1. Nebraska
2. Atlantic City
3. Mansion on the Hill
4. Born in the USA
5. Johnny 99
6. Downbound Train
7. Losin' Kind
8. State Trooper
9. Used Cars
10. Open All Night
11. Pink Cadillac
12. Deputy Later retitled "Highway Patrolman"
13. Reason to Believe
14. Child Bride Later retitled "Working on the Highway"

Bonus Tracks
15. Dream Baby (Roy Orbison)
16. Precious Memories (J.B.F. Wright)
17. Nebraska #1
18. Nebraska #2

Bruce Springsteen, early 80's, from the Dave Marsh book "Glory Days":
"...That's one of the most dangerous things, I think - isolation. "Nebraska" was about that American isolation:
what happens to people when they're alienated from their friends and their community and their government and their job.
Because those are the things that keep you sane, that give meaning to life. And if they slip away,
and you start to exist in some void where the basic constraints of society are a joke,
then life becomes a kind of joke. And anything can happen."

"...I told Mike Batlan, the guy that does my guitars, 'Mike, go get a tape player so I can record these songs.'
I figured what takes me so long in the studio is not having the songs wntten.
So I said, I'm gonna write 'em and I'm gonna tape 'em.
If I can make 'em sound good with just me, then I know they'll be fine... "

"....So this time I got a little Teac 4-track cassette machine and I said,
"I'm gonna record these songs and if they sound good with just me doing 'em,
then I'll teach 'em to the band." I could sing and play the guitar, and then I had two tracks to do something else,
like overdub a guitar or add a harmony. It was just gonna be a demo.
Then I had an old beat-up Echoplex that I mixed through, and that was all.
It was real old, which was why the sound was kinda deep."

"And so, that was the idea. I got this little cassette recorder, plugged it in, turned it on,
and the first song I did was 'Nebraska.' I just kinda sat there;
you can hear the chair creaking on 'Highway Patrolman' in particular.
I RECORDED THEM IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. Some songs I only did once, like 'Highway Patrolman.
' THE OTHER SONGS I DID MAYBE TWO TIMES, THREE TIMES AT THE MOST."

"I put the tape in my pocket, carried it around a couple of weeks, 'cause I was gonna teach the songs to the band.
After a couple of days, I looked at the thing and said, 'Uh oh, I'd better stop carrying this around like this.
Can somebody make a copy of this?'"

Bruce made the tape on January 3, 1982, and mixed it over the next few days. First to hear it was Jon Landau.
"He came up to the office one day - he'd let me know he was gonna have something -
and he gave me a notebook and a cassette," Landau remembers. And it was all the 'Nebraska' songs,
except for 'My Father's House.' And the tape had many other 'Nebraska'-style songs, performed in the 'Nebraska'-style.
There were versions of 'Downbound Train,' 'Born in the USA,' and, I think, 'Working on the Highway' ('Child Bride').
But basically, it was the 'Nebraska' album and other 'Nebraska'-style songs. That's what he presented to me at that time,
with this notebook, saying, in effect, 'Here it is; here's where I'm going with the next album.'"

The tape described above is what you now hold in your hands, the original first incarnation of "Nebraska".
As we all know, some of the songs were cast adrift and later electrified for the "Born in the USA" album
("Born in the USA" and "Downbound Train"), released as B- sides ("Pink Cadillac")
or evolved into something entirely different ("Child Bride" into "Working on the Highway").
Only one has remained completely unreleased to this day, that being "Losin' Kind."

The bonus tracks are released here for the first time anywhere - amazingly, the Roy Orbison classic "Dream Baby",
two short practice takes of "Nebraska" and, oddly enough, an old composition by J.B.F. Wright called "Precious Memories"
(Bob Dylan covered this on his "Knocked Out Loaded" album, and J.J. Gale has also recorded it).

We feel that the sound Bruce describes as "kinda deep" is more honestly captured on this original tape but, of course,
we'll let you decide for yourselves.

One issue we feel needs to be brought up: Bruce himself says the songs were recorded in a couple of days.
Marsh says that Bruce "made the tape on January 3, 1982, and mixed it over the next couple of days".
Is it possible Bruce recorded the songs some days prior to Jan 3, 1982,
and on that date he simply compiled the tape?
We know that he recorded several takes of some songs because he says so himself,
as does Chuck Plotkin. From "Glory Days" again - "Plotkin checked into the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank (May 1982-ed),
in order to be near the rehearsals. Exhausted, he slept for three days. Refreshed,
he began listening to a cassette copy of Bruce's original demo tape.
'I got ahold of these tapes and I was transfixed. They were Bruce's original home mixes of the demos;
he'd do three or four different mixes of a thing and they were all on the cassette.
The first thing I heard was four renditions in a row of the song "Nebraska."

Evidently, there was only a cassette (singular) original demo tape, presumably 90 minutes,
which contained 4 takes of "Nebraska", the songs you have here and perhaps multiple versions
of several other songs on the tape. Logically, this would mean that Bruce edited the original tape down.

What remains a mystery is what other 'Nebraska" tunes were recorded multiple times?
On what dates did Bruce actually record the songs, as he himself said they were recorded in a couple of days?
Was January 3, 1982 simply the date he compiled the tape?

Another question arises about when Bruce actually started writing the Nebraska material.
It has been suggested that Bruce wrote "Mansion on the Hill" backstage during the European Tour in 81.
It is also a fact that he at least partially wrote "Open All Night" in late 1980,
as during one of the Madison Square Garden shows of December 1980 he changed key in the middle of
"Ramrod" and sang 2 lines from it right before the final guitar solos.

These facts confuse things even further as to the actual "beginning" of the Nebraska material
and lend an air of mystery to the entire project. Chances are the answers to these and other
questions surrounding the Nebraska "sessions" will always remain a mystery.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  02 - One Way Street - Darkness Masters Volume 1

Songs 1-8: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Atlantic Studios, New York City, June 1977.

1. One Way Street
2. Don't Look Back Instrumental
3. Frankie
4. Drive All Night #1 Original version
5. Drive All Night #2 Alternate version
6. Something In the Night
7. Candy's Boy #1
8. Fire

Songs 9-15: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Atlantic Studios, New York City, August 1977.

9. Fast Song #1 Instrumental
10. Streets of Fire #1
11. Badlands #1 Instrumental
12. The Promise
13. Talk to Me Instrumental
14. Get That Feeling
15. Racing In the Street #1 Alternate version with harp

At 3 a.m. on May 28, 1977, a final settlement was reached in the infamous Bruce Springsteen vs. Mike Appel lawsuit.
Though details of the settlement were never officially released, a."supposed
" amicable settlement had been reached and the parties were barred from ever suing one another again.
Less than a week later, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band entered Atlantic Records'
new studio in Manhattan to begin recording what would eventually become "Darkness on the Edge of Town."

