Video/ Audio: One Year Ago Bob Dylan Released A Masterpiece, ‘Another Self Portrait’

A year ago, on August 26 in Europe, and on August 27 in the U.S., a masterpiece comprised of recordings Bob Dylan made in 1969, 1970 and 1971 was released.

It was such a joy to hear the songs on Another Self Portrait, (1969-1971) – The Bootleg Series Vol. 10, which included an amazing version of the old folk song, “Pretty Saro,” wonderful demos of “I Went To See The Gypsy” and “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” and so many more.

While I always liked the original Self Portrait, Another Self Portrait is the better album. Of the songs that appeared on Self Portrait, for Another Self Portrait the Nashville overdubs were removed. Overall, what we get are much more intimate versions of those songs, plus many songs that Dylan chose not to release on Self Portrait. Plus a previously unreleased (officially, anyway) ‘Basement Tapes’ gem, “Minstrel Boy.”

But really, we don’t have to choose between those albums, as they both now exist.

I wrote a lengthy review of Another Self Portrait which you can read here.

For me, “Pretty Saro” remains the standout track because of both how Dylan’s voice sounds, and the way he sings the song.

“Pretty Saro”:

Below is a very cool 11 minute mini-documentary on the making of Another Self Portrait. If you haven’t yet seen it, now is the time.

Bob Dylan – Another Self Portrait Documentary Short from Columbia Records on Vimeo.

Here’s a Spotify sampling from Another Self Portrait:

Or listen to the entire deluxe version of the album including the Isle of Wight live tracks here.

And here’s the original Self Portrait:

[I just published my rock ‘n’ roll novel, True Love Scars.” I’ve got a Goodreads. book giveaway going right now. Click here and enter.]

— A Days Of The Crazy-Wild blog post —

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