July 2, 2010
Trying something new again today with Friday Fave Five Fah, bringing you five of our favorite tracks bound together by a common theme. In this case, we’re celebrating the birth of America with five of our favorite covers of—what else?—Bruce Springsteen songs. Nothing’s more American than the boss, and why not celebrate the fourth with some of the best interpretations of the music he’s given us over the many, many years.
First up, a superbly intimate version of “Dancing in the Dark” by Scotland’s unfortunately-named Beerjacket (AKA-Peter Kelly). Somehow pulled of beautifully and rockingly at the same time.
Next, Portland’s Chromatics give us a smoothed over, blissed out “I’m On Fire,” replacing some of the original’s edge with their trademark sultry vocals and easy-flowing guitar-keyboard interplay.
John McCauley’s Deer Tick gives us a healthy dose of Americana grit covering Springsteen’s “Nebraska” during their Daytrotter session last year.
Next we have Brooklyn’s finest—The National—and their live cover of Bruce’s “Mansion on the Hill.” If you haven’t already, definitely check out their new album, High Violet. Truly superb.
And, finally, another one of our favorite artists, Dan Black, from Paris by way of London, brings us a crazy-cool mash up of a Nick Drake song and “Dancing in the Dark.” You’ll excuse the duplicity once you hear how awesome this one is.
Alright, so get out there this weekend and start a tofu dog America dance party!