With Jon Landau at the helm and engineer Jimmy [ovine also participating, initial sessions seemed to proceed smoothly.
Dave Marsh claims that the first evening saw Bruce lay down no less than twenty demos of songs he had written during the lawsuit,
including the already performed live tracks "Rendezvous," "Frankie," "The Promise," and "Something in the Night,"
plus several tracks destined to wind up on "Darkness," including the title track, and other unreleased tunes such as
"Don't Look Back." Indeed, Columbia was so confident that Bruce and Landau could record quickly that plans
were laid for a holiday release of the new LP. This was not to be, as the sessions at Atlantic ran into trouble.

The June-August sessions at Atlantic began to deteriorate for a number of reasons. Apparently,
Bruce was unhappy with the drum sound and the studio was not very comfortable,
which was an important consideration when it became apparent that the sessions would be continuing for many more months.
Eventually, the sessions relocated to the Record Plant, where "Born to Run" was made.
The 15 songs on this CD were recorded during the Atlantic sessions of June through August 1977.
of the 15, four would end up on the official release, and only then in drastically different incarnations.
Seven tracks - "one Way Street," "Don't Look Back (inst.)," "Frankie," "Candy's Boy," "The Fast Song (inst.),"
"The Promise" and "Get That Feeling," still remain in the vaults. Two others - "Fire" and "Talk to Me"
(with lyrics) - were given to the Pointer Sisters and Southside Johnny, respectively.
"Drive All Night" would find its way onto "The River" in much different form.
The first two versions of this track are presented here.

Most of the tracks included here are seeing the light of day for the first time in collecting circles.
The quality on these tracks represents a substantial improvement over previously circulated outtakes f
rom these sessions and, along with its companion piece CD "Rattling the Chains,
" is the definitive collection of outtakes from "Darkness on the Edge of Town."

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  03 - Rattling The Chains - Darkness Masters Volume 2

Songs 1-5: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Atlantic Studios or The Record Plant, New York City, August 1977.

1. Badlands #2With different lyrics
2. Adam Raised a Cain Alternate take with different lyrics
3. Factory Alternative lyrics
4. Racing in the Street #2With different lyrics
5. Prove It All Night With lyrics from "Something in the Night"

Songs 6-13: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Atlantic Studios, New York City, August 1977.

6. Because the Night Early version
7. Racing in the Street #3 Slow version with different lyrics
8. Streets of Fire #2 Different lyrics
9. Fast Song #2
10. Sherry Darling
11. Candy's Boy #2
12. Badlands #3 Different lyrics
13. Spanish Eyes

Songs 14-16: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The Record Plant, New York City, September 1977.

14. Independence Day Original from 1978
15. Break Out Early version
16. Some Day, Tonight Instrumental



This second volume of "Darkness" Masters presents what we consider to be a treasure trove of never-before-heard versions of Bruce classics and unreleased gems. Brought to you in the highest quality possible, our set starts out with 5 songs from the August 1977 sessions at Atlantic Studios or The Record Plant. These songs ( "Badlands", "Adam Raised A Cain", "Factory", "Racing in the Street" and "Prove It All Night" ) all feature radical lyrical changes to the released versions and provide additional insight into the meaning behind the songs. Indeed, though one could argue that the released versions are superior, it is clear that Bruce and the E Street Band were on a roll during these sessions, as these five songs all make strong and powerful statements, both musically and lyrically. Regrettably, early versions of "Because the Night" and a slower paced "Racing in the Street" are cut short. However, early, alternate takes of "Streets of Fire", "Sherry Darling" and a lyrically different "Badlands" are among the unreleased classics "Candy's Boy, the instrumental "The Fast Song"and the beautiful and haunting "Spanish Eyes". Play the latter for someone questioning Bruce's vocal abilities! Our definitive set of "Darkness" Masters winds up with three cuts from the Record Plant in September 1977, "Independence Day", which made the final thirteen tracks considered for "Darkness" ( "The Promise" and "Don't Look Back" were also cut ), is a revelation, highlighted by the many lyrical differences to the released version and an astounding guitar ending by Miami Steve. Bruce dropped this because he felt it belonged in the next chapter of what he considered a continuing saga. The unreleased, original version of "Breakout" and "Someday, Tonight" complete our "Darkness" chronicles.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  04 - Big Expendables - Songs That Got Away

1. Roulette acoustic demo
Bruce Springsteen, Home Demo. Holmdel, New Jersey circa 1979. This is Bruce at home actually creating the song. Fascinating.

2. Roulette original version
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Power Station Studios, New York City, April 3, 1979. Completely different version to the one finally released in 1988, including vastly different lyrics and an alternate mix. This original version features prominent keyboards by Mr. Bittan and a much more "accusatory" vocal by the Boss. Hard to imagine someone thinking they could improve upon this. They didn't.

3. Protection Mix #2
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Hit Factory, New York City, August 1, 1983. The full E Street Band completed take of song written for Donna Summer. Complete final take. 1st generation from 24-tracks master.

4. Chain Lightning
5. Under the Gun #1 Originally titled "Rich Punk" by Bruce
6. Under the Gun #2
7. Under the Gun #3
8. Under the Gun #4
9. Under the Gun #5
10. Night Fire
11. Man Who Got Away
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Road Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, March 30, 1979.

12. Man Who Got Away Acoustic demo
Bruce Springsteen, Home Demo, Holmdel, New Jersey circa 1979.

13. Mary Lou
14. I Don't Want to Be
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, September 16, 1979.



Webster's Dictionary describes the term "perfectionist" as follows: "a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable." This term could certainly be applied to Bruce Springsteen. Whether it was in the studio or in a "home" rehearsal, Bruce Springsteen drove himself and the E Street Band to achieve what he regarded as perfection. This explains the countless takes of the same song being recorded over and over again, striving for that "perfect take." Rehearsals were certainly treated this way, although the rehearsal tape that comprises the next part of this disc includes multiple attempts at only one song, "Under the Gun." Like your rock & roll with some edgy guitar? The five different takes of "Under the Gun," complete with some interesting studio chatter, should satisfy your cravings, and then some. Also included are the punchy "Chain Lightning" and red-hot "Night Fire." The rehearsal concludes with two takes of "Man Who Got Away," another stunner that leaves one wondering how many other songs of this quality "got away," "Mary Lou" (later recorded in the studio) and "I Don't Wanna Be" with some nice background vocals from Clarence. All in all a very enjoyable set in outstanding quality.
 

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  05 - Heaven's Dawn - Unreleased River Masters Volume 1

Songs 1-2: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Power Station Studios, New York City 1979/1980.

1. (She's A) Rocker #1 Take #4
Early version of song "I'm a Rocker" with different lyrics
Completely different take to released version with lyrical changes. This take, minus the count-in, times out at 3:20, 0:14 less than released version.

2. (She's A) Rocker #2 Take #6 with different vocal, mixed up front
Another completely different take to #4 above with Bruce's vocal way up in the mix.

Songs 3-14: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Power Station Studios, New York City, July 20th, 1979.

3. Rickie (Wants A Man Of Her Own) Alternate take with more organ and different lyrics
A different take than the previously circulating version. What distinguishes this track is Roy's organ way up in the mix.

4. Cindy #1 Alternate take with double track vocals
5. Cindy #2 Alternate take with Clarence's harmony vocals
Yet another take of this tuneful, teenybopper love song (and we say that in a positive way), this version is highlighted by an unlikely Clarence harmony vocal.

