Chimes of Freedom

by Bruce Springsteen

Overview

Culled from recordings of Bruce Springsteen's spring 1988 Tunnel of Love tour, Chimes of Freedom is a four-track EP that initially was released as a benefit for Amnesty International, appearing as he joined the fall 1988 Human Rights Now! tour. It was recorded and released quickly, easily qualifying as the speediest project Springsteen has ever completed. Unfortunately, it occasionally feels a little slapdash, but it's hard to criticize a four-song live charity EP for being haphazardly assembled, since that's in its nature. Nevertheless, Chimes of Freedom is a little unsatisfying, even though it's a good, brief sampler of the Boss live circa Tunnel of Love. And that's part of the problem. Tunnel of Love had a slicker production than a normal Springsteen record, featuring synths scattered throughout the record. Those arrangements were preserved on the live version of "Tougher Than the Rest," one of the best songs from the record, and it turns a little mushy in an arena setting. Similarly, the title track has its chiming opening refrain played on synths, and consequently it sounds a little stiff and dated. These faults are balanced by the remaining two cuts, the first released version of the excellent "Be True" and a reworking of "Born to Run" as an acoustic ballad. "Born to Run" has considerable power in this stripped-down setting, and "Be True" teems with life, pointing out how stiff its cousins sound on Chimes of Freedom. Neither of these tracks are major contributions to Springsteen's catalog, but they're nice additions for the die-hard fans who will be picking up the EP anyway. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	03/01/2008
Label:	Sbme Special Mkts.
UPC:	0886972461427

Tracks

1. Tougher Than the Rest
2. Be True
3. Chimes of Freedom
4. Born to Run

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bruce Springsteen   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Mike Spengler   Trumpet
Garry Tallent   Bass
Roy Bittan   Piano,Synthesizer
Max Weinberg   Drums,Drums (Snare)
Nils Lofgren   Guitar,Vocals
Mark Pender   Trumpet
Patti Scialfa   Guitar,Vocals
Clarence Clemons   Saxophone,Percussion
Danny Federici   Organ,Synthesizer
Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg   Trombone
Mario Cruz   Sax (Tenor)
Ed Manion   Sax (Baritone)

Technical Credits

Bob Ludwig   Mastering,Remastering
The E Street Band   Group
Chuck Plotkin   Producer
Jon Landau   Producer
Brian Lee   Remastering
Bruce Springsteen   Composer,Producer
Toby Scott   Engineer
Neal Preston   Photography
Sandra Choron   Design
Bob Clearmountain   Mixing
Bob Dylan   Composer