Bob Dylan’s Bootleg 16 Sheds Light On His Early ’80s

IS THERE A PHASE OF BOB DYLAN’S CAREER that cannot be redeemed by a Bootleg Series trawl? Possibly, but if the Bard Of Hibbing’s early-’80s can sound as intriguing as they do on Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series, Vol 16 (1980-1985) it hasn’t been found yet.

The latest instalment of the Dylan archive programme – celebrating its 30th birthday this year – encompasses the period covered by the albums Shot Of Love, Infidels and Empire Burlesque and arrives via Columbia/Legacy on September 17.

The 5-CD set delivers 54 unreleased recordings. More bijou 2-CD and 2-LP editions are also available, and a 4-LP version will be released by Jack White’s Third Man records as part of their Vault series.

Highlights heard by MOJO include a band version of Blind Willie McTell – the astonishing Infidels outtake first evidenced officially on 1991’s The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 – a cover of the Everly Brothers’ Price Of Love with an urgent Bo Diddley feel, and a stirring version of Emotionally Yours.

Moreover, a proportion of the Empire Burlesque-period material appears shorn of some of the production techniques, such as snare drums with gated reverb, that have subsequently dated it. Catnip for Dylan diehards also includes New Danville Girl, an early version of the song that would appear, as Brownsville Girl, on 1986’s Knocked Out Loaded, and an alternate version of Empire Burlesque’s wondrous closer, Dark Eyes.

Read the full tracklisting on the 5-CD Deluxe Version below, and for more information on this and other formats, visit bobdylan.com.

Pre-order here - https://bobdylan.lnk.to/BootlegVol16​

Meanwhile, enjoy the band version of Infidels outtake, Too Late...

Bob Dylan Springtime in New York: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 16 (1980-1985)

DISC 1

1. Señor (Tales Of Yankee Power) – Rehearsal

2. To Ramona – Rehearsal

3. Jesus Met The Woman At The Well – Rehearsal

4. Mary Of The Wild Moor – Rehearsal

5. Need A Woman – Rehearsal

6. A Couple More Years – Rehearsal

7. Mystery Train – Shot Of Love outtake

8. This Night Won't Last Forever – Rehearsal

9. We Just Disagree – Rehearsal

10. Let's Keep It Between Us – Rehearsal

11. Sweet Caroline – Rehearsal

12. Fever – Rehearsal

13. Abraham, Martin and John – Rehearsal

DISC 2

1. Angelina – Shot Of Love outtake

2. Price Of Love – Shot Of Love outtake

3. I Wish It Would Rain – Shot Of Love outtake

4. Let It Be Me – International 7" Single B-side

5. Cold, Cold Heart – Shot Of Love outtake

6. Don't Ever Take Yourself Away – Shot Of Love outtake

7. Fur Slippers – Shot Of Love outtake

8. Borrowed Time – Shot Of Love outtake

9. Is It Worth It? – Shot Of Love outtake

10. Lenny Bruce – Shot Of Love alternate mix

11. Yes Sir, No Sir – Shot Of Love outtake

DISC 3

1. Jokerman – Infidels alternate take

2. Blind Willie McTell – Infidels outtake

3. Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight [version 1] – Infidels alternate take

4. Don't Fall Apart On Me Tonight [version 2] – Infidels alternate take

5. Neighborhood Bully – Infidels alternate take

6. Someone's Got A Hold Of My Heart – Infidels outtake

7. This Was My Love – Infidels outtake

8. Too Late [acoustic version] – Infidels outtake

9.Too Late [band version] – Infidels outtake

10. Foot Of Pride – Infidels outtake

DISC 4

1. Clean Cut Kid – Infidels outtake

2. Sweetheart Like You – Infidels alternate take

3. Baby What You Want Me To Do – Infidels outtake

4. Tell Me – Infidels outtake

5. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground – Infidels outtake

6. Julius And Ethel – Infidels outtake

7. Green, Green Grass Of Home – Infidels outtake

8. Union Sundown – Infidels alternate take

9. Lord Protect My Child – Infidels outtake

10. I and I – Infidels alternate take

11. Death Is Not The End [full version] – Infidels outtake

DISC 5

1. Enough Is Enough [live] – Slane Castle, Ireland

2. License To Kill [live] – Late Night With David Letterman, March 22, 1984

3. I'll Remember You – Empire Burlesque alternate take

4. Tight Connection To My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love) – Empire Burlesque alternate mix

5. Seeing the Real You At Last – Empire Burlesque alternate take

6. Emotionally Yours – Empire Burlesque alternate take

7. Clean Cut Kid – Empire Burlesque alternate take

8. Straight A's In Love – Empire Burlesque outtake

9. When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky [slow version]– Empire Burlesque alternate take

10. When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky [fast version] – Empire Burlesque alternate take

11. New Danville Girl – Empire Burlesque outtake

12. Dark Eyes – Empire Burlesque alternate take

Photograph by Ken Regan