6. Ramrod #1
7. Ramrod #2
8. Ramrod #3 This take has some different lyrics in the second verse
9. Ramrod #4 Work outs with extra sax overdubs and instrumental end
Four different takes of what some Springsteen enthusiasts call one of Bruce's most misunderstood tunes, some fans citing this as one of Bruce's saddest songs. The four takes included here differ greatly to the released version and include studio chatter and Clarence working out his sax parts. A primo take is #4, where Steve's harmony vocal is way up in the mix and long outro.

10. I Wanna Marry You #1 Alternate take with new vocal, spoken Intro, and no sax or backing vocals at the end
A beautiful alternate version with a rougher new vocal by Bruce, spoken intro and no sax or harmonies at the end.

11. I Wanna Marry You #2 Take #16
With more background vocals added
Another altemate version with brighter harmony vocals added to the mix.

12. I Wanna Marry You #3 Take #22
Without background vocals or sax solo at the end
Bruce starts singing late on this take A different vocal take by Bruce, this version is longer and contains no background vocals or sax at the end. You can hear Bruce talk in between this take and the next: "I'm gonna run to the hotel and get my bag."

13. I Wanna Marry You #4 Take #24
Overdub #2 Different vocals and no sax solo or background vocals at the end
Now the mix really changes, with the keyboards more prominent and a new Bruce vocal with some slight lyric changes.

14. I Wanna Marry You #5 Take #12
Overdub #4 Different vocals, more organ but no sax solo or background vocals at the end
Another drastically different take with Danny's organ way up in the mix, keyboards more prominent overall, lyric differences and no sax solo/harmony vocals at the end.

Song 15: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Soundcheck at Brendan Byrne Arena, Meadowlands Sports Complex, East Rutherford, NJ, July 8th, 1981.

15. All I Need
Bruce probably wrote the song the same day (you can hear his home demo on The Lost Masters VII) and quickly rehearsed it with the band the same day at the afternoon soundcheck before one of his 6 sold-out shows at the Meadowlands Arena, where Gary US Bonds was a guest. Gary would eventually release the song one year later in his album "On The Line," his second album produced by Bruce Springsteen and Miami Steve.


Bruce Springsteen - Volume  06 - Travel in Fear - Unreleased River Masters Volume 2

1. Hungry Heart #1 Alternate mix
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, June 21, 1979. Alternate mix with extended ending. What is noticed immediately is that this take has a count-in and no vocal histrionics by Bruce during the intro prior to his singing the first verse. Piano seems to be a little more prominent in the mix, the lead vocal less so, and there are no "la la las" during the chorus. Extended outro has this take clocking in at around 22 seconds longer than the released version (3:19).

2. Hungry Heart #2 Alternate mix
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, June 21, 1979. Another alternate mix with different count-in than #1. Similar to #1 with distinct vocal variations, this take also features an extended outro.

3. The Price You Pay Alternate take with 12-String guitar and accordion
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, June 21, 1979. A classic E Street Band performance of one of Bruce's great "lesser known" songs, this alternate take features a totally different mix to the released version. A count-in and a different intro start things off on this more uptempo version, with keyboards and accordion figuring more prominently in the mix and a significantly different guitar sound. Most evident are the many lyrics differences and the additional verses to the released version, in addition to the much different ending. This take is different to the one featured on the previously released CD "The Ties That Bind" and clocks in at 5:43 vice 5:27 on the released version.

4. I Wanna Be With You
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, June 21, 1979. A well known "Darkness" outtake, this take of a classic Bruce "power pop" song is different to the previously circulated version, as this is actually from the sessions for "The River." Bruce's vocal has more muscle and the lyrics differ considerably to the "Darkness" outtake. Max and Clarence REALLY strut their stuff on this unreleased gem.

6. Stolen Car #1
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, June 21, 1979. Yet another completely different take of "Stolen Car," this take features a new mix, different lyrics and three more verses than the released version. Almost a minute longer and a totally different take than the one found on the CD "The Ties That Bind" (4:28), this cut times out at 4:48.

7. Angelyne #1 Acoustic demo
Bruce Springsteen, Home Demo, Holmdel, New Jersey circa 1979. Bruce's solo acoustic working demos of a tune that would eventually evolve into "The River." This interesting look at song construction features Bruce working out parts of the song with his guitar and his voice simulating a guitar, singing several recognizable verses, and several attempts at the chorus sung in both a high and a low voice. Perhaps some of you technical wizards out there can edit the various pieces into one complete track. From any perspective, a fascinating look at the birth of a classic.

8. The Ties That Bind New mix, take #8
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, circa 1979/1980. This alternate take features a slightly different Bruce lead vocal, is sung in a different key and it is an entirely different mix.

9. Hungry Heart #3 Different harmonies
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, circa 1979/1980. Very similar to the released version but with slightly different harmonies and an extended ending.

10. Stolen Car #2 Alternate lyrics
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, circa 1979/1980. Another alternate take of "Stolen Car" similar to the one on "The Ties That Bind" but considerably shorter.

11. To Be True
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios, New York City, circa 1979/1980. Original version with double tracked lead vocal and a very enjoyable extended harmony ending.

12. Angelyne #2 Acoustic demo
Bruce Springsteen, Home Demo, Holmdel, New Jersey circa 1979. Working out lyrics and harmonies. See notes of track 6.

13. Angelyne #3 Acoustic demo
Bruce Springsteen, Home Demo, Holmdel, New Jersey circa 1979. Working out lyrics and guitar riffs. See notes of track 6.

14. Angelyne #4 Acoustic demo
Bruce Springsteen, Home Demo, Holmdel, New Jersey circa 1979. Working out lyrics that would evolve into the song "The River." See notes of track 6.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  07 - Stockton Boy - Solo Masters Volume 1

Songs 1-16: Bruce Springsteen. Acoustic home demos. Holmdel, New Jersey, January 11th, 1980.

1. Everybody Wants My Baby
2. Stockton Boys #1
3. Stockton Boys #2
4. Two Hearts
5. Stockton Boys #3
6. Stockton Boys #4
7. Stockton Girls
8. Untitled Harmonies
9. You Can Look #1
10. You Can Look #2 Reggae version
11. You Gotta Be Kind
12. Down in Whitetown #1
13. Down in Whitetown #2
14. Drive All Night harmonies Bruce sings harmonies over tape of studio outtake from 1977/1978 sessions
15. Down in Whitetown #3
16. Down in Whitetown #4

Songs 17-20: Bruce Springsteen. Acoustic home demos. Holmdel, New Jersey, unknown date in 1979.

17. Untitled Harmonies
18. Party Lights Very similar melody to "Fade Away." On this take you can hear Bruce's girlfriend (Joyce Heiser) talk to him.
19. Jackson Cage #1
20. Jackson Cage #2

Songs 21-23: Bruce Springsteen. Acoustic home demos. Holmdel, New Jersey, July 8th, 1981.

21. All I Need The same day Bruce rehearsed this song during the soundcheck prior to one of his concerts at the Meadowlands Arena (you can hear it on The Lost Masters Vol. V)
22. Fade to Black #1 This is different to the 1983 home demo.
23. Fade to Black #2

Songs 24-26: Bruce Springsteen. Acoustic home demos. Holmdel, New Jersey, early 1980.

