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Some good things ...

dev1 | 11/13/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For us , Bruce fans , it is not easy to hear his songs in someone else's voices . In fact , I believe , it is quite a hard job to record a Bruce song . Anyway , some of these guys , just did it ! I can mentionn " From small things " and " Fire " are really great . It is strange to hear other people singing it , but specially " Fire " is really good , and you will like it ( even if you aren't a Brucie fan ) . All the rest are ... basic ."

A Deserving Compilation of Springsteen Interpretations

dev1 | Baltimore | 08/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"My introduction to the world of Bruce Springsteen wasn't the Boss himself, but by way of the Hollies' `4th of July Asbury Park (Sandy).' The fully orchestrated rendition with soaring multi-part vocal harmonies is quite majestic. Springsteen's music and poetry are strong enough to lend themselves well to interpretation by other artists. In fact, Patti Smith's `Because The Night' is the definitive version, and a worthy introduction to the High Priestess of Rock. Dave Edmunds turns `From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)' into a raunchy pup rocker.Not surprising is the inclusion of three tracks from Springsteen's soul brother, John Lyon (Southside Johnny). Like Springsteen, Southside Johnny was a regular at the Stoney End club in Asbury Park. He is one of few credible blue-eyed soul singers. Gary U.S. Bonds (This Little Girl) was rediscovered by Springsteen, and with the assistance of Springsteen, released two admirable R&B albums. Although Springsteen is not considered an R&B artist, the Southside Johnny and Gary U. S. Bonds covers clearly show Springsteen's R&B roots.Big surprises here? Yes, a cover of `Atlantic City' from the obscure Reivers. The composition features the lovely Kim Longacre doing dazzling backup vocals. Disappointing are the two tracks by Greg Kihn. Kihn is a gratifying "live" act, but his mediocre work here doesn't do justice to Springsteen's artistry. Many of the tracks on Cover Me are produced by Springsteen and Miami Steve Van Zandt, and Miami Steve's crying guitar work is as rousing as usual (Hearts Of Stone). Bruce Springsteen is a prolific writer, and `gives away' more noteworthy music the most artists dream of composing. Cover Me is a deserving compilation of Springsteen interpretations."

An Affirmation of Springsteen As Songwriter

Terence Harwick | 12/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cover Me is an album you'll enjoy hearing time and again. Conventional wisdom may have it that it takes Springsteen to sing a Springsteen song. Actually, I believe what it takes is someone with the authenticity of Springsteen, admittedly a rare find in the entertainment or any other industry today. Just because Springsteen is a great songwriter, his lyrics may be singable in a meaningful way only by those who share the genuineness of The Boss, or at least, by those who can enter into the spirit of a given set of lyrics authentically. This album is a pleasure to the ear and does not disappoint. If you appreciate these characteristics of Springsteen's music, I think you'll also enjoy these musical performances for years to come."