Studs Terkel's Wax Museum [Import] - CD

The May 1, 1963, broadcast of Chicago journalist Studs Terkel's WFMT radio showcase Wax Museum captures a young Bob Dylan at the beginning of his ascent from folk balladeer to voice of a generation, delivering deeply passionate renditions of the polemical songs that would vault him to international fame. Aired just weeks prior to the release of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, these performances of "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall," "Blowin' in the Wind," and the little-known "Who Killed Davey Moore?" boast a searing energy and urgency, and between songs Dylan displays a dazzling, wry wit. He's a star busy being born. Yellow Dog's release of this much-bootlegged material remains definitive, eliminating much of the surface noise present on rival discs and wrapping it all up in a stunning package adorned by rare photos -- essential stuff for the faithful. ~ Jason Ankeny