Various Artists
Album: The Nebraska Sessions - A Tribute
Label: Clubhouse
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.clubhouserecords.co.uk

"Designed in the pub, built in the shed" says the bumper sticker on those Q plated vehicles. The Clubhouse Records tribute to Springsteen's 'Nebraska' was not only "designed (or though of)" in a pub, it was built (or, rather, recorded - and filmed) there too - all within a couple of months and in time for a limited promo release on its 30th anniversary.

The concept was simple: recreate the album using the same recording techniques i.e. straight to a 4 track cassette recorder and get some of the best UK Americana and folk artists to do it and all in one day. The results are quite wonderful with ten individual interpretations of the album tracks.

Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou deliver a chilling a-acapella take on the title track then The Dreaming Spires use a lap steel to add menace to arguably the albums most well know track 'Atlantic City'. In the hands of The Redlands Palomino Company' 'Mansion on the Hill' is easily the most beautiful track on the album and 'Johnny 99' could have been written specially for the country rock of Case Hardin. Danny George Wilson proves that you do not need to be Johnny Cash to cover 'Highway Patrolman' and he is ably assisted by Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou on backing vocals and finger clicks.

On 'State Trooper', like Springsteen, Steve Arlene lets a deep voice and acoustic guitar carry the song. The Cedars are unmistakable on 'Used Cars' as they double the speed of the song to play it out. Equally distinctive is Mad Staring Eyes who deliverer 'Open All Night' complete with flute solo. 'My Fathers House' is a mournful place to be when performed by the Hi and Lo, and Michelle Stodart makes you wonder if there really is a 'Reason to Believe'.

Despite its dark tones and over reaching bleakness there is vibrancy to this album which must come from the speed that it was recorded and mixed. Here's hoping that another album gets similar Clubhouse treatment sometime next year.

John 'The Jacket' Hawes