Bob Dylan completists have something to look forward to this Oct. 19, when the ninth installment of his ongoing Bootleg Series arrives in stores. The Whitmark Demos: 1962-1964 will collect 47 rough takes the young Dylan recorded for his first two music publishers.
Along with early versions of well-known classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” “Masters of War,” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” the set will also collect 15 Dylan originals that never made it past the demo stage. A press release from Columbia Records says the demos feature Dylan “accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, harmonica and occasionally piano.” While surreptitious copies of many of these recordings have long circulated throughout the fan community, it’s still pretty cool that they’re being released in a legitimate format with liner notes after all these years.
As if that’s not enough Dylan for one day, Oct. 19 will also see the release of a box set with remastered mono versions of his first eight albums, from 1962′s Bob Dylan through 1967′s John Wesley Harding. If you have any Dylan-loving audiophiles in your life, here’s your chance to take care of some holiday gift shopping months in advance.
Will you be buying either of these offerings? Which Dylan demo are you most looking forward to hearing?
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Bob Dylan completists should…get a dang life! Who cares about some crap that was recorded 100 years ago? And who can understand a word that old creeper says, anyway?
By Bob Dylan “completists” are you referring to the millions of people that buy and enjoy Bob Dylan albums or attend Bob Dylan’s concerts? Yes, anybody who enjoys anything should get a life, especially if they enjoy something of which I am largely ignorant. Better yet, Bob Dylan “completists” should spend their time posting pointess comments on EW’s message boards.
I’m surprised you didn’t toss in some fawning of Justin Bieber at the end of your comment. (I mean, if you’re going to steal my name and try to make me look bad, at least go all out.)
Already on my Christmas list.
awesome, I can’t wait!
I’ve already got this material on a 3 disc LP called “the wirmark demos” which is boxed and features 3 different colors of vinyl! In any case, I’d love a complete “Blonde on Blonde” sessions release.