Got the essentials? Here's where you go for more

Hardcore Dylan-philes probably own this already, and more casual fans will find a lot to like here as well, although this three-disc set may be a bit too much for those who just want Dylan's biggest hits and best-known songs

But if you already have the Bob Dylan "essentials" (like the wonderful boxset "Biograph", which is bolstered by several rarities), this is where you go when you want more.



These the first three CDs in the renowned "Bootleg Series" contain 58 outtakes, live performances, alternates and rarities recorded between 1961 and 1991. And these aren't rejects; on the contrary, this box contains some of Dylan's most interesting material. Disc one is devoted to acoustic songs dating from 1961-1963, and that one is probably the least interesting to casual or "mid-level" fans, but Dylan-philes will delight in "Walls Of Red Wing", the spirited "Walkin' Down The Line", and these fine versions of "Only A Hobo", "Let Me Die In My Footsteps", and "The Times They Are A-Changin'".



Disc two is the most diverse; it goes electric about a third of the way through with a wonderful band-backed "If You Gotta Go, Go Now", and it also includes an acoustic solo performance of "Subterranean Homesick Blues", and the original up-tempo "It Takes A Lot To Laugh".

"I'll Keep It With Mine" (which can be found as a solo performance on the "Biograph" box set) is here in a tentative band-backed rendition, followed by a driving rock n' roll-version of "She's Your Lover Now" and a tremendous, slow "I Shall Be Released", sung by Dylan with harmony vocals by the Band's Richard Manuel.



You'll also find the original low-key recording of "Idiot Wind", an alternate "Tangled Up In Blue", a band-backed and much slower than usual "If Not For You", and a thoroughly genuine country waltz, "Wallflower".

Disc three opens with a beautiful alternate take of "If You See Her, Say Hello", another one from the original "Blood On The Tracks" sessions which were never issued. "Catfish" and the slow, swinging "Golden Loom" are outtakes from the "Desire" sessions, and this gentle demo of "Every Grain Of Sand" is at least as beautiful as the one issued on "Shot Of Love", just Dylan at the piano, an acoustic guitar, and Jennifer Warnes supplying a discreet backing vocal. Oh, and there's a dog, too, barking a few times about 2½ minutes into the song.



There are a few rather forgettable, sometimes over-produced songs on disc three, but those are outnumbered the good ones. The memorable dark ballad "Angelina" is another highlight, as is "Someone's Got A Hold Of My Heart" (which features Mark Knopfler and Mick Taylor on guitars), and the slow blues ballad "Blind Willie McTell".



If you truly want more than just the hits, this is where to look. "The Bootleg Series" is a great addition to the Bob Dylan catalogue, one which truly underlines the breadth and depth of his talent.

4 1/2 stars. A fine collection, exquisitely packaged and superbly annotated.