24. Stolen Car harmonies Bruce sings over tape of band rehearsal from January 1980
25. Love's Gonna Be Tonight #1
26. Love's Gonna Be Tonight #2



Mid January of 1980 was a busy time for Bruce Springsteen. He was writing songs, recording demos and rehearsing with the E Street Band, sometimes all on the same day. Restless days and restless nights seemed to be the norm. What was behind this creative burst we will never know, but the recordings that have surfaced from this time period give us a rare glimpse into the methods and creative processes behind one of the USA's most eloquent songwriters. The material that forms the basis for this edition of "The Lost Masters" falls into this category.

These 1980 demo recordings are somewhat different from previous editions. Here we have many more fully realized ideas and complete song constructions, not fragments or incomplete takes. Some songs turned upon "The River" ("Two Hearts", "You Can Look...", "Jackson Cage", and "Stolen Car"). others you may be familiar with from other releases, such as "Down in Whitetown" ("Mr. Outside") and "All I Need", presented here in demo form after its amazing rehearsal version found on volume 5.

"Fade to Black" is different to the 1983 version and, with the exception of "Party Lights", all the others included here are uncirculated and unreleased. The "Stockton" songs are particularly intriguing and all different. It's also very interesting to hear Bruce singing harmonies over a band rehearsal of "Stolen Car". Last but not least is the Buddy Holly like energy of "Love's Gonna Be Tonight". Bruce wears his influence on his sleeve on these two takes.

The wide variety of music employed on this material reggae, rock, pop, soul, balladsmakes it one of the most interesting sets yet of the "Solo Masters."

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  08 - Under The Gun - Solo Masters Volume 2

All songs: Bruce Springsteen. Acoustic home demos. Holmdel, New Jersey, possibly March/April 1979.

1. Protection #1
2. Protection #2
3. Protection #3 Incomplete takes
4. Protection #4
5. Protection #5 Incomplete take
6. Love And Kisses #1
7. Love And Kisses #2 Harmonies
8. Every Day & Every Night Harmonies from this song were later used on "Janey Don't You Lose Heart" four years later
9. Under The Gun #1
10. Under The Gun #2 Guitar riff
11. Under The Gun #3 Incomplete take
12. Under The Gun #4
13. Under The Gun #5
The phone rings in the middle of take #4. Bruce answers it: "yeah?, ah, one, two seconds, alright?." Bruce resumes the song and the phone rings again: "hi?, no, it's airight, I'll talk to you now," but he goes on with the song.
14. Jeannie Needs A Shooter #1 Harmonies
15. Jeannie Needs A Shooter #2
16. Untitled Guitar Riff
17. Man Who Got Away Harmonies
Bruce sings harmonies over band rehearsal tape (possibly from the March 30th 1979 rehearsal that you can find on volume IV of this collection).
18. Chain Lightning #1
19. Chain Lightning #2
20. Chain Lightning #3
21. Baby Don't Go #1
22. Baby Don't Go #2
23. Mary Lou #1 Incomplete takes
24. Mary Lou #2
25. Mary Lou #3
26. Mary Lou #4
All these demos of Mary Lou" have Bruce trying out different lyrics.



Arriving hot on the heels of the previous set of acoustic demos in our series, this collection of 1979 home recordings is every bit as compelling as the previous set. Containing no less than 16 fully realized versions of songs, what is pernaps the most amazing aspect of these recordings is how Bruce can change the songs "on the fly." It is obvious while listening to him "perform" for himself that he's improvising, changing lyrics and chords between "takes' of the same song on a whim. If not laying down a whole take then he's working out the harmonies or playing with a certain rift that he then incorporates into the next finished 'take'. Imagine a painter mixing his colors before arriving at the right shade and you'll get an idea what is happening. It's fascinating to hear and ranks right up there with the "Lost Lennon Tapes" in terms of providing insight into how a songwriting genius operates. Several tamiliar songs are included: 'Mary Lou' was recorded by the E Street Band around this time and they very well could have used the 3 demo versions included here as a guide before tackling ft in the studio. "Jeanie Needs a Doctor (Shooter)" is found in this collection in two versions, both very dark and foreboding with Bruce's guitar and vocal creating a gloomy mood. For fans of Bruce's acoustic material, this collection will be a real treat for you. Every song, without fail, contains a nice hook/narmony and, although several songs are a bit bleak, the majority ("Protection", "Love & Kisses", "Under the Gun", "Every Day & Every Night", "Mary Lou") are upbeat. Harmonies from one song pop up on the classic b-side "Janey Don't You Lose Heart" four years later. You figure out which one. Bruce's acoustic guitar playing is top notch and in stark contrast to his meager, yet fully effective, playing on the "Tom Joad" release. Most of these songs beg for full band treatment and we are left wondering what the E Street Band could have done with some of this material.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume  09 - Love is a Gun - Solo Masters Volume 3

1. Love is a Gun
2. Walking On the Avenue
3. Take Em As They Come
4. Untitled
5. Baby Come Back
6. Love & Kisses
7. Love Will Get You Down (x4)
8. Untitled
9. Out on The Run
10. Under The Gun
11. Find It Where You Can
12. Everyone Loves You
13. Untitled
14. Bring On the Night



This edition of the Lost Masters brings you two sets of home demos circa 1979, via Los Angeles and Holmdel, NJ. The quality, as per the other solo volumes in our set, is astounding. There are some true gems included here and several examples of Bruce at his melodic and rhythmic best. Despite the rough and unfinished nature of this music, it is hard to deny the beautiful melody of songs like "Walking on the Avenue" and "Find It Where You Can" or the funky rhythms of "Baby Come Back" and "Bring on the Night". Both "Find It Where You Can" and "Bring on the Night" can be found in full band rehearsal versions on previous Lost Masters volumes. It is interesting to see the songs develop from skeleton demos to fully realized electric versions. Similarly, it is interesting to see how a song like "Take Em As They Come" evolved from its beginnings here to the circulating E Street Band outtake we know so well. Also evident among these tracks is how Bruce utilizes similar harmonies on different songs - listen to how the harmonies from "Love Is A Gun" #2 & "Love and Kisses" are employed on "out on the Run (Looking For Love)". Fully realized unreleased demos, pretty harmonies, intriguing lyrics, heartrending vocals and some fine acoustic guitar playing - it's all here on the latest solo offering from the Lost Masters series.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 10 - Jesse James and The Wages of Sin - Solo Masters Volume 4

All songs: Bruce Springsteen. Acoustic home demos, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, early 1983.

