The Bootleg Series, Vol. 12: The Cutting Edge 1965-1966 [CD]

If you remember when rock music really mattered, and especially when Dylan really mattered, when he was THE voice of the new counter culture, you must get this collection. A lot of different versions and outtakes of some of Dylan's best songs appear here, and each one reveals different facets of Dylan's creative process. An example is the song "Like A Rolling Stone". There are 15 different takes of the song that let you hear how the song evolved over time. There is too much great stuff here to describe! Get it now!

Funny this collection of Dylan material from 1965-66 is called the cutting edge, because the Nobel Prize winner was certainly razor sharp with his songwriting those two particular years! Of course, Dylan is always cutting edge, but this set may capture him at his peak, at least at his peak as a young belligerent rebel, full of himself, cocksure and unstoppable. The music herein not only verifies, but validates Dylan stature.

Once again Bob Dylan blows me away with his ability to present his music in new ways. Most of the songs felt faster than the studio versions he originally produced. I enjoyed hearing these early versions and comparing them to the finished version in hopes of catching glimpses of Bob Dylan's composition process. Loved this album. Would make a great stocking stuffer for any Bob Dylan fans.

This CD contains many alternate versions of some of Bob's songs of his peak career in the 60's - during the "Blonde on Blonde" Era. Although some are just partial takes and false starts, several are as good or better than the actual release. My particular favorites were "Just Like A Woman" and Subterranean Homesick Blues".

The 12th edition of the bootleg series is the best yet. To actually be in the studio with Dylan is amazing. Two of the best cuts on here are Like a Rolling Stone and Visions of Johanna,but the entire set is excellent. Not often you get to see s real genius at work. Just wish they wouldn't wait so long to release the next volume.

Nice distillation of the box set. Offers some nice alternate takes from each album of the period without much repetition. This is a good alternative for anyone not wanting to invest in the over priced 6 cd set. I especially enjoyed the acoustic takes( Bob Dylan's 115th Dream is prime here). Enjoy!

The Bootleg 12 double cd and accompanying booklet are super. It is very interesting listening to Dylan as he had Americans question themselves and look at the world in new ways. The music is well worth listening to as Dylan poetically challenges us to consider the world around us in a new kight.

Some unreleased stuff, mostly alternate takes from Bringing It All Back Home, Highway 61 and Blonde on Blonde 3; of the best albums of the late 60s and 3 of his best. Not my favorite Bootleg but interesting being familiar with the finished product. Recommended for any Dylan fan.