Leave it to Bruce Springsteen to take on the Pete Seeger collection. He could be the only practicing musician to pull this off effectively with the exception of Bob Dylan who owes some stylistic credit to Seeger as well. After reading a few mixed reviews of this album I was concerned. Seems that some folks were expecting something different from it. I think it couldn’t have been a more fitting way to recognize the greatness of Seeger but do so in a way that only Springsteen can. It varies from the foot-stomping, rollicking of “Old Dan Tucker” to the anthemic, protest song “We Shall Overcome”. I read one review that criticized the inclusion of “Froggie Went A-Courtin'” but I believe this was Springsteen’s way of acknowledging Seeger’s contributions to folk music as well as his gentle sense of humor.
Moving on, you may have had a similar reaction when I heard that Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris were teaming up to do an album together, “What the %$#@!”. Forget your initial thought, this album is worth a listen as they make for a refreshing combo. Whereas the Matthew Sweet / Susanna Hoffs duo was a good idea made bad, Knopfler / Harris is an initially questionable idea made spectacular.
Lastly, hats off to K.D. Lang for the naming of her early-career collection of cow-punk recordings, Reintarnation. I love that. Also, the London Calling album art tribute should be noted. It’s a borderline rip-off, but since the Clash album is so well known, I say tribute.
Notable releases for week of April 25, 2006 from:
Danielle Howle, Robyn Hitchcock, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris, K.D. Lang, Edgar Meyer, Bruce Springsteen, The Waybacks
Preview these full albums:
KD Lang, Reintarnation (AOL Music)
Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris, All the Roadrunning (AOL Music)
Bruce Springsteen, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (AOL Music)
Releases with downloadable MP3s:
Danielle Howle, “This Kind of Light (live)” (daniellehowle.com)
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.