Bob Dylan – The Best Of The Cutting Edge 1965-1966 Bootleg Series Vol. 12
Other than this being one of the longest album names of the year, it’s also one of the best.
If you were to ask any Dylan fan what their favourite album was, most would mention, Blonde on Blonde, Highway 61 Revisited, or Bringing It All Back Home.
This 12th edition of The Bootleg Series includes alternate versions, outtakes, and some previously unreleased material from the recording sessions from these iconic albums.
In 1965 -1966, Dylan was experiencing some major upheaval in his life, including fan pressure from going electric as well as the physical and mental trauma of a serious motorcycle accident.
These events resulted in the creation of some of the most successful songs of Dylan’s career. Most people have heard these songs hundreds of times, which is why I enjoy this latest Bootleg Series album.
The alternate versions create a welcomed freshness to the staleness of the familiar. They’re all here, different versions of such classics as “Like A Rolling Stone”, “Mr. Tambourine Man “, “Desolation Row” and “Highway 61 Revisited”.
The piano laden version of “Desolation Row” is stunning. A “groovy” rendition of “Just Like A Woman” and a stripped down version of “Highway 61 Revisited”, are not to be missed.
Many of the alternate versions I found to be better than the commercially released tracks. “Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window” is one brilliant example.
The faster tempo of “Visions Of Johanna” shows just how talented and patient Dylan’s band was at the time. I’m sure the band became frustrated because Dylan has never sung any song the same way twice.
This new Bootleg Series compilation is available in many versions. I reviewed my 3 LP Best Of Set, also available is a two compact disc set and if you’re a serious Dylan fan with an extra 600 bucks to spend, an 18 compact disc set. The 18 CD’s contain every song Dylan recorded during this recording session. Amazing stuff!
The Best Of The Cutting Edge 1965-1966 Bootleg Series Vol 12 (wow that IS a long title), is a definite must have for any Dylan fan or any music fan, for that matter. These bootleg recordings, while being an incredible collection, also serve as a historical musical resource. The sound quality is top notch and the vinyl pressing is flawless.
I recommend buying this treasure, even if just for the brilliant piano demo of “I’ll Keep It With Mine”. That song alone makes it well worth the money, and after a few listens, who knows, it may make you feel as carefree as dandelion fluff in the wind.
