This is NOT Bruce Springsteen

Introduction

That is of course not true, this is a Bruce Springsteen playlist and we know how many great songs he has written but these are performances of songs that he has NOT written and was prompted by me accidentally coming across his live cover of Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” which, in my opinion, outdoes the original, and that is one of my favourite records ever. It appears on his soul covers album “Only The Strong Survive” released this year, and though my playlist opens with that song I thought it would be good to dig up some of his other covers for you to enjoy.

I’m not sure that all these have been officially released so they may just be available as YouTube copies.

“Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” from “Only The Strong Survive”

Original Artist: Frank Wilson

Frank Wilson’s original was once the most expensive record ever sold due to troubles at Motown resulting in most copies being trashed leaving two or three copies in the world. It is a brilliant record so I can understand why it became so expensively desirable.

“Viva Los Vegas” from the NME Charity Compilation “The Last Temptation of Elvis”

Original Artist: Elvis Presley

On King covers another. I think this was one of the first Springsteen covers that I became aware of. I don't know if I was surprised that the New Musical Express could rope in such a big star for one of their charity projects but they did and it is brilliant. I think it is also available as a bonus song on an "Essential Bruce Springsteen" compilation.

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”

Original Artist: Harry Reser and His Band

I did like this version when I heard it, but my first exposure to the song was on Phil Spector's "A Christmas Gift For You". It is a damned near perfect Christmas song though some of the covers I have heard leave much to be desired (check my "Oh No It's Michael Bublé", post) . The song has been recorded by over 200 artists, including Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, The Crystals, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Bill Evans, Chris Isaak, The Temptations, Carpenters, Bublé, Luis Miguel, and The Jackson 5

"This Land Is Your Land" with Pete Seeger at Barack Obama's Inauguration

Original Artist: Woody Guthrie

I don't know if this recording is available but it is a hugely emotional perfeormance in which everyone joins in at Bruce's and Pete's request. A truly joyful occasion full of love and hope. The song was written in 1940 in as a critical response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America", with melody based on a Carter Family tune called "When the World's on Fire".

"Love of the Common People" from "Live In Dublin With The Sessions Band"

Original Artist: Nicky Thomas

This is a beautiful heartfelt cover of a reggae song that I bought as soon as it came out by Nicky Thomas. There is joy but lots of social issues are addressed here. I recently saw a mem that said "Only A Poor Person Will Help You" and that comes through in this song. I hope you will track down other versions of this wonderful song.

"How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live" from "We Shall Overcome The Seeger Sessions American Land"

Original Artist: Alfred Reed

It was written, composed, and performed by Blind Alfred Reed, accompanying himself on the violin in 1929. The song tells of hard times during the Great Depression. It is considered an early example of a protest song. In 2020, the song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. I first heard it performed by Ry Cooder on his "Bop Til You Drop" and my friend Louise Distras does a wonderful version on her "Street Revolution" EP.

Springsteen is a perfect performer for this song.

Conclusion

This is a short playlist, as usual, but I really do these to try and make you want to go out and discover even more music like this.