1. Long Way Home
2. Ruled by the Gun #1
3. Ruled by the Gun #2 Harmonies and guitar solos
4. Downbound Train
5. Wages of Sin #1
6. I Need You #1
7. I Need You #2 Background vocals
8. Ruled by the Gun #3
9. Ruled by the Gun #4 Harmonies
10. Baby I'm So Cold (Turn the Lights Down Low)
Early version of "Follow That Dream," with lyrics from "Loose Ends"
11. Untitled Riff
12. Wages of Sin #2
13. Wages of Sin #3 Harmonies
14. Wheels Make the World Go Round
15. Glory Days Original demo
16. Wages of Sin #4
17. Fade to Black
18. Your Love (Is All Around Me Now) #1
19. Your Love (Is All Around Me Now) #2
20. Jesse James #1
Harmonies similar to song "None But the Brave"
21. Jesse James #2 Harmonies
22. They Killed Him in the Street #1
23. They Killed Him in the Street #2 Harmonies
24. True Love Is Hard to Come By #1
25. True Love Is Hard to Come By #2
26. True Love Is Hard to Come By #3
Early version of "Janey Don't You Lose Heart"



Having gone from a prisoner of rock and roll to a prisoner in his own home in a few short years, Bruce Springsteen did not simply sit idly by a year after releasing his stark and riveting masterpiece, "Nebraska." With money, fame and critical acclaim throughout the world, he embarked on a long, arduous and soul-searching journey which would eventually result in the colossus called "Born in the USA." This trip was marked by fits and stops, detours and backtracks, hits and misses, some of which can be found on such unreleased tunes from this period as "Frankie," "This Hard Land," and "My Love Will Not Let You Down." The beginning of this trip, however (well, maybe not the very beginning, but certainly somewhere at the start), may very well be traced to the music you now hold in your hands. For those of you wanting to hear Bruce unplugged, it doesn't get any more unplugged than this. Accompanied only by an acoustic guitar and some skeleton lyrics, these demos capture Bruce at his rawest, presumably in the earliest stages of work on an album that would not see the light of day for at least another year and a half. Don't be fooled by the term demo in this case, either. There are no less than 12 "complete" (if not fully realized) tunes here, not to mention incomplete (yet still compelling) and early incarnations of "Glory Days" and "Downbound Train." What is perhaps most fascinating about these demos (beyond the unbelievable source sound quality and compelling lyrics), is that it provides a glimpse into a master at work, constructing and deconstructing ideas, lyrics and sounds and attempting to mold them into something substantial. Listening to "Jesse James" and its incredible reprise, one is left wondering what could have become of a song such as this. This is no mere "rough" demo and will rightfully take its place alongside other unreleased classics as "The Iceman" and "Preacher's Daughter." Ditto for "Your Love Is All Around Me Now," "Wages of Sin," and "Ruled by the Gun." Many other surprises await you on this extremely rare glimpse into the private world of the Boss alone, circa 1983. We guarantee you've never heard anything quite like it. Who knows when you might again (wink)?
 

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 11 - Walk Don't Run - The Telegraph Hill Rehearsals Volume 1

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, May 14, 1979

1. Mary Lou #1
2. Mary Lou #2
3. Mary Lou #3
4. Mary Lou #4
5. Mary Lou #5
6. Mary Lou #6
7. Bring on the Night

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, February 22, 1980

8. Walk, Don't Run
9. Held Up Without a Gun #1 Practice takes
10. Held Up Without a Gun #2
11. Held Up Without a Gun #3
12. Held Up Without a Gun #4 Miami Steve on lead vocals
13. Held Up Without a Gun #5
14. Held Up Without a Gun #6
15. Held Up Without a Gun #7
16. Held Up Without a Gun #8
17. Two Hearts #1 Includes guitar solo mid-song
18. Two Hearts #2 Practice takes
19. Two Hearts #3
20. Two Hearts #4
21. Two Hearts #5 With new verse
22. Two Hearts #6 New version with new verse and guitar solo
23. Two Hearts #7 New Version with extended ending
24. Two Hearts #8 Alternate take with new guitar solo



Volume 1 of our rehearsal series takes us to what the E Street Band referred to as Telegraph Hill. It has been learned that most, if not all, of the E Street Band rehearsals that took place at various locations between 1978 and 1980 were, indeed, taped. Presumably, the taping was done on a large boom box, situated centrally so as to capture as much of the sound as possible (obviously). The purpose of taping these sessions (and supposedly dubbing copies for each band member) was unclear but one can venture a guess that Bruce used these as guides for how the band would eventually "tackle" a song in the studio. The fact that these sessions were taped on a boom box (albeit a good one, we'd presume) renders the sound is a bit strange, with the vocals not as "upfront" as we'd like, at times. One thing that is evident, however, is the incredible energy and enthusiasm that resounds from these tracks. These are not sloppy, disorganized sessions, but are serious attempts at finding the "groove," so to speak. It is fascinating to witness the evolution of songs such as "Mary Lou" from the initial studio chatter and incomplete takes through to two complete takes and then compare it to the outtake in circulation. Or to hear the E Street Band tear up the old Ventures tune "Walk Don't Run" with some amazing guitar work. This one is a real treat. What is most interesting and enjoyable about these sessions, though, are the various takes of "Held Up" and "Two Hearts." Listening to these complete takes along with the between-song chatter illustrates how well this group of musicians worked together and how in sync they were. Miami Steve even takes the lead vocal on two razor-sharp versions of "Held Up," and listen to how the guitars cook as the band works on several minutes of the ending guitar solos. The evolution of "Two Hearts" is even more extraordinary. From the initial guitar solos and "practice takes" to two complete takes, you can hear Bruce putting the pieces together. Then for a minute he runs through a new verse sung in a different key, after which they incorporate this into a full and completely different take running almost a minute longer than the previous completed takes. To top it off, they run through this again, only to add another minute with an extended ending. Things wrap up nicely with some more "practice" and then another "new" version with a drastically different guitar solo. Sublime! It can safely be said that Bruce holds the old saying "practice makes perfect" very dear to his heart. It's no wonder that Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band are recognized as one of the very best bands of all time. Listening to this rehearsal, it becomes clear how "tight" and "together" they were. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.
 

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 12 - Buddy Holly Revisited - The Telegraph Hill Rehearsals Volume 2

Songs 1-5: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, November 15, 1979.

1. Living On The Edge #1 Buddy Holly-type song (similar to "Warm California Sun")
2. Living On The Edge #2
3. Living On The Edge #3
4. Chevrolet Deluxe
5. Chevrolet Deluxe

Song 6: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, unknown date in 1979.

6. Bring On The Night

Songs 7-12: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel, New Jersey, January 10, 1980.

7. Restless Nights #1 Slow version
8. Restless Nights #2 Different slow version (music similar to "Soul Driver")
9. Restless Nights #3 Incomplete practice takes
10. Restless Nights #4 Complete take plus guitar solos practice
11. Restless Nights #5
12. Restless Nights #6
13. Restless Nights #7 Superb version with great guitar jam



This edition of the Lost Masters once again finds our heroes at the Holmdel, NJ rehearsal space dubbed Telegraph Hill, circa late 1979 and early 1980. We hope you'll agree that we have saved the best for last, as these rehearsals pack an incredible and powerful rock and roll wallop and offer another insightful look at the working process of the (then) hardest working group in show business.

