One of the best tracks of Time Out of Mind, being given a new take ahead of the Fragments: Time Out of Mind Sessions is a real treat for Bob Dylan fans. Not Dark Yet was and is a stunning piece from the vast Dylan discography, and the difference between the studio release and this deep cut, Version 1 release, is immediately clear. With more of an immediate focus on the guitar work, especially the acoustics that shine through, Not Dark Yet (Version 1) is a track that has enough differences from the Time Out of Mind original to warrant engaging with those major changes. Dylan’s delivery is far, far different here than it is in the original, and that is the key takeaway.
A bit of extra power from the man himself, it makes Not Dark Yet (Version 1) arguably stronger than what was released at the time. That is the gift of the Bootleg Series, though. This single to support the release of the Bootleg Series Vol. 17: Time Out of Mind Sessions is different to that of the original. Stronger? Perhaps. It is down to the preference for subtleties that come from this piece of music. There seems to be more presence from Dylan’s lyrical flourishes on this edition of the track than that of the actual release. Not Dark Yet (Version 1) will do well to convince those that hold some form of distrust against demo tapes, B-Side releases and the Bootleg Series as being nothing more than quick cuts and leftover tape. Detractors are few and far between. The likes of Nick Cave and The Beach Boys have started to release their uncut features, and it only takes a spark to entice an interest in other artists doing the same. Dylan popularised that.
Key to that interest is the change and development of a track. Seeing the etchings of greatness formed, cut and put together. Not Dark Yet (Version 1) is a tad longer than that of the released piece, but that length is not noticed. If anything, it is a sincere delight to have those few extra moments of quality playing, strong lyricisms and different mixing. It is what Dylan fans clamour for, a look behind the scenes at the man himself, held in great reverence. With a release as good as Not Dark Yet (Version 1), there is clarity on just how great a musician Dylan is, but also how important his session musicians were for those creative bursts. Drumming and strumming through to the beautiful end, there are moments on this Bootleg Series release that would have otherwise gone unsung.
Some may argue over which release is better. They are, to some degree, incomparable. By the admission of producer Daniel Lanois, the Not Dark Yet that was released, when compared to this one, is “radically different”. Bootleg pieces prove, once again, that unreleased tracks are out there, and that archives need to be pilfered through as successfully and consistently as the Dylan backlog. The Beach Boys are getting there, and Nick Cave has tested the waters. Not Dark Yet (Version 1) is a convincing entry point for those hoping to delve deep into the backlogs of great artists – there are few better places to start than right here. That mortality-inflicted track, the “getting there” of alleged narration, is quality assured, bootleg or otherwise.
Strong it is indeed. But it has a sound we knew from Dylan, Time out of Mind brought us one more detour, another step into the unknown of the master, and on it Not Dark Yet hits that new thing home right away, darker than his music ever was.