It's been a mixed couple of weeks for Bruce Springsteen fans: there’s been some good news, as well as some questionable public opinions, with a bit of ho-hum mixed in for good measure.
To start with the good - Bruce has finally confirmed that in his song Thunder Road, Mary’s dress does indeed sway, rather than wave.
While the lyrics printed on the Born to Run album sleeve opt for the latter, Bruce told Jimmy Fallon that he has been singing the former all these years.
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The question had divided fans, but now those of us who were committed swayers have been proved correct. Of course. How could a dress "wave"? Those who claimed that was what Bruce was singing were clearly wrong.
But they aren't the only people who hold incorrect opinions (i.e. anyone who disagrees with me).
My colleague Michael Cahill ran a listeners’ poll for RTÉ Gold to establish the Irish public’s favourite Bruce songs.
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A very fine endeavour, which generated a big response. But as with all such lists, it has provoked more than a little argument.
Seeing (spoiler alert) Born to Run at number 1 is no surprise, I have no problem with Rosalita at number 2 – but Dancing in the Dark at number 3? Give me a break! A hit song about not being able to write a hit song, Bruce's biggest chart hit is a bit too popular for the purists (me included).
As for the rest of the top 30... nothing from Nebraska, arguably his most critically acclaimed album? Or from his most recent albums of original material, Western Stars and Letter to You? And don’t get me started on the public’s failure to recognise the brilliance of New York City Serenade or Racing in the Street. Other people, huh?
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And so, to the ho-hum…
Springsteen’s 21st studio album, Only the Strong Survive, is made up of covers of "fifteen soul music greats" (according to the press release), and it’s a very pleasant listen.
But the lingering question I have about the album is: what's the point?
The cover versions are respectful and faithful to the originals – a bit too respectful and faithful, perhaps, as they don’t really add anything. And surely that’s the point of a cover version?
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Springsteen has talked about how he wanted to showcase his voice on the new record, and in fairness he does sound great – it just all feels a bit insubstantial for a Bruce album.
Now, don’t get me wrong: it ain’t a beauty, but hey, it’s alright. If a new album of Springsteen originals isn’t on the cards (and he’s made it clear it isn’t), then I’ll take it.
He’s said he’ll play a couple of the songs when he hits the road next year, and if he was to break out Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) in the RDS, with the E Street Band at full throttle, I’ll enjoy it. Just as long as the covers don’t crowd out his own material.
Because while Springsteen is a superb recording artist, the real magic happens live. Songs that sound merely ok in the recording studio become so much more in concert.
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It is impossible to appreciate Springsteen’s appeal without experiencing him live, and it’s been seven long years since he played in Ireland – partly due to his long-running Broadway show, partly because of Covid.
So those three nights in the RDS next May are eagerly anticipated by fans – even those who think Dancing in the Dark is his best song.
Since his last visit (two nights in Croke Park in 2016, on The River 30th anniversary tour) he has released two albums of original material, plus the covers album, so the setlists will be interesting. And the good news for those going to all three nights is, he’ll change it up each night, so over the course of the Dublin stand we’ll get to hear lots of different songs. So, there’s more than enough for Springsteen fans to look forward to.
Do we need a Springsteen covers album? Probably not, but let him at it.
Do we still need Bruce himself? Indeed we do.
Only The Strong Survive by Bruce Springsteen is out now.
