The Philadelphia Inquirer
Posted on Sun, Oct. 12, 2003

Record reviews
Various artists
Light of Day: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen (Schoolhouse ***)

The Boss has been the subject of numerous tributes. This one is for charity, and has enough inspired interpretations to make it worthwhile musically.

Among the highlights: Dion, still the greatest rock-and-roll singer alive, offers a sublime doo-wop "Book of Dreams," and the other big name here, Elvis Costello, excels on a countrified "Brilliant Disguise."

Gary Lucas' Gods and Monsters amp up the primal Bo Diddley quality of "Ain't Got You," while Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers hiply transform "Light of Day" from flat-out rocker to acoustic R&B vamp. Billy Bragg and the Blokes bring a touch of "Blueberry Hill" to "Mansion on the Hill," and Lucky 7 gives "Valentine's Day" a sweet Cajun makeover. Patty Griffin takes "Stolen Car" on a haunting ride, and the Paradise Brothers (Scott Kempner and Neil Giraldo) debut with a harrowing "Souls of the Departed." However, young Louisianan Marc Broussard offers what may be the set's tour de force, a soul-gospel rendition of the ballad "Back in Your Arms."

- Nick Cristiano