Ever since this May’s Paul Simon cover songs collection, a follow-up starring Bruce Springsteen — a figure similarly oft-cited as inspiration to our favorite indie acts — has been in the works. The hard part, though, has been that there are dozens of versions of the Boss floating around, some brilliant and others falling a bit short despite showing plenty of reverence for their hero. Given Frightened Rabbit’s recent tribute to the blue-collar icon and Kurt Vile’s forthcoming studio take on “Downbound Train,” now feels like a good time to compile the best or most noteworthy of the lot. Below, check out 10 standouts, beginning with personal favorites (Camera Obscura’s “Tougher Than the Rest,” the Hold Steady’s “Atlantic City,” etc.) and winding down with a few more unusual takes from Arcade Fire with Bruce himself, Tortoise featuring Will Oldham, and the Avett Brothers’ loose, hoedown version of “Glory Days.”
Camera Obscura – “Tougher Than the Rest”
The Hold Steady – “Atlantic City”
Bat For Lashes – “I’m On Fire”
Vampire Weekend – “I’m Goin’ Down”
Justin Townes Earle – “Atlantic City”
Arcade Fire – “State Trooper” (w/ Bruce)
Tegan and Sara – “Dancing In The Dark”
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – “Atlantic City”
Tortoise w/ Bonnie “Prince” Billy – “Thunder Road”
The Avett Brothers – “Glory Days”