Great White Wonder

Bob Dylan · 1969

77 min · 24 tracks · blues · folk rock · jazz

A raw collection of unreleased tracks showcasing Dylan's evolution through folk and rock with unpolished intimacy.

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Why this album works

Best for: unpolished intimacy in recordings historical snapshots of songwriting nostalgic reflections on past performances
Context: By the time 'Great White Wonder' was released in 1969, Bob Dylan had already established himself as a pivotal figure in music with hits like 'Like a Rolling Stone' and had undergone significant artistic transformation. This album, comprising rare live recordings and outtakes from his early career, serves as a testament to his formative years leading up to his electric phase, capturing a moment where he was shifting from folk icon to rock innovator.
If you like: blues, folk rock, jazz

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Great White Wonder is an album by Bob Dylan, released in 1969. A raw collection of unreleased tracks showcasing Dylan's evolution through folk and rock with unpolished intimacy. 'Great White Wonder' is notable for being one of the first widely circulated bootleg albums, reflecting the growing underground culture of music sharing. Its release challenged conventional music distribution and highlighted Dylan's immense influence, sparking conversations about copyright and artist ownership that resonate in today's digital landscape. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Great White Wonder sound like?

A raw collection of unreleased tracks showcasing Dylan's evolution through folk and rock with unpolished intimacy. Rooted in blues and folk rock.

What makes Great White Wonder by Bob Dylan notable?

'Great White Wonder' is notable for being one of the first widely circulated bootleg albums, reflecting the growing underground culture of music sharing. Its release challenged conventional music distribution and highlighted Dylan's immense influence, sparking conversations about copyright and artist ownership that resonate in today's digital landscape. By the time 'Great White Wonder' was released in 1969, Bob Dylan had already established himself as a pivotal figure in music with hits like 'Like a Rolling Stone' and had undergone significant artistic transformation. This album, comprising rare live recordings and outtakes from his early career, serves as a testament to his formative years leading up to his electric phase, capturing a moment where he was shifting from folk icon to rock innovator.

Who is Great White Wonder for?

Great White Wonder works well if you're into unpolished intimacy in recordings, historical snapshots of songwriting and nostalgic reflections on past performances.

How many songs are on Great White Wonder?

Great White Wonder has 24 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

Tracklist

24 tracks·77:57

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Candy Man (Minnesota Hotel tape - December 1961) 3:05
2 (As I Go) Ramblin' 'round (Minnesota Hotel tape - December 1961) 3:15
3 Black Cross (Minnesota Hotel tape - December 1961) 4:45
4 Ain't Got No Home (Minnesota Hotel tape - December 1961) 2:04
5 Death of Emmit Till (Minnesota Hotel tape - December 1961) 5:26
6 Poor Lazarus (Minnesota Hotel tape - December 1961) 3:22
7 Bob Dylan's New Orleans Rag ('Another Side' outtake June 1964) 1:02
8 If You Gotta Go, Go Now (Or Else You Got to Stay All Night) ('65 outtake released as single ) 2:26
9 Only a Hobo ('Times are a changin' outtake 1963) 3:21
10 Sitting on a Barbed Wire Fence ('Highway 61' outtake 1965) 3:52
11 Mighty Quinn (take 1) (Basement tapes outtake) 2:04
12 This Wheel's on Fire (Basement tapes outtake) 3:41