Cover Pete

Rumors about an upcoming release of a new Springsteen album were floating around the Internet for several weeks. And as Springsteen fans always seem to be well informed, the rumors turn out to be true. Springsteen’s publisher, Shore Fire, announced the release of We Shall Overcome The Seeger Sessions. According to the press release, “the album features Bruce’s personal interpretations of thirteen traditional songs, all of them associated with the legendary guiding light of American folk music, Pete Seeger, for whom the album is named.” The album will be released on April 25th. Bruce is planning a short tour in the U.S. and Europe to accompany the release of the album.

As always, I am excited with the news that Springsteen will be touring again very shortly. But I am not sure what to think about the album. I like Springsteen’s folky side just as much as I like the rock songs. I enjoyed the albums The Ghost of Tom Joad and Devils & Dust. But I wonder why Bruce decided to release a cover album. Springsteen is a talented songwriter, and is perfectly capable of writing his own folk songs. I don’t understand why he needs to revert to covers to tell his story.