“Southern Sun” is one of the original Hammond demos Bruce never committed to disc, and while there are elements to admire, that’s probably a good thing.
Author:
Ken Rosen (2066)
“She’s Leaving” is a lovely outcast from Bruce’s pre-Greetings recording sessions, a rare survivor from the Bruce Springsteen Band era for which we have both a studio recording and a live performance.
Part therapy and part love letter, “Randolph Street” is a breathtakingly intimate remembrance of his grandparents.
This early demo, influenced if not shaped by Bruce’s 1971-72 family reunion, points the way to “Lost in the Flood” and other saga songs to come.
“No Need” is melodramatic, at times bordering on overwrought, but it offers fascinating insight into a young artist at a pivotal point in his journey.
In 1972, Bruce exorcised his toxic relationship demons with this harsh but beautiful character study.
This pre-label story of a doomed love affair features some dazzlingly clever lyrics from our 22-year-old songwriter.
“Jesse” is a lost demo from the pre-Columbia years, but its DNA would turn up later in “Sandy” and “New York City Serenade.” It’s well worth a listen and deserves an official release.
