We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (American Land Edition) (CD/DVD) [Special Edition, Extra tracks]

Bruce Springsteen | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Special Edition, Extra tracks
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000GG4XJM
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,784 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #13 in Music > Rock > Roots Rock
  • #34 in Music > Country > Americana
  • #85 in Music > Folk > Contemporary Folk > General

Track Listings

1. Old Dan Tucker

2. Jesse James

3. Mrs. McGrath

4. O Mary Don’t You Weep

5. John Henry

6. Erie Canal

7. Jacob’s Ladder

8. My Oklahoma Home

9. Eyes On The Prize

10. Shenandoah

11. Pay Me My Money Down

12. We Shall Overcome

13. Froggie Went A Courtin’

14. Buffalo Gals

15. How Can I Keep From Singing

16. How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live (Bruce Springsteen Version)

17. Bring ’Em Home

18. American Land

Editorial Reviews

A 40-minute film about the recording of the album with artist commentary. Includes filmed performances of:

John Henry Pay Me My Money Down Buffalo Gals Erie Canal O Mary Don't You Weep Jacob's Ladder Froggie Went A Courtin' Shenandoah

Plus four bonus live tour videos:

How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live (Bruce Springsteen Version) Bring 'Em Home American Land Pay Me My Money Down

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seeger Sessions Revised & Revisted, October 6, 2006

By 

Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (American Land Edition) (CD/DVD) (Audio CD)

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions is the first album Bruce Springsteen has released where he did not write a single song. The album consists of songs sung by the legendary folk artist Pete Seeger. The album differs from Mr. Springsteen's other forays into folk music as it is not an acoustic affair. Backed by a seventeen piece band, the album has a rollicking, spirit raising, old time vibe. Mr. Springsteen seems invigorated by working with a new band and he really lets loose. Vocally, he hasn't sounded this energetic on an album since Born In The USA. One would think that by covering songs by Mr. Seeger, that this would be an overtly political record. While there are political overtones that explore war, poverty & strife, the music is so joyous and uplifting that the heavy subjects don't bog the feeling down. "Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep" is straight out of New Orleans with a dixeland sound. "Pay Me My Money Down" is a shuffling old sea shanty. "Old Dan Tucker" is a roaring folk rocker. "Jesse James" is an outlaw ballad that rolls along while "Froggie' Went a Courtin'" is a six string slappin' rave up. "Mrs. McGrath" is most political of the songs about a mother whose son loses his legs in a war. Mr. Springsteen updates the lyrics to reflect current times, but the message is powerful either way. We Shall Overcome is a perfect blend of what Mr. Springsteen does best and harkens back to his glory days. It mixes up poignant lyrics and tales of the working man with an uplifting spirit and a wall of sound production. The new American Land edition adds five songs. Two, "Buffalo Gals" and "How Can I Keep From Singing" were included on the DVD side of the original release. The three new songs are all first rate and add a more overt political bent to the album. "Bring 'Em Home" rings true about the Iraq war, "American Land" sounds like something that could have been on Nebraska and "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live" is a tremendous song.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Springsteen- Always Evolving, Always Interesting, October 25, 2006

By 

Dale Rhines (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (American Land Edition) (CD/DVD) (Audio CD)

First off, have to admit that I am a solid Bruce fan. First saw him in the late 70's and have seen him in every decade since. Have every album from his first one to this one, and have enjoyed all of them. So having made that clear, let me say that I really enjoyed this set. The music is fun and it seems like Springsteen is having a good time with this. It is a departure for him as it is the first album he has done that consists of songs from other musicians. This version has extra songs on it and a wonderful DVD that has a nice documentary on the making on the album and four terrific live performances. A couple of highlights from the album include "Pay Me My Money Down" and "American Land." Take a listen to this album and, long time fan or not, this is one to enjoy for everyone. The DVD and the extra songs on the CD make this a terrific buy. There are classic American songs on this album sung by a classic American singer. Really a strong performance.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpeice of Music, February 9, 2008

By 

R. Gibson "female vampire lover" (Pinetop, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (American Land Edition) (CD/DVD) (Audio CD)

I had no idea that this would turn out to be one of the most listened music cds in my collection. I have over 5000 33rpm, 1000 78rpm and hundreds of CDs. My wife and I think this recording is an incredible musical experience in folk, ethnic, bluegrass, and New Orleans Jazz. Bruce Springsteen has found one of the best bands I have ever heard in any music style mixing ethnic, New Orleans Jazz, folk country, bluegrass, as well as just plain great music. I can't say one song is disappointing and must say that it's hard to pick a favorite though Mrs McGrath seems to go through my head as well as Eyes on The Prize, and Froggie. Can't rate this CD any higher in my humble opinion.