For me, it is the best thing the Boss has done in years, perhaps ever. None of the depressive Tom Joad mutterings here, this has real energy.

 

Anyone familiar with Johnny Cash's great version of "John Henry" should make sure and hear Bruces's interpretation. He turns it into a giant knees up, a veritable celebration of the story. The Negro spirituals "O Mary don't you weep" and "Jacob's ladder" have a gospel feel, and New Orleans jazz supports "My Oklahoma home" and "Eyes on the prize". On "Eyes on the prize", Springsteen does a wonderful (if not deliberate) impersonation of Leonard Cohen.

 

The songs may have their roots in American folk, but Springsteen has personalised them, and given each a fresh new lick of paint.

 

Springsteen met the supporting band at a fiesta he attended in a field near his New York farm, giving the album a home grown feel. The recording is effectively live, Bruce shouting out to the required instrumentalist when they are to come in.

 

The version I have, which seems to be the standard release, is a dual disc, with the entire album in PCM stereo on the DVD side, together with a 30 minute film about the making of the album, and filmed performances of of the songs.

 

I don't often feel inspired to recommend a non-prog album in these parts, but this is simply wonderful!

 

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

 

I have the new Seeger sessions and, although I have not really listened to it enough, it doesn't work for me, and I am a huge Springsteen fan. Although he has done some great covers (War and Jersey Girl, for example), I think he is at his best doing his own stuff.