"Through The Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18" by Bob Dylan is an extraordinary collection of live performances and unreleased studio recordings that span from 1956 to 1963, offering a unique glimpse into the formative years of one of music's most influential artists. This expansive compilation, set for release on October 31, 2025, via Columbia/Legacy, is a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike, showcasing Dylan's evolution as a songwriter and performer.
The album features a diverse range of genres, including folk rock, folk, singer-songwriter, roots rock, and country rock, highlighting Dylan's versatility and innovative spirit. Tracks like "Let the Good Times Roll," recorded live at Terlinde Music Shop in 1956, and "Jesus Christ," from a home recording in 1960, reveal the raw, unfiltered energy of Dylan's early performances. Collaborations with notable musicians such as Danny Kalb and Jim Kweskin add depth and variety to the collection.
The album also includes iconic performances from legendary venues like Gerdes Folk City in New York City and Carnegie Hall, where Dylan delivered powerful renditions of songs like "Talkin' New York," "Blowin' in the Wind," and "The Times They Are A-Changin'." These live tracks capture the essence of Dylan's captivating stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
"Through The Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18" is not just a compilation of songs; it's a historical document that chronicles the artistic growth of Bob Dylan during a pivotal period in his career. With a runtime of over two hours and thirty-four minutes, this album offers an immersive journey through Dylan's early years, providing valuable insights into the development of his unique sound and lyrical prowess. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious listener, this collection is a must-experience for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Bob Dylan's musical legacy.
This compilation (P) 2025 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Let the Good Times Roll - Live at Terlinde Music Shop, St. Paul, MN - Dec. 24, 1956Bob Dylan
I Got a New Girl - Home of Ric Kangas, Hibbing, MN - May 1959Bob Dylan
Jesus Christ - Home of Bob Dylan, Minneapolis, MN - Sept. 1960Bob Dylan
K.C. Moan (with Danny Kalb) - Madison, WI - Late 1960Bob Dylan, Danny Kalb
Remember Me - Home of Bob and Sid Gleason, East Orange, NJ - Feb. 1961Bob Dylan
Railroading on the Great Divide (with Jim Kweskin) - Live at Gerdes Folk City, NYC - Oct. 1, 1961Bob Dylan, Jim Kweskin
Man of Constant Sorrow - RehearsalBob Dylan
He Was a Friend of Mine - Take 2Bob Dylan
Ramblin' Round - Take 2Bob Dylan
Story: East Orange, New Jersey - Home of Bonnie Beecher, Minneapolis, MN - Dec. 22, 1961Bob Dylan
Po' Lazarus - Home of Bonnie Beecher, Minneapolis, MN - Dec. 22, 1961Bob Dylan
Dink's Song - Home of Bonnie Beecher, Minneapolis, MN - Dec. 22, 1961Bob Dylan
I Was Young When I Left Home - Home of Bonnie Beecher, Minneapolis, MN - Dec. 22, 1961Bob Dylan
Cocaine - Home of Bonnie Beecher, Minneapolis, MN - Dec. 22, 1961Bob Dylan
Talkin' New York - Live at Gerdes Folk City, New York, NYC - April 16, 1962Bob Dylan
Corrina, Corrina - Live at Gerdes Folk City, New York, NYC - April 16, 1962Bob Dylan
(I Heard That) Lonesome WhistleBob Dylan
Rocks And Gravel (Solid Road)Bob Dylan
Let Me Die In My Footsteps - Live at The Finjan, Montreal - July 2, 1962Bob Dylan
Tomorrow Is a Long Time - Home of Dave Whitaker, Minneapolis, MN - Aug. 11, 1962Bob Dylan
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - Live at The Gaslight Cafe, NYC - Oct. 1962Bob Dylan
The Cuckoo - Live at The Gaslight Cafe, NYC - Oct. 1962Bob Dylan
The Ballad of the Gliding Swan - BBC-TV, London, 1963Bob Dylan
John Brown - Broadside Ballads Album Version, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
Dusty Old Fairgrounds - Live at Town Hall, New York, NY - April 1963Bob Dylan
House Of The Rising Sun - Informal Recording, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
Seven Curses - The Times They Are A-Changin' Outtake, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
Masters of War - Freewheelin' Alternate Take, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
Girl from the North Country - Freewheelin' Alternate Take, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
Liverpool Gal - Party, Minneapolis, MN, 1963Bob Dylan
Boots of Spanish Leather - The Times They Are A-Changin' Alternate Take, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
Moonshiner - The Times They Are A-Changin' Outtake, NYC, 1963Bob Dylan
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll - Party, Los Angeles, 1963Bob Dylan
The Times They Are A-Changin' - Informal Recording, California, 1963Bob Dylan
Who Killed Davey Moore? - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - October 1963Bob Dylan
Lay Down Your Weary Tune - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - October 1963Bob Dylan
Blowin' in the Wind - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - October 1963Bob Dylan
North Country Blues - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - October 1963Bob Dylan
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - 1963Bob Dylan
Talkin' World War III Blues - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - 1963Bob Dylan
Only a Pawn in Their Game - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - 1963Bob Dylan
When the Ship Comes In - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - 1963Bob Dylan