The New Bruce Springsteen Rave ("The Seeger Sessions")

Yesterday, I went out and bought the new Bruce Springsteen album, "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions", and now, after 4 or 5 listens all the way through, I have to report - though I could have reported the same thing after just one listen - that this is a fantastic album!! If, for you, it's all about Britney, Ashlee Simpson, N Sync and their like then you might as well stop reading right here, but if you're into real music then it's time to pay attention. You've already read the rave review from Rolling Stone magazine that I sent out yesterday, but here's a quick little rave of my own:

For someone like myself who's really into roots music, whether it be folk, bluegrass, celtic, cajun, blues or old "Negro spirituals"/freedom songs, this is an amazing listening experience. But, even if you're not into all that old roots stuff, if you're simply just into good music, well then you've still gotta go out and pick this up. You won't regret it. Unless, as I said, you're into Britney and her ilk, in which case you'll be raving yourself... against me, rather than for Bruce.

The best way to describe this album is that it's like one big musical celebration. Every song was recorded live in the studio, with up to 13 people playing and singing together at one time. The overall feeling is one of joyous, raucous fun and a true celebration of traditional music in all its different forms. The whole album has a similar feel to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's classic 1972 double album, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". But many of these songs also remind me of The Pogues in their heyday, though without The Pogues' punk edge, of course. The greatest fun and excitement can be heard in the song "Pay Me My Money Down". It's a cajun footstomper - turn it up REAL loud and you'll feel like you're at some wild ol' barn dance or something. I dare you to try and not sing along.

It's a beauty Bruce!

Mike Cowie (Oredakedo)
Tuesday, May 9th, 2006