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The story of the Bob Dylan Masterpieces 1978 collection is one of geographic exclusivity and a hunt for "lost" rarities. Originally released as a triple-LP set in March 1978, it was created specifically for the Japan, Australia, and New Zealand markets to coincide with Dylan’s Far East tour. The Evolution of the Set
The 1978 Triple LP: Released only in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The Japanese version is highly prized by collectors for its superior sound quality and bonus items like a "Fan Certificate" and a 36-page booklet.
The 1987 "Reduced" 2-CD Set: When it first moved to CD in Australia, four tracks—"Idiot Wind," "I Want You," "Song to Woody," and "Love Minus Zero/No Limit"—were cut to fit the standard two-disc format.
The 1991 Full 3-CD Set: To the delight of fans, Sony Music Australia released a remastered 3-CD version that restored all 39 tracks, making it the definitive digital edition. Why Fans Hunt for It
Before the Bootleg Series made deep cuts widely available, Masterpieces was the only place to find several rare tracks officially:
"Mixed-Up Confusion": Features a unique 1962 outtake version different from other releases.
"George Jackson" (Big Band Version): The 3-CD set remains one of the few places to find the full 5:38 version of this single.
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" (Live): A recording from the 1966 World Tour in Liverpool, previously only available as a rare B-side.
"Spanish Is the Loving Tongue": Includes a version with Dylan on piano that was once extremely difficult to find on other albums. Structure of the 39 Tracks
The set is famously well-organized into thematic "sides" or discs:
Disc 1: Iconic 60s classics and 70s favorites like "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "All Along the Watchtower".
Disc 2: A "live and rare" disc featuring rarities like "Rita May" and "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?" alongside protest anthems like "Hurricane".
Disc 3: Focuses on Dylan's mastery of the love song, including "If You See Her, Say Hello" and "Sara".
Because it has been out of print for decades, finding a clean, "lossless" physical or digital copy of the Australian 3-CD set remains a primary goal for serious Dylan collectors. 1978 "Masterpieces" - Searching For A Gem
The 1978 triple-disc set Masterpieces is a cornerstone for Bob Dylan collectors, originally released as a 3LP compilation in March 1978 to coincide with his 1978 Far East Tour. While it was never released in the US or Europe, it became legendary for including rare tracks and unique versions that remained exclusive to this set for decades. Essential Versions and Releases
To find a "full" 3CD set, you must look beyond the initial 1987 CD release, which was condensed into two discs and omitted several tracks.
1991 Australian 3CD Remaster: This is the definitive digital version that restored all 39 tracks from the original vinyl, including "Idiot Wind," "I Want You," "Song to Woody," and "Love Minus Zero/No Limit". collectors often check Discogs to verify the 1991 Sony Music Australia release.
Japanese Original (1978): The Japanese 3LP set (CBS/Sony 57AP-875/6/7) is widely considered to have the highest audio quality and came with deluxe packaging, including a 36-page booklet, poster, and a "Bob Dylan Fan Certificate".
1993-1995 Reissues: These Australian reissues feature different disc finishes (mirror vs. red labels) and are detailed on the Discogs page for Masterpieces. Rare and Unique Tracks
The primary appeal of this set is its collection of rarities that weren't available on standard albums at the time.
"George Jackson" (Big Band Version): The 3CD set includes the full 5:38 edit of the big band version, which was previously only available on the original 1971 single.
"Mixed-Up Confusion": Features a unique 1962 outtake version that differs from the standard single release.
"Spanish is the Loving Tongue": This specific version—originally the B-side to "Watching the River Flow"—never appeared on any US compilation.
"Rita May": A Jacques Levy co-write that is frequently faded or missing on other releases, but present in full on the 3CD version. Track Distribution (3CD Set) bob dylan masterpieces 1978 3cd set lossless full
The album structure spans Dylan's career from 1962 to 1976. Detailed tracklists can be cross-referenced on Wikipedia's Masterpieces entry.
Bob Dylan – Masterpieces – 3 x CD (Compilation ... - Discogs
The Masterpieces 3CD set is a rare, comprehensive compilation originally released in 1978 to coincide with Bob Dylan's world tour. It is highly sought after by collectors because it contains rare tracks and unique live versions that were difficult to find on other official releases for decades. 💿 Release History & Formats
Original Release (1978): Launched as a triple LP in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
First CD Issue (1987): A 2CD set released in Australia, which unfortunately omitted four tracks to fit the format.
