Share

Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs (Rare and unreleased 1989 – 2006)

Even fans of Dylan will have their least favourite Dylan periods - say the Christian albums, or the unfortunate attempts at adult contemporary that were Knocked out Loaded, Down in the Groove and Empire Burlesque. But it would take a tetchy Dylan fan to see anything but a return to genius that started with the Daniel Lanois-produced Oh Mercy in 1989 (read Dylan’s Chronicles: Volume One for a fascinating insight into this process).

So this collection is not just 13 superb Dylan songs, it’s an insight into a period of astonishing richness. Well, it’s also not just 13 songs, because although I’m reviewing the single disk version here, there are two other editions of Tell Tale Signs available, in two disc and three disc formats.
I’m about to rush out and buy the three disc version, and a review of that will be forthcoming. But the single edition provides ample highlights and precious moments. The opening track, "Mississippi", is a quieter, more soulful take than the version you’ll know from Time Out of Mind. "Someday Baby" from possibly my second-favourite Dylan album of all time, Modern Times, is so radically different that I had to listen to both versions time and again to try and get it. How can the same song take on two such radically different meanings, just by a relatively slight alteration of delivery and tempo?

It’s a real treat to experience the Bootlegs alongside what I suppose we can call the originals (although if there’s one thing Bootleg albums make plain, it’s that there is no original). If you’re not able to attend a Dylan concert, where he’s famous for brutalising his own standards, this is a great way to watch the master mixing it up, stretching himself, and playing with his art.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE