Tune du Jour: “Nebraska” – Bruce Springsteen
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Dan Bern vs. Steve Earle vs. Chrissie Hynde and Adam Seymour
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Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!
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The Original
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Bruce Springsteen:
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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Dan Bern vs. Steve Earle vs. Chrissie Hynde and Adam Seymour
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Dan Bern:
Steve Earle:
Chrissie Hynde and Adam Seymour:
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Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On?!!?
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Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
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cover me impressed 
This may be sacrilege. But I think Steve Earle makes this song his own. It sounds like something we would of written, and passed on to Bruce Springsteen. It sounds better when being sung by a Southerner, rather than a southern New Jerseyer. I actually don’t care a tremendous amount for the song itself. But I think it has a stronger impact when Earle sings it than any other version I’ve ever heard.
Very difficult choice here. I loved Nebraska (the album) when it came out. The entire album was stark and spooky and moody and solemn and poignant, and it retains all of those qualities to this day. Dan Bern’s version is how I’d imagine Dylan doing it. Steve Earle’s version is excellent, but I dunno… I just think this song needs to be sung softly. Chryssie Hynde has a great voice, which she tones down nicely to capture the starkness of the lyrics, but what I really like about her version is the backing track, a droning, church-like organ sound that fits well with the poignancy of the song. All three versions were excellent. If only Me First and the Gimme Gimmes had covered it… sigh.
I don’t have a problem with any of these versions. They all capture the feel of the original. I have great respect for all of these musicians so I’m not surprised that each was able to produce an excellent cover. I cannot say exactly why but I voted for Bern’s version. Maybe because I really like his song Jerusalem, and while the jump from City-titled songs to State-titled is immense, I feel his expertise in geography related tunes gave him a slight edge.
I’m pleased to see an appearance from the talented and underrated Dan Bern. I have a few of his CDs, and wish I could vote for him. Unfortunately, he happens to be up against first ballot Hall of Famer Steve Earle, so I’ll vote S.E. on this one.
I never cared for Chrissie Hynde or The Pretenders, for that matter. Never understood the acclaim. Still don’t.
Love Steve and Dan, but Chrissie always kills everything in her path.
I think all three versions are strong. I listened to C Hynde first and I recall her voice as one of the most pristine and amazing live voices I have heard. She sounds good on record but but live even better. This is not her wheelhouse though. Dan Bern does a fine job. He is a witty and thoughtful songwriter but he is trumped by Steve Earle who has the heart, soul, voice, life experience and DNA to nail this song.