Complete 3CD Set (1991): Sony Music Australia released the definitive 39-track version on 3 CDs, restoring all original songs.
Lossless Availability: While the physical CDs are out of print, collectors often seek them for the 16-bit/44.1kHz lossless audio quality typical of the 1991 Australian remaster. 🎸 Key "Rarities" Included
This set is famous for including several "hard-to-find" tracks (at the time of its release):
"Mixed-Up Confusion": A rare 1962 outtake version that differs from the standard single.
"George Jackson": The "Big Band" version of this 1971 protest song.
"Spanish Is The Loving Tongue": The specific 1971 B-side version, widely considered one of Dylan’s best vocal performances.
"Rita May": A 1976 single that was not included on his studio albums.
Live Tracks: Includes high-quality live recordings from the 1966 World Tour ("Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues") and the 1976 Hard Rain tour ("Maggie's Farm"). 📋 Tracklist Highlights Disc Featured Masterpieces Disc 1
"Like A Rolling Stone," "Idiot Wind" (Live), "All Along The Watchtower" Disc 2 "Hurricane," "Positively 4th Street," "Mixed-Up Confusion" Disc 3 "Sara," "Subterranean Homesick Blues," "Tangled Up In Blue" 💡 Collector's Tip
The Japanese 3LP vinyl from 1978 is often praised for having superior sound quality compared to the Australian pressings. If you are looking for a digital "lossless" version, ensure you are sourcing the 1991 3CD reissue (Catalog No. 4624489), as the 1987 version is incomplete. See the full 39-song tracklist for all three discs.
Find where to buy physical copies of the 3CD set or triple vinyl.
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Masterpieces is a high-profile compilation album by American singer-songwriter
, originally released on March 12, 1978. It stands as one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of Dylan's career from his 1962 debut through his 1976 album Desire. Release and Availability
The collection was initially issued as a triple LP set exclusively in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand to coincide with Dylan's 1978 Far East Tour. While it remains out of print worldwide, it has seen several CD reissues primarily in the Australian market: 1987: A "cut down" 2-CD version that omitted four tracks.
1991: A full remastered 3-CD set that restored the 39-song tracklist.
1993–1995: Subsequent reissues by Sony/Columbia with minor artwork variations. Significance and Content
For collectors, Masterpieces is renowned for including several rare tracks that were difficult to find elsewhere at the time of release. Key rarities include: It sounds like you’re looking for a specific
"Mixed-Up Confusion": A unique 1962 outtake version distinct from the Biograph mix.
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues": A live performance from Liverpool in 1966, originally a single B-side. "George Jackson": The "Big Band" version of the single.
"Spanish is the Loving Tongue": The single B-side version featuring Dylan on piano. "Rita May": A non-LP single from the Desire sessions. Tracklist Organization
The compilation is uniquely organized by theme rather than strictly chronologically: Bob Dylan: Masterpieces - The Band
Masterpieces is one of the most legendary items in the Bob Dylan discography. Originally released in 1978 as a triple vinyl set to coincide with Dylan’s Far East and Oceania tours, it served as a definitive retrospective of his career from 1962 to 1976.
While it was primarily available in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, the 1991 3-CD reissue from Sony Music Australia remains the gold standard for fans seeking a complete, high-quality digital version of this rare collection. Why "Masterpieces" is Essential for Collectors
Unlike standard greatest hits collections, Masterpieces includes several rare tracks and unique mixes that were, for many years, unavailable anywhere else:
"Mixed-Up Confusion": Features a rare 1962 outtake version distinct from the single or Biograph versions.
"George Jackson" (Big Band Version): This compilation and the original 1971 single are the only official sources for this 5:38 extended version.
"Spanish Is the Loving Tongue": Includes the superior B-side version with Dylan on piano, rather than the widely released Dylan (1973) album version.
"Rita May": A rare non-album single from the Desire sessions.
1966 World Tour Live Cuts: Features an intense live performance of "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" recorded in Liverpool. The 3-CD vs. 2-CD Dilemma
If you are searching for the full experience, the 1991 3-CD reissue is the version to find.
1987 2-CD Version: Released in Australia, this version omitted four major songs: "Idiot Wind," "I Want You," "Song to Woody," and "Love Minus Zero/No Limit".
