Bob Dylan has surprised fans in Europe with the secret release of a 50th Anniversary Collection 1973 CD. The CD, which contains 28 tracks of outtakes from the 1973 Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid soundtrack sessions, appeared in record stores across the continent without any prior promotion.
The collection is a treasure trove for Dylan enthusiasts, featuring rehearsal recordings, alternate versions, instrumentals, and more. Some fans have reported finding copies on eBay, but the exclusivity of the release has driven prices to at least a few hundred dollars, with bids reaching up to $500.
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One UK record store, Badlands, briefly listed the CD on its website, but it quickly sold out. Photos of the front and back covers have surfaced, providing a glimpse into this rare musical find. It’s worth noting that the release appears to be in response to European copyright stipulations that state sound recordings enter the public domain if not released within 50 years of their creation. Artists often share studio rarities to avoid this outcome.
For those lucky enough to get their hands on a copy, the 50th Anniversary Collection 1973 CD offers a fascinating journey into Dylan’s creative process during that era.
Tracklist:
- “Billy (Rehearsal 1)”
- “Billy (Rehearsal 2)”
- “Billy (Rehearsal 3)”
- “Billy (Alternate 1)”
- “Turkey (Rehearsal 1)”
- “Turkey (Rehearsal 2)”
- “Turkey (Instrumental)”
- “Billy Surrenders (Rehearsal 1)”
- “Billy Surrenders (Rehearsal 2)”
- “And He Killed Me Too”
- “And He Killed Me Too (Rehearsal)”
- “Billy (Alternate 2)”
- “Pecos Blues (Rehearsal)”
- “Pecos Blues”
- “Goodbye Holly”
- “Turkey II (Tom Turkey)”
- “Knockin On Heaven’s Door”
- “Sweet Amarillo (Rehearsal)”
- “Billy (April Rehearsal 1)”
- “Billy (April Rehearsal 2)”
- “Untitled 1973 Instrumental No. 1”
- “Untitled 1973 Instrumental No. 2”
- “Final Theme (Rehearsal)”
- “Final Theme (Ride Billy Ride)”
- “Final Theme (Alternate)”
- “Knockin On Heaven’s Door (Instrumental)”
- “Rock Me Mama”
- “Billy (Fragment)”