There's a reason Bob Dylan's Tell Tale Signs: Bootleg Series Vol. 8, which came out last month, is the second highest-rated recent release on Metacritic.com - it's fantastic. This collection of rare and released songs, from between 1989 (Oh Mercy) and 2006 (Modern Times), makes for a superb 137-minute listen not solely for the avid fan.

Musicians wish their B-sides tasted this good.

The strongest track is "Someday Baby," an alternative version of the Modern Times song. Bearing little resemblance to the intensely ambitious blues original, this is one takes a slower, subtler approach.

He also includes stand-alone tracks that fit in smoothly on a compilation like this instead of one particular album. Some songs like "Series of Dreams" and "Most of the Time" might have not needed to be re-recorded, but their inclusion strengthens the album regardless.

On top of that, the packaging is also sleek and professional. The booklet, which contains a photo album-esque look at Dylan at all ages, explains the origins of each song. Session musician Jim Dickinson complained that by omitting "Red River Shore" from Time Out of Mind, they cut the best song. The moving, emotional lament is more at home as a part of Bootleg.

-- Mark