The Times They Are A-Changin'

The Recording Sessions

Dylan began work on his third album on August 6th, 1963 at Columbia's Studio A in New York City. Once again, Tom Wilson was the producer, this time for the entire album.

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Eight songs were recorded during that first session, but only one recording of "North Country Blues" would ultimately be deemed usable and set aside as the master take. A master take of "Seven Curses" was also recorded, but it would be left out of the final album sequence.

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Another session at Studio A was held the following day, this time yielding master takes for four songs, "Ballad of Hollis Brown," "With God on Our Side," "Only a Pawn in Their Game," and "Boots of Spanish Leather," all of which were later included on the final album sequence.

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A third session was held in Studio A on August 12th, but nothing from this session was deemed usable. It's worth noting that every song recorded at the August 12th session would not make the final album sequence. However, three recordings taken from the third session would eventually see official release: 'master' takes of "Paths of Victory," "Moonshine Blues," and "Only a Hobo" would all be included on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991 released in 1991.

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Sessions would not resume for more than two months. During the interim, Dylan would tour briefly with Joan Baez, performing a number of key concerts that would raise his profile in the media. When Dylan returned to Studio A on October 23rd, he had six more original compositions ready for recording. Master takes for "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" and "When The Ship Comes In" were both culled from the October 23rd session. A master take for "Percy's Song" was also recorded, but it was ultimately set aside and would not be officially released until Biograph in 1985.

Related Topics:
Joan Baez - Biograph

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Another session was held the following day on the 24th. Master takes of "The Times They Are A-Changin'" and "One Too Many Mornings" were recorded and later included in the final album sequence. A master take for "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" was also recorded but ultimately left out of the final album; it would eventually see release on Biograph. Two more outtakes, "Eternal Circle" "Suze (The Cough Song)," would later be issued on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991.

Related Topics:
Biograph - The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991

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The sixth and final session for The Times They Are A-Changin' was held on October 31st, 1963. The entire session focused on one song, "Restless Farewell," and it produced a master take that would ultimately close the album.

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