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Cover to Cover: Bruce Springsteen v Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded by the Light

Henry IrvingHenry Irving
edited June 2017 in Not Sports Related
Two version's of the same song. Listen to both without prejudice and say which you prefer and why.

No other versions please.

Do you prefer the Springsteen original, recorded in 1973 or Manfred Mann cover which was a hit in 1977

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjxbOe7p8C0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpq35wyDi7I
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Comments

  • PeteFPeteF
    Prefer the Manfred Manns Earthband version, was the first version i heard, and I just prefer the sound of their version.
  • killerandflashkillerandflash
    I'd never head the Springsteen original before, and didn't even recognise the song until I heard the Manfred Mann cover!

    My vote goes to the Earth band as well, it brings out the hook so much better, whereas the Springsteen version hides the melody
  • GreenieGreenie
    Well what do ya know...I always thought that the Manfreds was the original???

    Both good versions.

    Anyway Its Springsteen all day long, superior band, better mix and recording IMO, love the bass line and Clarences (I assume) sax rattling away in the background.
  • MrkinskiMrkinski
    Big Bruce fan - but I prefer the Manfred's version.
  • CHGCHG
    Another nod for Manfred's version...
  • BedsaddickBedsaddick
    Manfred Mann wins. One of my favourite songs of all time although I still don't know what an Anus Curly Whurly is !
  • StrikerFirmaniStrikerFirmani
    Distinct Doobie Brothers rift (Listen to the Music) at the start of Bruce's version.

    Much prefer Manfred Manns version.
  • Alex WrightAlex Wright
    "And I saw something else: I saw rock and roll future and its name is Bruce Springsteen. And on a night when I needed to feel young, he made me feel like I was hearing music for the very first time." - Jon Landau 1974

    Others may decide if Jon Landau's prophecy has been fulfilled. This was the first track on Bruce's first studio album and, imho, a glimpse into the the mind of an exceptional songwriter.

    Manfred Mann seemed to almost set Bruce's lyrics (well, almost bruce's lyrics) to a new song. Good version but for me I'll stick with Bruce Springsteen.
  • WorthingredWorthingred
    Have to go with Mannfred's version especially as i lived in the next road to him, Southbrook Rd in Lee!
  • Anna_KissedAnna_Kissed
    Mannfred Mann's Earth Band.

    I like Chris Thompson's vocals, Mannfred Mann's synthesisers and the driving bass and drums. A rather nonsensical song, but delivered with panache.
    Blinded by the Light is the opening track on The Roaring Silence LP, of 1976.
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  • TELTEL
    Mannfred for me.
  • Karim_myBagheriKarim_myBagheri
    The Boss

    what a way to open on one of his finest albums.
  • lolwraylolwray
    i ll go with Brucie baby
  • Covered EndCovered End
    edited June 2017
    Quite like Manfred Mann's, dislike Springsteen's.

    One of the most nonsensical song I've ever heard.
  • kigeliakigelia
    Got to be the Springsteen version. With its backroom bar band storyteller feel to it.

    The earth band version is great though and brings a whole new feel to the lyrics.
  • seth plumseth plum
    edited June 2017
    Hmmmn.
    What a choice, although not in a particularly good way.
    Now I like Manfred Mann in their earlier pop combination, songs like Dooh Whah Diddy, Mighty Quinn, Come Tomorrow, Semi Detatched and all that era. However Earth Band is a restructuring and it is a heavy chase for the zeitgeist of that moment. Talented musically, but I think Earth Band is/was about chasing success rather than wrenched from the soul art. The song simply tries too hard, written with heavy dependence on the old rhyming dictionary, and it seems rather contrived and forced, especially when seen from today.
    Then we have Bruce. By all accounts a great live act, with memorable and iconic songs, but somehow for me Bruce and his set up, while good, have never hit the sweet spot. I have tried believe me, but Springsteen just doesn't kiss me goodnight, maybe it is an American thing, and I am too over here to get it.
    The Springsteen version, with his trade mark slurred and drawling voice sounds like a jam with his fellow excellent musicians. A nice song for them which was attractive for a while, and one they can knock out to a very good standard without much effort because their musical base standard is so good.
    I have a bit of a problem with all three elements, the two bands and the song itself, so for me it is a 0-0 draw and I doubt I shall return.

    Edit.
    Was it written by Bruce? Didn't realise if it was, and if it is, then he edges it by half a goal.
  • Henry IrvingHenry Irving
    Early lead for the Manfreds but the Boss catching up now.

    Surprised that so many didn't realise it was a Springsteen song.
  • tommyrtommyr
    Springsteen for me.
  • Johnnysummers5Johnnysummers5
    Bruce, he was Born In The U.S.A
  • bobmunrobobmunro
    Even though Springsteen is a God - MM for me.
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  • Alex WrightAlex Wright
    Henry Irving said:

    Early lead for the Manfreds but the Boss catching up now.

    Surprised that so many didn't realise it was a Springsteen song.

    so many springsteen songs have been covered over the years

    As many songs as Bod Dylan?
  • bobmunrobobmunro
    edited June 2017
    Alex Wright said:

    Henry Irving said:

    Early lead for the Manfreds but the Boss catching up now.

    Surprised that so many didn't realise it was a Springsteen song.

    so many springsteen songs have been covered over the years

    As many songs as Bod Dylan?
    Bruce has far more of his songs covered than has Bod Dylan.
  • Exiled_AddickExiled_Addick
    Bedsaddick said:

    Manfred Mann wins. One of my favourite songs of all time although I still don't know what an Anus Curly Whurly is !

    A turd with lots of holes in it?
  • Henry IrvingHenry Irving
    Alex Wright said:

    Henry Irving said:

    Early lead for the Manfreds but the Boss catching up now.

    Surprised that so many didn't realise it was a Springsteen song.

    so many springsteen songs have been covered over the years

    As many songs as Bod Dylan?
    I was thinking of doing Bruce v Patti Smith Because the Night but so few see the true beauty and genius of Patti.

  • Davo55Davo55
    Love Springsteen but don't much like most of his very early stuff. Manfred's for me.
  • 3blokes3blokes
    I'm going for the Manfred Mann version.
  • SolidgoneSolidgone
    Man Fred Man....man.
  • AddickUpNorthAddickUpNorth
    Manfred Mann for me, love their version. It's probably one of the earliest songs I connect to a life event. As a kid I lived in Canada and I was singing it as I got out of my mums car. Slammed the door but forgot to move my hand, trapping my fingers. Blinded by my tears more like.
  • LawrieAbrahamsLawrieAbrahams
    Henry Irving said:

    Alex Wright said:

    Henry Irving said:

    Early lead for the Manfreds but the Boss catching up now.

    Surprised that so many didn't realise it was a Springsteen song.

    so many springsteen songs have been covered over the years

    As many songs as Bod Dylan?
    I was thinking of doing Bruce v Patti Smith Because the Night but so few see the true beauty and genius of Patti.

    Horses is one of the best albums of all time.

    Manfred Mann. I just looked up the lyrics because I could never make them out, what a load of bollocks.
  • killerandflashkillerandflash
    bobmunro said:

    Alex Wright said:

    Henry Irving said:

    Early lead for the Manfreds but the Boss catching up now.

    Surprised that so many didn't realise it was a Springsteen song.

    so many springsteen songs have been covered over the years

    As many songs as Bod Dylan?
    Bruce has far more of his songs covered than has Bod Dylan.
    image
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