Welcome to Day 4 of our 12-day examination of the 12 songs on Bruce Springsteen's new album, High Hopes. As we indicated at the start, rather than a straight review, we're having a running dialogue based around each song as we listen to it.
So. Day 4, Song 4: "Just Like Fire Would."
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Dan Tapper
Next up, another cover. "Just Like Fire Would." Which I just realized is something of a play on words. Heh.
Scott Peterson
Yes it is. Nothing gets by you.
Dan Tapper
Mellencamp-ee!
Scott Peterson
Love the opening. Classic Americana.
I was thinking Jayhawks, but okay.
You ever heard the original? I have not.
How funny that in 2014, he goes with two covers of punk songs
I was thinking Jayhawks, but okay.
You ever heard the original? I have not.
How funny that in 2014, he goes with two covers of punk songs
Dan Tapper
By The Saints, yes? Aussie punk band?
Scott Peterson
Again, no rhyme scheme. Who leaves wine in a motel room for someone?
Dan Tapper
Love his voice here. Sounds like Disc 2 of Tracks.
Scott Peterson
It does, good call.
Dan Tapper
OK. My favorite track so far. I'm hooked. Breezy and cool.
Scott Peterson
Much like you.
You know what I like about all three of these covers? He used to cover songs with such authority. But on the much rarer occasions he does a cover this century—which is mainly him guesting with someone—he's much more tentative. The first time he did "Man on the Moon" with R.E.M., for instance, on the Vote for Change tour, it felt like he'd maybe heard the song backstage for the first time.
You know what I like about all three of these covers? He used to cover songs with such authority. But on the much rarer occasions he does a cover this century—which is mainly him guesting with someone—he's much more tentative. The first time he did "Man on the Moon" with R.E.M., for instance, on the Vote for Change tour, it felt like he'd maybe heard the song backstage for the first time.
Dan Tapper
Stevie! On the beachy harmonies!
Scott Peterson
Weird trumpet solo. I love Curt Rahm, but that's just odd.
Dan Tapper
Almost like he's paying respects!
Scott Peterson
It's like the A-Team meets "Penny Lane."
Dan Tapper
Whoa! Where'd those horns come from?
Scott Peterson
In fact, I think that might be a Bach piccolo trumpet.
Dan Tapper
Man, the way they bounced back into the melody line just gave me a chill.
I think you're right. And the liner notes say you're right.
"Penny Lane" is a good call.
Scott Peterson
Do they really? [takes a quick victory lap]
Dan Tapper
Max is having all sorts of fun back there.
Well, that was a delight. I can see that easily turning into a concert staple. Like "Waiting on a Sunny Day" is now.
Scott Peterson
The funnest song so far. But I'm not sure I get it. I know this is an odds-and-sods collection and I keep looking for a theme. I dunno.
Dan Tapper
No themes at all, I don't think. So far we have two covers—one about love, one about hardship—plus a mob rumble and a high-lined meditation on race relations. Next could be "Misirlou" for all we know.
Scott Peterson
I'm willing to bet we could find a theme.
Something about hopes being high, por ejemplo.
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COMING TOMORROW—TRACK 5 FROM HIGH HOPES: "Down in the Hole"
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