2k + VAT 16” x 20” Silver Gelatin print.

Most readers would recognise both from the Blonde On Blonde cover shoot.

The Dylan pics are surrounded by other iconic shots documenting the best of Brit rock, from the Stones to Paul Weller. My favourite is is a wonderful tableau from the Beggars Banquet shoot, and there’s Hendrix, Oasis, Bob Marley et al, if jokey Stones debauchery isn’t your bag.

If you’re in London’s West End with a spare fifteen minutes, a visit to Blink Gallery is highly recommended. It’s free to look, and if you have a couple of thousand pounds to spare, you can buy, too.

(aficionados of soft porn: please brace yourself for a pleasant surprise before clicking the link below)

www.blinkgallery.com

Gerry Smith

I’m Not There – shame about the extras

Conscious of my petulant decision to delay buying I’m Not There until the 2DVD version becomes available in Europe, a friend came round last night, toting his new single disc UK version.

Watching the film for a second time confirmed the opinion from the original big screen viewing that Todd Haynes’s film is a serious piece of well-executed art and that it will stand repeated scrutiny.

The single disc version’s extras – which compare badly with those on the Collector’s Edition – were our focus last night.

I’m Not There single DVD has:

· a documentary on the making of soundtrack - the most interesting extra
· an option of watching the film with an audio commentary from Haynes. While the film is running. Why would anyone want that?
· a long interview with Haynes. Very long. I can’t remember a single thing he said
· tribute to Heath Ledger – which has little interest for me; I know virtually nothing about him
· an underwhelming Dylan filmography>discography>bibliography

High-quality movie. Shame about the extras.

The extra extras on the 2DVD set apparently include: deleted scenes, featurettes, a music video, audition tapes for Marcus Carl Franklin and Ben Whishaw, a gag reel, unreleased trailers featuring the six actors re-enacting the ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ music video.

Hmmm… Are they worth waiting for? Probably not.

But I’ll still delay buying I’m Not There to register my protest at Paramount Pictures’ discrimination against European consumers.

Gerry Smith

Don’t Look Back: Malcolm McDowell bit part?

Thanks to Andrew Kelly:

“I caught the More 4 screening of Don’t Look Back last night (22 July) and was struck once again by the possibility that one of the others in the drunken confrontation in the Savoy suite over the glass thrown from a window looks as though he could be a young Malcolm McDowell, the actor probably best-known as Alex in ‘A Clockwork Orange’.

“Can anyone give a positive identification of the man who asserts: ‘You’re a big noise… I’m nothing’ etc toward the scene’s end?”