Dylan Digs Deep

Songwriting icon Bob Dylan announced yesterday that he would release Tell Tale Signs, an album of outtakes that will span two discs, in October. This new album will focus on outtakes from the last two decades and is the eighth in his bootleg series, which has spawned such successes as 2005 documentary soundtrack No Direction Home.

Songwriting icon Bob Dylan announced yesterday that he would release Tell Tale Signs, an album of outtakes that will span two discs, in October. This new album will focus on outtakes from the last two decades and is the eighth in his bootleg series, which has spawned such successes as 2005 documentary soundtrack No Direction Home.

The material covered on the album will come from several recent Dylan albums released between 1989 and 2006 (ending with Modern Times), the majority being from 1989’s Oh Mercy and 1997’s Time Out of Mind. The diverse outtakes shouldn’t disappoint, and will include covers (including Robert Johnson’s “32-20 Blues”), live performances, alternate versions of album tracks, and never-before-heard b-sides.

Fans and collectors alike can expect several options for purchase of Tell Tale Signs. Available will be a two-disc CD package, a limited edition package that includes a disc of twelve bonus songs, or the two-disc album on vinyl. Each of these packages will be available October 7.

There are also rumors of a follow-up to Modern Times, though Dylan’s spokespeople have yet to confirm if such an album is in the works. If you can’t wait for the new album (or potential albums), Dylan’s North American tour kicks off August 8.