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Bootleg Series Vol. 18: Through The Open Window, 1956-1963 Image
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The latest in Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series features a previously unreleased recording of his October 26, 1963 concert at Carnegie Hall. The eight-disc deluxe box set includes six discs of rare and unreleased informal recordings, outtakes, alternative takes, and other live performances.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Mojo
    Oct 29, 2025
    100
    The parallel blossoming of a writer and performer climaxes in two discs of Dylan's October 26, 1963 show at Carnegie Hall, the apotheosis of the vibrating imagery and magnetic command of his breakthrough phase, where Ballad Of Hollis Brown is a demonic spell but in truth every damn song is a transcendence. Who needs electricity? [Dec 2025, p.92]
  2. Oct 29, 2025
    100
    There are highlights galore. .... A shiver goes through you when Dylan opens his November 1963 Carnegie Hall concert with the public debut of “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. Imagine hearing that for the first time. The entire show plays out over Discs 7 and 8. The setlist is incredible, his performance impeccable. [Dec 2025, p.38]
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 14, 2025
    100
    A vivid chronicle of his rapid ascent and growth as an artist, it captures the thrill of a young man finding his voice while making an indelible mark on history. .... A whole lotta Dylan for your dollar, and it's worth every cent. [Dec 2025, p.86]
  4. Oct 29, 2025
    90
    An argument can now be made for the significance of Through the Open Window, because it's ground zero. Although large chunks of the material have circulated previously (as, well, bootlegs), the restorative sonic care and Wilentz's chronological contextualization is invaluable.
  5. Nov 7, 2025
    81
    Through the Open Window reveals an artist trying to find his voice and then convincing others to listen to it.
  6. Oct 29, 2025
    80
    Compiled by Steve Berkowitz and Sean Wilentz, the massive box (also available in a two-disc distillation for Dylanologists on a budget) includes a certain amount of material already available on previous Bootleg Series editions and other Dylan compilations. But 48 of its cuts have never been heard by anyone other than collectors and Dylan’s gatekeepers, which lends added weight to its historic value.
  7. Nov 19, 2025
    80
    With so much archival material now available (and Dylan so well covered in music, books, and film), it’s almost surprising that there’s still such valuable work left. Still, in shaping this set, the producers have developed a collection that works on multiple levels (including being simply fun) while adding significantly to Dylan scholarship.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

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