Beacon of authenticity

This compilation "Another Self Portrait" will be very enlightening for those who go to "New Morning" (1970) until now could not take pleasure in Bob Dylan's creative period for "Blonde on Blonde" (1966), or wanted to. After his motorcycle accident in July 1966, and the thus initiated turn from rock to Americana are - with "John Wesley Harding" (1967) beginning - some plates in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams emerged that an indispensable part of Bob Dylan's oeuvre are. Whoever hears the presented song raw versions from the period 1969-71 will soon notice that it certainly was at "Nashville Skyline", "Self Portrait" or "New Morning" for more than to lack of will to (commercial) success or to the freedom, "to have nothing to prove" themselves.

During his 1966 tour Bob Dylan looked tired and haggard. DA Penne Bakers documentary film "Do not Look Back" shows the then 25-year-old after nearly five years in which he was constantly on the move, as standing next to him and in need of assistance in the highest degree, as a risk was seen for yourself. From today his motorcycle accident lifesaving for him. In a 1966 interview recorded with Robert Sheldon Dylan made no secret of his addiction. He broke with the heroin and said in 1969 in an interview to Jann Wenner, he had taken at that time a lot of drugs, only to go on to. After repeated listening of this Takes opens up to the listener how much the personal transformation that Bob Dylan has taken place at this time is interwoven with the musical Build on a life facing folk, blues and country tradition.

When I criticized the poor mixing of the remastered version of "The Times They Are A Changin-'" Five years ago, I had a very precise idea of ​​how the CD would be best to listen. This ideal we find here at the very beginning with "Went To See The Gypsy" realized. All future technical revisions will have to be measured at this track. Vocals and guitar stand in a uniquely good relationship, the sound is powerful and transparent. The whole album sounds breathtakingly well, but this title it tops everything. The gathered here, more than forty years old recordings excel in their post even current albums. In order to meet today's listening habits, the recordings often chasing you through the limiter, so that they are easy to listen to high / low volume fluctuations on MP3 players without large (Example "Adele 21"). The result then often sounds quite smooth. In contrast, everything is perfectly matched here.

Previously unpublished songs like "Pretty Saro", "Spanish Is The Loving Tongue", "These Hands" and "Bring Me A Little Water" reveal the psychological state of a man who has found true access to his feelings. "Time Passes Slowly # 1", "I Threw It All Away" and "House Carpenter" show the vocal power Dylans - and that he is very well for sound accuracy able. To hear "Days Of '49" (my favorite on "Self Portrait" from 1970) without overdubs, is a pleasant surprise. But only one of many. George Harrison had "If Not For You" on "All Things Must Pass" (also 1970) so outstanding interpreted that those responsible have done well, the published here Version (which is refined by a touching violin) until his death in Archive permit.

One of the highlights of "Another Self Portrait" is the song "Only A Hobo". Strictly speaking, accompanied Bob Dylan since its early days. The oldest known version was released me early sixties under his then pseudonym Blind Boy Grunt. Most listeners will know it but by "More Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits". Hardly ever, Dylan has so much as the legitimate heir to the throne Woody Guthrie demonstrated. Here we hear a very nice, countryeske version with banjo. "If Dogs Run Free" appeared in the original "New Morning" (there with a memorable spooktacular overtone singing a backing singer as a second voice). I loved this piece always and always had to remember that Dylan here "If dogs run free - why we nor" warbles while he withdrew himself more and more.

Overall, "Another Self Portrait" a fairly relaxed album that fits very well with the genial prepared recording of the concert on the Isle of Wight, the previously circulated only as a "field recording" among collectors:

In the three years before his legendary performance with The Band at the 'Isle of Wight Festival' on August 31, 1969, Bob Dylan had made very scarce. Therefore, the greater was the interest among the 150,000 concertgoers. I like the acoustic part of the best, especially "Wild Mountain Time" and the inevitable Waltz "To Ramona" (today part in Dylan's live repertoire). Electrical see me "I Threw It All Away" and "I Pity The Poor Immigrant" most about. The whole concert convinces with very solid interaction. One senses from the first to the last bar, Bob Dylan can rely firmly on his fellow musicians. As the official Live-LP / CD recording this would in the listener's favor in recent decades about the rank of - a lot rougher - occupied "Before The Flood", I think. An event that this long-awaited concert document is finally legal and available in remarkable sound quality.

Caution: The 4CD box contains not except the (difficult expendable) 'Isle of Wight'-recording also "Self Portrait" from 1970, MP3 Download.