Recently I left some comments about the new Bruce Springsteen cd (see: Bruce Springsteen Magic - is it really?) where I expressed disappointment in that compilation.  I won't rehash my comments here except to say that my thoughts continue to be that I wish that the music on that disc was more like some older favorites.

As a comparison and something to contrast against, I'm sitting here now with Storytellers: Bruce Springsteen on in the background, having recorded the same on my DVR from an MHD (Music television, hi-def) airing.  As I keep listening/watching, Springsteen is performing songs from various discs, including The Rising, Tunnel of Love, and others.  An acoustical performance of Blinded by the Light with an explanation of what he was writing and singing about, and what he felt that Manfred Mann was singing back in the version that went on to become the big hit.

Personally I find Springsteen best when he is working acoustically, unplugged. When he's doing quieter work with the guitar or the harmonica and talking and singing his way through his lyrics.  Almost preaching, in a gospel style.  He has a way of moving listeners with his words when he doesn't let the performance of the musicians overpower those words.

At some point in the future he may come back to the acoustical style, to something more like Tunnel of Love, or more like Born to Run.  Something more mellow and restrained and which I can enjoy much more than his newest work.