2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Bruce Springsteens Born In The USA Although it would become his biggest selling album with seven top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars says “any of those songs could be played with acoustic guitar alone and still be great” Taking this idea as its premise, Dead Mans Town: A Tribute to Born in the USA strips the albums twelve indelible originals to the core, with contributions from Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Low, Nicole Atkins, Justin Townes Earle, Blitzen Trapper, Joe Pug, Trampled by Turtles, and more Rolling Stone premiered Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires Dave Cobb-produced cover of “Born In The U.S.A” saying these artists are “reimagining Born in the U.S.A. with a reduced approach more infuenced by that of the acoustic, “Nebraska.” Isbell says of his cover, “Born In The U.S.A.” is one of my favorites because so many people have seemingly misunderstood the lyrical content and the songs overall tone. When you listen to the demo, the dark, minor key arrangement makes it clear that this is not strictly a song of celebration. We wanted to stay true to that version.” Amanda Shires adds, “I love that the song paints a picture of struggle in the face of the American dream, and the irony in the chorus is delivered with such force that it nearly transcends irony altogether.” Tracks: Born In The U.S.A – Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires / Cover Me – Apache Relay / Darlington County – Quaker City Night Hawks / Working On The Highway – Blitzen Trapper / Downbound Train – Joe Pug / Im on Fire – Low / No Surrender – Holly Williams / Bobby Jean – Ryan Culwell / Im Goin Down – Trampled By Turtles / Glory Days – Justin Townes Earle / Dancing In The Dark – Nicole Atkins / My Hometown – North Mississippi Allstars
