"The Promise" delivers new light on Springsteen

HBO has been showing a 90-minute documentary on the making of Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" that puts Bruce, at least for me, in a new light. 

I've always been a passing but not passionate fan of Springsteen. I own a half-dozen Springsteen albums, including "Darkness," but I haven't listened to any in more than a decade. 

However, after watching "The Promise: The Making of 'Darkness on the Edge of Town," I've come away with a new appreciation for the persistence and passion that fueled an arduous recording process from 1976-78. Springsteen comes across as an egotistical control freak, but in a good way as he chases the perfect phrase, the ideal snare sound, the right mix of songs. It's his name on the brand -- it's interesting to see that he already knows he's building a brand way back in 1978 --  so he goes over the top in chasing down the details, often to the disgust/respect of The E Street Band. 

Hardcore Boss fans no doubt have already seen this show, but I encourage casual fans to give it a watch. The story behind the story often seems straight out of Bruce's own lyrics celebrating hard work, heartache and the American Dream. 

Nick Lowe sparkles in Tiny Desk Concert

You've probably heard Nick Lowe before. He's the sarcastic guy who wrote "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding" and "Cruel to Be Kind." But that's probably about all you know about him. Despite being a tremendous talent and genuinely nice guy (I've been blessed to meet him twice), he sadly remains a niche artists. 

In the 30 or so years since his big hits, Lowe has quietly evolved from legendary power-pop performer/producer to soft-rock troubadour. This recent NPR Tiny Desk Concert captures him in fine form, particularly on the new "House for Sale," in which Lowe combines some sharp wit with some nice vocal touches.

A new twist on cover songs

It's kind of incredible to think that artists like Squeeze are re-recording their best-known songs, note for note, without any intent to make money from their fans but instead gain more control over publishing royalties.

"Soundcheck" does a nice job of looking at why artists are doing this, and how some fans get hoodwinked into buying something that isn't truly original. At least Squeeze, tongue in cheek, named its new greatest hits collection "Spot the Difference."