Rolling Stone just published an exclusive interview with Bruce Springsteen about his upcoming album comprising of covers, outtakes and new, re-imagined versions of old songs [
link]. (Up till now, the promotion for
High Hopes, apart from the occasional Facebook and Twitter posting has been almost non-existent.) He provides us with some interesting insight into how the idea for the project came about and how it was recorded in the midst of the
Wrecking Ball Tour. Also interviewed is Tom Morello, whose mention of the reworked
The Ghost Of Tom Joad may suggest a very different take from the live one we're so used to hearing. And now we know that
Down In The Hole is actually a
Rising outtake. But the biggest revelation that have already made fans dizzy with excitement is what Jon Landau said; Bruce's first two albums are currently being remastered for a
forthcoming release, which means soon, possibly within the next year. Bout time;
Greetings and
Innocent are the two records most in need of a remaster. And of course the long rumored
River box set will actually see the light of day too, as confirmed by Landau himself. As for
Born In The USA, it's a little surprising they have not thought of re-releasing it for next year, not that anyone's complaining. We'd all gladly take
The River first.
In other exciting news, The E Street Band is finally going to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class of 2014 [
link], receiving a special award for Musical Excellence, formerly the sidemen category. Nils Lofgren, Garry Tallent, Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg and Steve Van Zandt probably won't think that highly of it, but it's good to see these guys formally recognized, their names written in stone. It's unfortunate Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici won't be at the ceremony. The entire band should've been inducted long, long ago, in fact same time as Bruce in 1999. Original members, Vini Lopez and David Sancious will probably get in too. Not sure about Patti or Soozie though. I would love to see Tom Morello give the induction speech.