Three complete and fully realized takes of an unmistakable Buddy Holly-like track called "Living on the Edge" start things off in a very enjoyable fashion. Take #3 is our favorite, with some nice harp work courtesy of Bruce. "Chevrolet Deluxe" bears no relation to its demo counterpart other than sharing some of the same lyrics. The versions here are markedly different, more upbeat and powerful, and each differs from the other. I refer to them as the "Warm Up Then Peel out" version (#1) and the "Rev It Up and Go" version (#2). Those terms characterise them well.

The classic unreleased and universal favorite "Restless Nights" is the subject of the last 30 minutes of our presentation. Mixed in among the five complete and different takes is a fascinating look at how Bruce and the band build a song up in layers, break it down and then reconstruct it all over again. We hear new song introductions being discussed and incorporated, different keyboard arrangements being played out with some amazing, Highway 61like swirling organ runs, numerous guitar solos being attempted and other guitar parts being worked out and the endings being revised. Dominant throughout is the incredibly blistering guitar work of Bruce and Steven, both in their mid-song solos and extended endings, and the carnival-like sound of Danny's organ. Rock and roll passion at a fever pitch!
 

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 13 - Restless Days - The Telegraph Hill Rehearsals Volume 3

Songs 1-10: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio,
Holmdel, New Jersey, January 11th, 1980.

1. Jole Blon #1
2. Restless Nights #8
3. Restless Nights #9 Practice takes
4. Restless Nights #10
5. Restless Nights #11 Practice takes
6. Restless Nights #12
7. Restless Nights #13
8. Jole Blon #2
9. Jole Blon #3
10. Wreck On The Highway Country version

Songs 11-14: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio,
Holmdel, New Jersey, January 16th, 1980.

11. Stolen Car #1
12. Stolen Car #2
13. Stolen Car #3 Practice takes
Testing keyboards, different lyrics, new harmonies and ending parts.
14. Stolen Car #4



The early days of the new decade found Bruce & The E Street Band hard at work rehearsing new material.
Some of our previous editions have included rehearsals of songs that would end up on "The River",
along with others that would never see the light of day.
This latest edition contains tunes that fall into both categories.

After a quick run through of "Jole Blon," later given to Gary U.S. Bonds for the "Dedication" LP,
we find the E Streeters running through multitakes of "Restless Nights".
You get the full benefit of an E Street Band rehearsal here, with all the chatter,
direction from Bruce and song construction workouts included among complete takes of "Restless Nights".
It's interesting to hear the band break down a part of the song one moment and then incorporate it into
the next full take immediately after. You'll hear different guitar solos and faster versions of "Restless Nights"
than the studio version. Take your pick of the highlights of these sessions;
the blistering lead guitar runs of Bruce and Steve,
Danny's swirling organ sound reminiscent of "Highway 61 Revisited" or Bruce's growling lead vocals?

Two wonderful takes of "Jole Blon" precede a unique, country like version of "Wreck on the Highway",
more uptempo than the released version, with some lyrical differences.

The evolution of "Stolen Car" finalizes this edition of the Telegraph Hill rehearsals.
Among complete versions of this much rehearsed tune you'll find the band practicing keyboard breaks,
faded endings and Bruce testing out different lyrics,
not to mention singing in different keys and testing out various harmonies.
It's interesting to see how the song evolved and how it compares to the studio outtakes
and the official "The River" version.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 14 - Out On The Run - The Telegraph Hill Rehearsals Volume 4

Songs 1-8: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio,
HoImdel, New Jersey, unknown date in 1979.

1. Find It Where You Can #1 Incomplete take
2. Find It Where You Can #2
3. Break Mv Heart (Tonight) #1
4. Break Mv Heart (Tonight) #2 Rehearsals of sax solo
5. Out On The Run (Looking For Love) #1
6. Out On The Run (Looking For Love) #2
7. Out On The Run (Looking For Love) #3
8. The Ties That Bind

Songs 9-15: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio, Holmdel,
New Jersey March 25th 1979.

9. In The City Tonight #1 Incomplete reheersal takes
10. In The City Tonight #2
11. In The City Tonight #3 Incomplete take
12. In The City Tonight #4
13. In The City Tonight #5 Incomplete rehearsal takes
14. In The City Tonight #6
15. In The City Tonight #7 Incomplete rehearsal takes



They say that James Brown is the hardest working man in show business. Well,
we contend that, at one time, the E Street Band was the hardest working BAND
in show business. This volume of rehearsals from 1979
presents a further bit of evidence to support this.
Capturing the band rehearsing several tunes never to be released,
along with one that did eventually see the light of day ("The Ties That Bind"),
it's easy to see how, over the years, these guys coalesced into perhaps the tightest of all rock bands.
The answer to why this came about is threefold: they loved what they were doing,
they worked at it as hard, if not harder, than anyone,
and they were driven by a passionate taskmaster who knew exactly what he wanted
and how to go about getting it. Bruce was nothing if not a perfectionist,
and he expected nothing less from Max, Danny, Roy, Clarence and Garry.
If they needed to rehearse a tune 10 times in a row to get it right, so be it.
You can feel the camaraderie and the teamwork just oozing from these rehearsals and,
although you may not play these on a daily basis,
these recordings offer unique insight into the evolution of
(with apologies to the Stones and the Who)
what we think is the greatest rock and roll band in the world.
Among the offerings here are some fine songs that would have been interesting
to hear in a studio setting, particularly "Find It Where You Can" and the powerful
"In the City Tonight." Studio chattter and false starts "pepper" the proceedings,
which we feel adds tb the overall charm of these "sessions".
The complete take of "The Ties That Bind" is a highlight,
but it is the ferocious manner in which the E Street Band attacks the unreleased
"In the City Tonight" which makes this set. Whether it is the guitar solos,
practicing the intros and outros or just working out the instrumental breaks,
this is a most interesting look at the "devolution" and evolution of song construction.
 

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 15 - Slow Fade - The Telegraph Hills Rehearsals Volume 5

Songs 1-4: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio,
Holmdel, New Jersey, January 16, 1980.

1. Stolen Car #5
2. Stolen Car #6
3. Stolen Car #7
4. Stolen Car #8 Rehearsals of sax solo
Long, slow versions of "Stolen Car."

Songs 5-12: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Rehearsals at Telegraph Hill Studio,
Holmdel, New Jersey, February 5, 1980.

5. Slow Fade #1 Practice takes
6. Slow Fade #2
7. Slow Fade #3
8. Slow Fade #4 Practice takes (1 complete, 3 incomplete)
9. Slow Fade #5
10. Slow Fade #6
11. Jackson Cage #1 Practice takes
12. Jackson Cage #2 Alternate version of "Jackson Cage" with different lyrics and different music.



We are treated here to some endearing rehearsals of a tune that is many a Springsteen fans' favorite.
As we have been blessed with more than a few alternate studio takes of this classic from "The River",
it is very interesting to hear this song in its earliest of incarnations - and several different versions to boot
(no pun intended)!! This portion of our set could be subtitled "The Evolution of Stolen Car"
(which started on Volume 13 of The Lost Masters). Listen and hear four complete and fully realized takes,
some slower than the others, some with different lyrics. A wonderful look into song construction.
Compare these to the versions on "The River" and the other circulating studio versions -
there are many interesting differences.

