1978 3cd Set Lossless Full Exclusive: Bob Dylan Masterpieces
The "story" behind Masterpieces is one of the more unique chapters in
’s discography, as it was a massive triple-album retrospective originally designed specifically for the 1978 Far East Tour The Origin Story
In March 1978, as Dylan prepared for his first-ever concert appearances in Japan, Columbia (CBS) Records released a comprehensive career overview titled Masterpieces
. While it was a "Greatest Hits" package, it was far more ambitious than previous collections like Greatest Hits Vol. I Regional Exclusivity : It was initially released only in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand
. Because it wasn't available in the US or Europe for years, it became a highly sought-after import for serious collectors. The "Lossless Full" Evolution : Originally a 3-LP vinyl set
in 1978, it eventually transitioned to digital formats. In 1987, a 2-CD version was released but was criticized for omitting four tracks to fit the discs. By , a proper
was issued, restoring the full tracklist to its original triple-album glory. Why Collectors Hunt for It bob dylan masterpieces 1978 3cd set lossless full
The set is famous for including rarities that, at the time, were difficult or impossible to find elsewhere: "Mixed-Up Confusion" : It featured a rare 1962 outtake version of this track. "George Jackson" (Big Band Version)
: For many years, this 3-CD set was the only digital source for the full 5:38 "Big Band" version of this single. Live Rarities
: It included the 1966 live B-side of "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues," recorded at the Odeon in Liverpool. Connection to 1978
The year 1978 was a turning point for Dylan. He was touring with a large, polished band—often called his "Alimony Tour" or "Las Vegas" era—which featured female backing singers and heavy arrangements. While the Masterpieces
set focused on his 1962–1976 studio work, its release coincided with this massive world tour and the studio album Street-Legal
Today, fans seeking the "lossless full" version are usually looking for the Sony Music Australia 3-CD reissue The "story" behind Masterpieces is one of the
to ensure they have every track and rarity in high-fidelity audio. If you'd like, I can help you: complete tracklist for the 3-CD set. Locate the best official live recordings from the 1978 tour (like the Complete Budokan Explain the difference between the 1991 and 1995 CD reissues Let me know how you'd like to explore this era
Report: Bob Dylan – Masterpieces (1978 Compilation) Masterpieces
is a significant compilation album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, originally released on March 12, 1978 . Primarily issued by
in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, it was timed to coincide with Dylan's 1978 Far East Tour. The Band web site
While originally a triple-LP set, it was later reissued as a
in 1991, which is the version most sought after for its "lossless" digital fidelity. The Band web site 1. Release Overview Original Formats : 3-LP Vinyl, 2-Cassette. CD Reissues Disc Three: The Rarities Vault
: A "cut down" 2CD version released in Australia omitted four tracks. : The definitive
was released by Sony Music Australia, restoring all 39 tracks to their full length. Availability
: Currently out-of-print worldwide, making it a collector's item often sourced through specialty retailers or resellers. The Band web site 2. Key Rare and Notable Tracks
The compilation is noted for including several rare recordings and non-album singles, such as early takes of songs like "Mixed-Up Confusion," the full-length "George Jackson" (Big Band Version), and the 1966 live recording of "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues". Bob Dylan: Masterpieces - The Band
Disc Three: The Rarities Vault
- "Changing of the Guards" (Rehearsal Take 4): The studio version was muddy. This live soundboard in full lossless clarifies the cryptic lyrics over a marching beat.
- "The Man in Me" (Rare One-Off): Only played once on this tour. The piano sparkles in the high-end frequencies.
Disc One: The Anthems
The first disc serves as a "greatest hits" induction but includes deep cuts that elevate it above a cash-grab.
- Knockin' on Heaven's Door: The version here is the standard, but in lossless, the slide guitar work retains a haunting, glassy texture.
- Mr. Tambourine Man: A pristine transfer of the electric version from Bringing It All Back Home.
- Just Like a Woman: A masterclass in 1966 studio polish.
- I Shall Be Released: The Basement Tapes era track. Hearing this in lossless highlights the communal, almost gospel-like quality of the Band’s backing vocals.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
A Deep Dive into Dylan’s Most Polarizing & Prolific Era – Now in Lossless Glory
For decades, Masterpieces has been a cult favorite among hardcore Dylan collectors. Originally released only in Japan and Australia in 1978, this 3CD set captures a unique moment: the transitional bridge between Street-Legal and the explosive gospel period that followed. Now, available in true lossless quality, this edition finally does justice to the sonic complexity of these recordings.
