Bob Dylan - I Want You (REHEARSAL & TAKE 1) [Blonde on Blonde Studio Outtake - 1966]

This is a request! Here's a fascinating insight into the evolution of one of my personal favorite tracks of Blonde on Blonde. This version is a bit more rocking than the final, more poppy, version (Take 5). This is due to the drummer, Kenneth Buttrey, using sticks instead of the brushes he uses in the final version, which makes a much lighter, thinner sound. Furthermore, this take is one half-step lower than the final take, which is apparent in Dylan's singing voice. It's also fantastic to hear Dylan telling the title of the song to Bob Johnston, the producer, for the first time. Enjoy this gem while you can!

[russelljohn]

Played this song from Blonde on Blonde while living in a room next to a communist in Berkeley. The FBI agent lived upstairs. Played it several times a day. It was my anthem, my song. I was young, she was a little older, she knew how I felt, but didn't want to go there. I went down to the Folk Club and listened to Lightnin' Hopkins, he told me more about it. I finally cleared out my ears with Muddy's great band with Spann and Cotton, loud and searing, unlike anything I'd ever heard. Cotton's harp roaring through huge Altecs filling the air with heavy blues, "Just to be With You" "You Can't Loose What You Never Had". "Forty Days and Forty Nights", I still have the music to listen to, I remember the feelings, young feelings, nearly 60 years ago. It was a time for us all.

[stephenlee]

When you think you've heard everything, you find out you can always hear a little more.

[ajcarr]

First Bob Dylan song I ever heard on the radio. Went out & bought Blonde on Blonde. Never been the same since.

[joedavitt]

What a treat, not on bootleg series. He knows exactly what he wants. Genius at work.

[Radiodog]

Like watching Van Gough paint. A fascinating peek into Dylan's creative process and all the careful work that accompanies genius.

[esothmax]

"I have to get acquainted with it", and follows an astounding "Take One". Are you kidding? That's the 1st take? I'm grateful for being allowed to get acquainted with genius recorded in reel time. Genius in the midst of creating, in his place, in his time, in his moment. Beautiful.

[faruktokuslu]

I can't believe I've never heard this before. The organ work is magical

[djstarr-lowery]

I'm at 37 CD's and still hear something new every time I listen. I love this man

[charlesvanderhoog]

First hearing Bob Dylan, with this song, gave me an intense feeling of happiness. Finally somebody who could bring something new that was really good, I thought.

[jmkearns-songs]

Bob is building the melody around the 3 note of the scale, that's why it's so low. On the real record he groups it around the 5 note. This lower register really captures the scorn that he was so good at projecting in those days - scorn ofr the enemies of his feelings.

[barbarasouthworth]

Whenever I hear this beautiful song it makes me happy.

[MichaelPhillips-elzb]

this was the song that introduced me to dylan, however unlikely as it was for a starting point being a well crafted pop jingle. but the lyrics immediately transfixed me and his vocal phrasing on "i did it because he lied/because he took you for a ride/and, uh, because time was on his side and because I...want you", the bridge especially is also magically melodious while still maintaining his whipsmart word play "How my fathers theyve gone down/true love theyve been without it/But all their daughters put me down/cause i dont think about it" I Want You is still miraculous for it being so compact yet still replete with his dynamic and unusual word play. I wouldnt be surprised if the song grew out of a dare by one of the studio musicians challenging to craft a pure pop song that could couch the poetic verse he'd been experimenting with in a sunny, radiant pop setting. A Dylan meets the beach boys excercise., it was a top ten hit and even in a crowded year for great pop/rock songs it stands out

[edicamon]

One of the best songs of Blonde on Blonde album. Simply an incredible version.

[bcrater]

Bringing it all back home/Highway 61 revisited/Blonde on blonde. Whew.

[tomdale]

the repeated phrase "I want you, " and a weird cast of characters ", including a guilty undertaker, a lonesome organ grinder, weeping fathers, mothers, sleeping saviours, the Queen of Spades, and "a dancing child with his Chinese suit". "I Want You" is a song recorded by Bob Dylan in 1966. Recorded in the early morning hours of March 10, 1966, the song was the last one recorded for Dylan's double-album Blonde on Blonde. It was issued as a single that June, shortly before the release of the album.

[oliveeisner]

OMG the Dylan Candy Store is open for business today!!
What a delightful end to my Sunday
Swingin you're truly doing God's work here.

[GD-melv]

Well this certainly will stand as the highlight of my day. I’m so glad it was rolling, Bob!

[keithnaylor]

WOW AN INCREDIBLE PIECE OF HISTORY!!!!
I feel so privileged to hear this.

[Birdwatching]

It was a privilege to have lived in his lifetime.

[SebastianLimek]

I feel like every take of every song for Blonde on Blonde is brilliant.