More "behind the scenes" eavesdropping at an E Street Band rehearsal continues this edition -
a lengthy session of run-throughs, various instrumental breaks, count-ins and vocal direction f
rom Bruce on an unreleased tune called "Slow Fade".
Bruce dominates the proceedings with lots of direction-giving, like "let's do the bridge".
Interesting stuff.

Two complete takes of "Jackson Cage" wind up this edition of the Lost Masters.
Bearing scant relation to its released counterpart,
these alternate rehearsal takes are very different,
both lyrically and musically, to the version on "The River."

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 16 - Hollywood Hills Garage Tapes - Unreleased Masters Volume 1

Songs 1-9: Bruce Springsteen. Solo outtakes. Eight and 24-track mixes. Hollywood Hills Garage Studio,
Los Angeles, California, August 1982 through April 1983.

1. Don't Back Down #9
2. One Love
Note the bass line similar to the Human Touch B-side "30 Days Out."
3. Little Girl #1 Double track vocals
4. Don't Back Down #10 Alternate version with different music and double track vocals
5. Sugarland #2 Rockabilly version
6. Sugarland #3 Country version
7. Shut Out the Light #1 Complete version with 2 extra verses
8. Fugitives Dream
9. Betty Jean

Songs 10-14: Bruce Springsteen. Solo outtakes. 24-track mixes. Hollywood Hills Garage Studio,
Los Angeles, California, January 4th, 1983.

10. Bye Bye Johnny #1 Rock version
11. Bye Bye Johnny #2 Slow acoustic version with crickets
12. The Klansman
13. Don't Back Down #11 Alternate slow version
14. Seven Tears



According to the dates listed on the tapes that provided the material for this latest edition of "The Lost Masters",
Bruce Springsteen was a busy man between the months of August 1982 and April 1983.
Apparently, a lot of this time was spent in his Hollywood Hills home garage studio recording a batch
of newly penned songs. He was also becoming increasingly proficient at working in this setup,
considering that he was playing all instruments himself and overdubbing to create the final product.
The songs on this edition of the Hollywood Hills tapes attest to this and include some
of the most intriguing material yet to surface in collectors circles.

Some might think it a stretch to consider that these 14 songs could form the basis for,
if not the entirety of, an actual album. We don't think it's a stretch.
These songs all stand on their own but share a commonality of sound,
structure and thematic similarity that cannot be denied. Not that it would be a concept album,
mind you. Give it a listen from beginning to end and see if you don't agree that it all holds together very nicely.
We'll leave it up to you to decide.

The versions of "Don't Back Down" included here have very little in common with each other.
#9 is similar to the takes on Volume 18 of our series, while
#10 is an altogether different song musically and lyrically. Version
#11, while retaining the same lyrics, utilizes an entirely new instrumental backing,
much slower and atmospheric sounding. "one Love" is a wonderful tune with a killer chorus
and is followed by the short but energetic rocker "Little Girl". Two more versions of the oft recorded
"Sugarland" are next, the first a rockabilly version that could have done well without the annoying
synthesiser applied to it. The next "Sugarland",
however, is the cream of the crop. Bruce gives this much faster version a country hoe down feel,
treating us to a new arrangement that really kicks and an energetic vocal performance replete
with whoops and yells. Not to be missed.

The highlight of this collection is the complete, unedited original take of "Shut out the Light".
Two verses were edited out of the released version and we present the complete take here
for the first time ever. If you thought the released version was heartbreaking, wait until you hear this.
"Betty Jean" (no relation to Bobby Jean) lightens things up a bit with the humorous,
rocking tale of a girl who is "cute but you sure are mean",
an eventual wedding and 1 S kids and the father "hates every single one".
Great "diddy hop hop" chorus on that one. "Fugitive's Dream" mines "Nebraska" territory,
with the tale of a man haunted by a dream of his past and walking the streets "a stranger to myself".
Yet two more versions of "Bye Bye Johnny" follow, one a different rocking version and the other the infamous,
slow acoustic version with the unmistakable "crickets chirping" intro and ending.

"The Klansman" features a dark, brooding beat that mirrors the disturbing nature of the lyrics.
A nice vocal performance here and we're left wondering what possessed him to write this one.
Interestingly enough, the "original" version of "Don't Back Down"
employs the exact instrumental backing as "The Klansman".
Last up is "Seven Tears", a short tale of what a man does after he loses his wife and child
after seven years of marriage. A beautiful instrumental and vocal performance by Bruce on this one.

We're confident you will find this material as spectacular as we do.
Until next time...

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 17 - Hollywood Hills Garage Tapes - Unreleased Masters Volume 2

Songs 1-9: Bruce Springsteen, Solo Outtakes, Eight Track Mixes, Hollywood Hills Garage Studio,
Los Angeles, California, January 30th, 1983.

1. Follow That Dream False start
2. Follow That Dream #1
Presented in best-ever quality, this unreleased gem far eclipses any current circulated versions.
After a false start, this track features a tender, moving vocal by Bruce.

3. Your Hometown #1
4. Your Hometown #2
5. Your Hometown #3
6. Your Hometown #4
Rockabilly versions of "My Hometown." Bruce's fascination with rockabilly during the period preceding
"Born in the USA" is evidenced here in the original incarnation of "My Hometown,"
which was initially dubbed "Your Hometown." This uptempo, kickin' version features some classic guitar
from Bruce and sounds like it would be another track ideally suited for Dave Edmunds.
The four takes presented here are very similar, with the exception of take
#2, which features several lyric changes.

7. Follow That Dream #2
Another alternate take with subtle vocal variations to #1 above.

8. Sugarland False start
9. Sugarland #1 Rockabilly version
Another in a long line of classic, unreleased songs, Bruce debuted this on tour in 1984 at Ames, Iowa.
Recorded over a year and a half earlier, this original rock version is highlighted by a very energetic
and commanding vocal performance. And boy does it rock! Totally different to the circulated version.

Songs 10-16: Bruce Springsteen, Solo Outtakes, Holly wood Hills Garage Studio, Los Angeles, California,
January thru May 1983.

10. Little Girl #2
This pleasant little rockabilly "throwaway" number fits in nicely with the other sub two minute
Bruce numbers: "Held Up" and "Johnny Bye Bye."

11. County Fair #1
Just as "Wild Billy's Circus Story" perfectly captured the sights, sounds and smells of the circus,
this beautiful unreleased song does the same for a small town county fair.
Very few artists can transport a listener to a specific place the way Bruce does,
and here he puts you right in the middle of all the goings-on, from beginning to end.
This one's a stunner.

12. Bye Bye Johnny #4
A dramatically different version than the short, rockabilly one on the b-side of "I'm on Fire."
This longer version perfectly captures the mournful mood of the song and features some fine acoustic guitar
and synthesizer work.

13. Bye Bye Johnny #5
Without question, the definitive version of this song. Features a different intro and an additional closing verse.
A very emotional and moving vocal performance by Bruce, this take will bring tears to your eyes.
Mournful yet elegant, somber yet majestic, Bruce outdoes himself on this take.
Rest in peace: Elvis and John.

