Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8
by Bob Dylan
  • Record Label: Sony BMG
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2008
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Slant Magazine
    50
    While the album undoubtedly brings more than a few great moments, what is most disappointing is that instead of celebrating the past two decades of Dylan's career, it calls the idea of such a celebration into question.
  2. Q Magazine
    40
    Nothing here is essential, but there will always be enough completeist to warrent airing of Dylan's old laundry. [Nov 2008, p.127]
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 65
  3. Negative: 7 out of 65
  1. PenineH.
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    Fantastic, many revealing surprises, and at least 2 of my now favorite Dylan songs.
  2. MatthewB.
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    My only quibble, and it's a small one, is that I'd rather have more studio boots (more Bromberg sessions, please!), and less of the My only quibble, and it's a small one, is that I'd rather have more studio boots (more Bromberg sessions, please!), and less of the live stuff. The Bootleg Series has worked terrific when the live stuff has been specific shows (Live '66) or compilations of specific tours (Rolling Thunder). Taken out of those contexts and thrown in haphazardly...they just seem jarring and unexpected. I felt this way about Biograph, too. Still...there's not a track on there that won't become immediately essential to those who care about Mr. Dylan's work. The genius glows like burning coal (to steal from...let's see...who was that...?).… Full Review »
  3. JohnH.
    Nov 10, 2008
    10
    A dark and gloriously complex take on modern times, this album will be playing in my house every day for a long time. Rich, thick, beautiful.
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