Search - Bruce Springsteen :: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (American Land Edition) (CD/DVD)

Seeger Sessions Revised & Revisted

Thomas Magnum | NJ, USA | 10/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions is the first album Bruce Springsteen has released where he did not write a single song. The album consists of songs sung by the legendary folk artist Pete Seeger. The album differs from Mr. Springsteen's other forays into folk music as it is not an acoustic affair. Backed by a seventeen piece band, the album has a rollicking, spirit raising, old time vibe. Mr. Springsteen seems invigorated by working with a new band and he really lets loose. Vocally, he hasn't sounded this energetic on an album since Born In The USA. One would think that by covering songs by Mr. Seeger, that this would be an overtly political record. While there are political overtones that explore war, poverty & strife, the music is so joyous and uplifting that the heavy subjects don't bog the feeling down. "Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep" is straight out of New Orleans with a dixeland sound. "Pay Me My Money Down" is a shuffling old sea shanty. "Old Dan Tucker" is a roaring folk rocker. "Jesse James" is an outlaw ballad that rolls along while "Froggie' Went a Courtin'" is a six string slappin' rave up. "Mrs. McGrath" is most political of the songs about a mother whose son loses his legs in a war. Mr. Springsteen updates the lyrics to reflect current times, but the message is powerful either way. We Shall Overcome is a perfect blend of what Mr. Springsteen does best and harkens back to his glory days. It mixes up poignant lyrics and tales of the working man with an uplifting spirit and a wall of sound production. The new American Land edition adds five songs. Two, "Buffalo Gals" and "How Can I Keep From Singing" were included on the DVD side of the original release. The three new songs are all first rate and add a more overt political bent to the album. "Bring 'Em Home" rings true about the Iraq war, "American Land" sounds like something that could have been on Nebraska and "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live" is a tremendous song.



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Springsteen- Always Evolving, Always Interesting

Dale Rhines | Alexandria, VA United States | 10/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, have to admit that I am a solid Bruce fan. First saw him in the late 70's and have seen him in every decade since. Have every album from his first one to this one, and have enjoyed all of them. So having made that clear, let me say that I really enjoyed this set. The music is fun and it seems like Springsteen is having a good time with this. It is a departure for him as it is the first album he has done that consists of songs from other musicians. This version has extra songs on it and a wonderful DVD that has a nice documentary on the making on the album and four terrific live performances. A couple of highlights from the album include "Pay Me My Money Down" and "American Land." Take a listen to this album and, long time fan or not, this is one to enjoy for everyone. The DVD and the extra songs on the CD make this a terrific buy. There are classic American songs on this album sung by a classic American singer. Really a strong performance."

I love the new songs and footage, but...

Marc Hosch | Riverside, CA | 02/12/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Why couldn't these extra songs have been made available for purchase on Springsteen's official website, where one could download them onto their computer through iTunes or any other system of the like? Springsteen and his team would still be able to receive their royalties and such, while fans would not have to put-out $20 for 14 tracks that they already own from the original We Shall Overcome album. And should anyone incorrectly believe my idea to be "revolutionary", I should point out that many musicians/bands are already doing this and have been doing this for the past few years or so.



In short, I love the bonus material hands-down, but I also feel that Springsteen's label, Columbia Records, could have approached this in a way that wouldn't cost as much money for his fans.

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