14. Delivery Man #1
Another short yet enjoyable rockabilly number with some fine picking by Bruce,
this very humorous tale of a truck driver losing his chickens would have made a great b-side.

15. Delivery Man #2
Alternate acoustic take to above with a different intro, some lyric changes and a different,
expanded outro.

16. Unsatisfied Heart
Add this to the ever expanding list of Bruce's greatest unreleased songs.
A man surveys his life and wonders if he can ever escape the demons of his past.
Classic lyrics, classic performance.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 18 - Hollywood Hills Garage Tapes - Unreleased Masters Volume 3

Songs 1-9: Bruce Springsteen, Solo Outtakes, Eight Track Mixes. Hollywood Hills Garage Studio,
Los Angeles, California, January 18th 1983.

1. Don't Back Down #1 Electric version
2. Don't Back Down #2 Electric version
3. Don't Back Down #3 Electric version
4. Don't Back Down #4 Acoustic version in key A
5. Don't Back Down #5 Acoustic version in key A
6. Don't Back Down #6 Acoustic version in key A
7. Don't Back Down #7 Acoustic version in Key A
8. Don't Back Down #8 Acoustic version in Key B
9. Sugarland #5 Rock version

Songs 10-11: Bruce Springsteen, Solo Outtakes, 24-Track Digital Mixes. Hollywood Hills Garage Studio,
Los Angeles, California, Early 1983.

10. Bye Bye Johnny #6
11. Follow That Dream #3

Songs 12-16: Bruce Springsteen, Solo Outtakes. Hollywood Hills Garage Studio, Los Angeles,
California January through May 1983.

12. Cynthia Solo version
13. Bye Bye Johnny #3
14. Richfield Whistle
15. Follow That Dream #4
16. Shut Out The Light #2



My, my. Eight different takes of "Don't Back Down" start off volume XVIII of our collection of rarities,
and a mighty fine song it is. Perhaps the best of Bruce's rockabilly "experiments",
it is easy to imagine this in the hands of Dave Edmunds. But while Mr. Edmunds
may have made the definitive version of "From Small Things",
it's hard to imagine him topping any of the versions presented here.
The guitar playing on both the electric and acoustic versions is impeccable and Bruce's vocals
hit the nail on the head. We find the acoustic versions particularly effective,
especially the fine guitar playing by Bruce. Most notable is the last acoustic version,
which is a bit longer than the others with some fine "chiming" guitar playing.
Or the take before where he adds some nice harmonica to the ending.
He was born to rockabilly, you might say. A rock version of "Sugarland" f
ollows with the annoying drum machine and programmed keyboards. Still,
a nice "poppy" version of a song best done, we think, in its rockabilly version.
Crystal clear takes of yet another "Bye Bye Johnny" and a gorgeous "Follow That Dream" are up next,
followed by a Bruce solo venture, "Cynthia", another in a long line of "name songs",
i.e. Sandy, Frankie, Cindy, Rickie. Another, different take of "Bye Bye Johnny"
(# 3) follows and then the gem of this collection, "Richfield Whistle",
comes along to blow you away. We won't spoil it for you but suffice it to say that this song
would have fit comfortably anywhere on "Nebraska". This "dark"
tale of a man struggling to go straight after a stint in the joint is one of Bruce's best,
and the music echoes the fear and uncertainty of the man perfectly.
Another version of "Follow That Dream" (# 4) and the original, edited
"Shut Out the Light" wrap things up nicely. We hope you enjoy it.

Bruce Springsteen - Volume 19 - Born in the U.S.A. - Rare Masters

Songs 1-4: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios,
New York City November 9th 1983.

1. Down, Down, Down Working title for the original take of "I'm Goin' Down"
2. Murder Incorporated
3. TV Movie
4. County Fair #2 Full band version with female vocals

Songs 5-9: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios,
New York January thru May 1983.

5. Born In The U.S.A. Complete take
6. Sugarland #4 Slow acoustic version
7. My Love Will Not Let You Down
8. My Hometown With female background vocals
9. Glory Days With extra verse
Original rought mix of the "Born in the USA" album compiled May 10th, 1983

Songs 10-13: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Power Station Studios,
New York possibly May 1982.

10. Frankie
11. Darlington County
12. Working On The Highway
13. Downbound Train



For those of you thinking this to be just another set of "Born in the U.S.A."
rehashed outtakes, think again. While perhaps not as devastating as the excellent set of previously
releases "USA" outtakes, "This Hard Land", this set is a perfect companion piece to that collection.
While some overlap does exist, we are sure you will find the additional material presented
here much to your liking. Things kick off with the full, unedited version of "Down, Down, Down"
that includes lyric changes and the complete raucous ending.

This track runs nearly a full 1:30 longer than the released version.
"Murder Inc." follows in its original incarnation and most fans are still puzzled over its non-inclusion
on the original album. Great background vocals here by Steve Van Zandt.
This song remains as relevant today as it was in 1983, evidenced by Bruce's impassioned performances
of it on his recent solo tour. A track only mentioned by Max Weinberg in interviews is up next
and a fun track it is. "TV Movie" would have made a great b-side, fitting as it does with
"Stand On It" and "Johnny Bye Bye" with its raucous rockabilly sound and some fine sax work by the Big Man.
Back in the "famous" days of 1985, it would not have been unlikely for someone to have wanted to make
a TV movie out of Bruce's life, either! "County Fair" is one of Bruce's greatest unreleased songs.
If a better song has ever been written about a circus/fair, we've never heard it.
This version is different to the one previously found on the Lost Masters XVII.
Bruce captures the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions of a night at a county fair perfectly.
Everything about this song, from the tender vocal to the E Street Band's perfect accompaniment,
exudes perfection. A great achievement, and perhaps the most curious omission of all from the album,
being that this song IS the USA. The complete unedited take of "Born in the U.S.A." follows with
the long instrumental outro and Bruce's vocal histrionics. Max is at his best here.
An amazing "ballad" version of "Sugarland" follows, with the tempo and vocals more reflective
of the lyrical mood. Beautiful keyboards by Danny and Roy augment some fine acoustic
guitar playing by Bruce - one of his greatest unreleased performances, in our opinion.
Bruce would go on to record "Sugarland" in several different ways. Stay tuned.
The universally loved and well-known outtake "My Love Will Not Let You Down"
is also included here. An upbeat and driving love song, one wonders how it would have
fit on the released album in place of, say, "Cover Me". A different mix of "My Hometown"
follows (with female background vocals?) and runs a full half minute longer than the released version.
A false start of "Glory Days" then leads into the full, unedited version with the extra verse
that we all know and love. Another curious omission from the final album
was the 1976-penned tune "Frankie", originally recorded for "Darkness",
recorded again here and still unreleased (although it was considered for the
"Greatest Hits" collection but was finally dropped). Slightly different versions / mixes of
"Darlington County", "Working on the Highway" and "Downbound Train" wrap this collection up nicely.
One last note on "Born in the USA". Still regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all-time by the critics,
one wonders how much better the album COULD have been with the exclusion of some tracks -
"Cover Me", "Working on the Highway", "Darlington County" -
and the inclusion of several of the tracks here.
We'll let you decide for yourselves. Enjoy!