Sister song to “Reno” and cousin to “Further On (Up the Road),” “Maria’s Bed” is a carefree jaunt with surprising depth and hidden poignancy–it’s one of Bruce’s best 21st-century songs.
Author:
Ken Rosen (2080)
“Everybody Wants My Baby” was on its way to being an edgy uptempo rocker before it went missing in action. Listen to a pretty well-formed demo inside.
At her 2011 concert in Newark, Taylor Swift paid homage to Bruce on-stage; a few months later, Bruce repaid the complement backstage in Raleigh. Catch both moments inside.
“Oh No No No” is an unfinished attempt at a he-said/she-said. Too bad we lack the music to pair with these unpublished lyrics, so we could see what Bruce was aiming for.
One time only: Bruce joined Darlene Love at her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, teaming up on “Today I Met the Boy I’m Gonna Marry.”
“The Big Payback” is a Nebraska-era B-side obscurity, as tight, taut, and sinister as anything on the album it didn’t make but a whole lot more fun to sing.
Ronnie Spector does an admirable cover of “Brilliant Disguise” — right up until the coda. You might not be able to unhear that part.
Bruce took a few runs at Little Richard’s “Keep A-Knockin’.” Listen to two of them here: one with Midnight Thunder, the other with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes.
“Where the Bands Are” is power pop perfection, showcasing the E Street Band at their most joyous.
When Bruce covers “Highway 61 Revisited,” it’s always a group effort. Watch and listen to all four team-ups on Dylan’s classic rocker.