The Copyright Collection - Dylan's Rarest Release?

If you're a fanatical Dylan fan like me, then you need to check out his most recent extensive collection of early 60's material, 'The Copyright Extension Collection Volume 1'. It consists of 86 early Dylan recordings including live performances, alternative takes and studio demos. Of course, there was no shortage of Dylan boots before this was put out. Surfing the web alone, you can easily pick up obscure Bob boots from various points in his illustrious 50 year career. But rarely is this stuff properly mastered and officially released. This collection brings together a beautiful portfolio of the work from the formative years of Dylan's career.

However, this collection was subjected to a VERY limited release. 100 copies of the CD were said to be released just before the end of 2012. It was released due to the extension of the copyright length on songs from 50 years to 70 years only applying to songs copyrighted after 1962. But of course, in the internet age barely anything can remain limited for long. Thus, it was a great privilege to hear this collection from start to finish. I absolutely loved it! I can't get enough of this early Dylan material. Mainly because no two versions of the same song ever sound the same. He just had so much ambition and expression in his voice at that time that he could sing a song that was recorded just a couple of months earlier and make it sound totally different. I think that is part of the genius of Dylan.

Some highlights for me are the alternate takes of 'Corrina, Corrina', a haunting version of 'Ballad of Donald White', performed for a small group of people at the home of Eve and Mac Mackenzie. A spoken word song called 'Black Cross' which literally makes you think about life differently and finally, the Carnegie Hall Hootenanny performance from '62. Notably 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' which I believe was premiered at this show and sung with such a burning passion.

Check this collection out for sure. There is 1 of the 100 CD copies on Discogs for over a grand. But if you're not looking to sacrifice your car for these songs then here's a link that might help you out..

https://thepiratebay.se/torrent/7993832/Bob_Dylan_-_The_Copyright_Extension_Collection_

ALBUM REVIEW: David Bowie - The Next Day

It had to be one of the most anticipated albums of 2013, but upon its release, did The Next Day live up to the hype? I think so, just. The reason I say just is because of just how much fans expect of an artist like Bowie, or any ageing legend for that matter. The fact of the matter is, people will always cast themselves back to his heyday. Albums like The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Heroes and Let's Dance were era defining albums, all unique and stand alone masterpieces in their own right. As we plunge deeper into the 21st century, it becomes increasingly difficult for Bowie to find new musical avenues worthy of exploration. This is his first studio album in a decade, but I am happy to say that it sounds like Bowie has come back with a tremendously solid release.

After the relative commercial and critical failure of his last 2 studio albums, Reality and Heathen, part of me expected Bowie to retreat on this album to earlier styles and simply 'play it safe'. Even though I think to a certain extent The Next Day does borrow inspiration from past efforts, I do not think at any point it becomes cliche or repetitive for the casual listener. Instead, the songs seem fresh and full of life, almost like they'd been trapped inside Bowie for a long time and are just finally breaking free. The album meanders through 14 tracks over 53 minutes, taking the listener on an extremely varied and exciting journey through Bowie's minds eye, which sees him pursuing a vast range of different moods and styles.

Interestingly, the singles released prior to The Next Day are two of my least favourite songs on the album. I suppose "The Stars (Are Out Tonight) isn't bad, I just didn't find myself grooving to it in the same way as some of the later tracks. "Where Are We Now?" is again, not bad, I just wish the song went somewhere instead of remaining so stagnant. However I think this is the turning point for me. After this song the album turns up the heat, no pun intended. "Valentines Day" has a nice lyric and catchy melody, but I think the album hits a lyrical peak with "I'd Rather Be High", displaying words that sound like they've been taken straight out of the mouth of 70's/80's Bowie. The albums then progresses through some tracks that continue the trippy vibes. "Dancing Out In Space" opens with some pulsating drums and probably the catchiest riff on the album, even if it probably does annoy the hell out of some people. Again this sounds like old Bowie, in a good way. The album continues on in great vein with "(You Will) Set the World On Fire" which is slightly heavier musically before slowing down on the heartfelt "You Feel So Lonely You Could Die", a personal favourite of mine for sure! Closing the album is "Heat", a darker, more sinister song. Bowie's vocals change considerably and the artist seems totally reflective and entranced. This is a somber and chilling way to close the album that leaves the listener wanting to hear it all again, at least in my case.

My only gripes on this album are the first few tracks. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with them but they just lack ambition for me and feel slightly over complicated musically. That being said they still possess great qualities. The only other thing is how the album flows. It isn't exactly cohesive at times. But then again many of my favourite albums of all time (e.g Blonde on Blonde) don't have a constant theme or perfect track to track flow. It doesn't need that.

I've always been a fan of Bowie, but by no means have I heard his whole back catalog. I suspect the hardcore fan may have a more contextual opinion on this album, but for me, this sounds like near vintage Bowie. I can't wait to see what he moves on to in the future.

Favourite Track - I'd Rather Be High
Least Favourite Track - Love Is Lost

Score - 75/100