Bob Dylan Entertainment Art "Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series Vol. 8" (Sony) Released October 7, 2008

Like most of the previous Bootleg releases, “Tell Tale Signs” holds many of those hidden gems Dylan fans always seem to look for. While Dylan may have enough of these gems to last into 20 or 30 more bootleg albums, the majority of the tracks come from his so-called rebirth period. After a period of poor record reviews in the mid to late 80’s Dylan released “Oh Mercy” in 1989. The album met with critical acclaim and marked a return to form for Dylan, who had worked on largely collaborative efforts with 1988’s “Down in the Grove” and 1986’s “Knock Out Loaded.” While a hand injury left Dylan sidelined during the later part of 1988, he began to write more frequently and eloquently. Critics have pointed out that Dylan recaptured his 60’s success and some even said he outdid that success. The majority of Dylan’s work since then has taken on the quality of mostly folk, country rock, folk rock and blues. As a result, “Tell Tale Signs” highlights some of Dylan’s best work during the period.

Vol. 8 starts off with the Jeff Buckley tribute track “Mississippi,” which Dylan originally recorded during 1997. While the track was dropped from “Time Out of Mind,” Dylan re-worked the song and released it on 2001’s “Love and Theft.” Instead of the upbeat version from that record though, this time around it sounds a little more gentler and subdued. In fact most of the record sounds gentle and subdued. Dylan’s vocals shine through on most of the tracks, and it’s just as interesting to hear his delivery then the music behind him. Dylan also does a great job on the piano demo “Dignity,” which shows a nice reggae influence to it. Another great track is “32-20 Blues,” an unreleased track from the “World Gone Wrong” album. The album closes with “Cross The Green Mountain,” from the “Gods and Generals” soundtrack. The track serves as a nice finish to the album, as Dylan reflects on life and death and reflection.

Let’s hope Dylan keeps on coming out with more albums in the Bootleg Series, as each one seems to get better and better. Although he’s caught up to his most recent period of music, no doubt there is a treasure trove of tracks left out there. “Tell Tale Signs” should keep fans satisfied for quite a while though, and it shows Dylan’s ever-changing creativity. For those who are new to Dylan, the album shows the influence that has trickled down to the younger artists and musicians. The Ol’ guy still has it, and he seems to have a lot more to show us.

Write Comment
Name:	Guest
Title:
Comment:
Code:*

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!