1991 3-CD Version: Restored all 39 tracks in their full glory. Digital Availability and Lossless Quality
Because Masterpieces was never officially released in North America or Europe, it is not available on major streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music in its original form. To obtain a lossless version, collectors typically turn to: Bob Dylan: Masterpieces - The Band
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
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 What it likely is – This isn’t an
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
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
Unlocking the Vault: Bob Dylan’s Rare 1978 Masterpieces Triple Set
In the world of Dylanology, few physical releases carry as much mystique as the 1978 compilation, Masterpieces. Originally released as a triple LP to coincide with Bob Dylan’s 1978 World Tour across Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, this set was a "holy grail" for fans long before the Bootleg Series became standard.
While it was initially an Oceania and Far East exclusive, its eventual transition to a 3CD set solidified its reputation as the most comprehensive career retrospective of its time. Why Masterpieces Stands Out
Unlike standard "Greatest Hits" packages, Masterpieces was curated with a deep respect for the "rare and the raw." It didn't just collect the hits; it provided a narrative of Dylan’s evolution from 1962 to 1976.
Rare Tracks & B-Sides: For decades, this set was the only place to find the 1962 outtake version of "Mixed-Up Confusion" and the full "George Jackson (Big Band Version)".
Essential Live Cuts: It features a blistering live version of "Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues" from the legendary 1966 "Judas" tour and tracks from the Isle of Wight Festival.
Unique Sequencing: The 39 tracks are organized thematically—ranging from 60s classics and protest anthems to love songs and live rarities. The Lossless 3CD Experience
For audiophiles and collectors, the lossless CD versions (specifically the 1991 Australian reissue) are highly sought after. While the original 1987 CD release was trimmed down to two discs and omitted four key songs, the 1991 3-CD version restored the full 39-track experience in high fidelity. Original Release March 12, 1978 (Triple Vinyl) CD Format 3-Disc Set (1991 Australian Reissue) Total Tracks Key Rarities "Rita May," "Spanish is the Loving Tongue" (B-side version) Is It Still a "Must-Have"? 1978 "Masterpieces" - Searching For A Gem
In March 1978, while was preparing for a massive 114-date world tour, a unique compilation titled Masterpieces
was released exclusively in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. It wasn't just another greatest hits record; it was a carefully curated 39-track collection spanning his career from 1962 to 1976. The Evolution of the Set Originally a triple-LP vinyl set, Masterpieces took on a new life as digital media emerged: The 1987 Omission
: A 2-CD version was released in Australia but disappointed fans by dropping four key tracks: "Idiot Wind," "I Want You," "Song to Woody," and "Love Minus Zero/No Limit". The 1991 3-CD Restoration : Sony Music Australia released a full 3-CD version
that restored the missing songs, bringing the tracklist back to its original glory. Lossless Heritage
: Modern collectors often seek "lossless" digital versions of this specific 3-CD reissue to preserve the unique mixes and rarities not found on more common US compilations. Why Collectors Hunt for It
The set gained a cult following because it included tracks that were once impossible to find elsewhere: Rare Tracks
: It featured the 1962 outtake version of "Mixed-Up Confusion" and the "Big Band" version of "George Jackson," the latter of which is rarely found outside this collection. Unique Mixes
: It included a live 1966 performance of "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" from Liverpool, which was previously only a B-side. Thematic Organization
: The discs are famously organized by era and style, moving from 60s classics and live recordings to rarities, protest anthems, and closing with a disc of love songs. tracklist breakdown for each of the three discs in this set?
Here’s a professional review for the Bob Dylan – Masterpieces (1978 3CD Set, Lossless Full):
For the uninitiated, “lossless” refers to audio codecs like FLAC, ALAC, or WAV that preserve every single bit of data from the original master. Why does this matter for a 1978 bootleg?
Because this is an unofficial release, it is not on streaming services (Spotify/Apple Music). However, the lossless community thrives on platforms like:
Warning: Avoid eBay listings for silver CDs saying "Lossless." They are often CD-Rs ripped from MP3 sources. Demand a spectral screenshot.
In the sprawling, chaotic discography of Bob Dylan, few releases are as enigmatic or as cherished by audiophiles as the 1978 triple-LP compilation, Masterpieces. Released primarily for the Australian and Japanese markets to capitalize on Dylan’s 1978 world tour, this set has achieved a mythical status among collectors. For those seeking the lossless full experience, "Masterpieces" is not just a "Greatest Hits" package; it is a vital archival document that bridges the gap between his seismic 1960s output and his late-70s renaissance.