Burning The Ground Exclusive
NEW 2025 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration
Original post date: December 6, 2012
“The times are tough now, just getting tougher…”
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen was riding a tidal wave of success thanks to his Born in the U.S.A. album, which launched a string of chart-topping singles that fused heartland rock with a radio-friendly polish. One of the album’s standout tracks was “Cover Me,” a brooding, desperate plea for emotional shelter amidst an increasingly hostile world. While not originally intended for Springsteen himself—he had written it for disco queen Donna Summer—the track took on a rawer edge in his hands, becoming the second single released from the LP.
What’s most fascinating for dance and remix fans is that “Cover Me” was also given the extended mix treatment, transforming its moody rock energy into something surprisingly club-ready. The “Undercover Mix” (also referred to as the Dance Remix) clocked in at over 6 minutes and was released on 12″ vinyl, complete with dub and radio edit versions. Remixed by Arthur Baker, who had already made waves with Afrika Bambaataa and later worked with New Order and Hall & Oates, this version of “Cover Me” added electronic percussion, echo effects, and a pulsing bassline that pushed Springsteen into dance-rock territory—a rarity at the time.
This remix is a perfect example of that brief mid-’80s window when rock artists weren’t afraid to court the dancefloor. Baker’s production doesn’t overwhelm the original’s grit—it complements it, turning “Cover Me” into a darker, almost post-apocalyptic groove. Springsteen’s passionate vocals remain front and center, but now they echo into cavernous spaces, as if calling out from the depths of Reagan-era America.
The 12″ single also includes the Dub Version, which strips the song to its rhythmic core, teasing out fragments of guitar and vocal over a deep groove. For collectors and remix lovers, these versions show just how versatile Springsteen’s music could be when placed in the right hands.
“Cover Me” peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of The Boss’s most enduring hits. But for those of us digging in the crates, the dance remix takes the song to unexpected, exhilarating places.
Though Springsteen wasn’t typically associated with the club scene, the success of “Dancing in the Dark” and “Cover Me” on the dance charts showed his crossover appeal. The Undercover Mix of “Cover Me” actually reached #11 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Disco Club Play chart, giving Bruce a surprising but welcome presence in nightclubs.
SIDE A:
Cover Me (Undercover Mix) 6:12
Cover Me (Dub I) 4:12
SIDE B:
Cover Me (Radio) 3:49
Cover Me (Dub II) 4:13
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Cover Me | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #7 |
| 1984 | Cover Me | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #2 |
| 1984 | Cover Me | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #11 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44-05087, Columbia – 44 05087
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo, Pitman Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Rock & Roll, Pop
CREDITS:
- Design – Andrea Klein
- Mastered By – George Marino
- Mixed By – Bob Clearmountain
- Photography By – Annie Leibovitz
- Producer [Additional 12″ Production], Remix – Arthur Baker
- Recorded By – Bill Scheniman
- Remix – Toby Scott
NOTES:
Special Versions From The Columbia Lp: “Born In The U.S.A.” QC 38653.
Based on original production by: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Steve Van Zandt.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Can there ever be a thing as too much Bruce? Not in my world!
Thanks, Paul.
Bruce is a national treasure, thanks for this.
I agree. You’re welcome. Joey.
Thank you Paul for restoring this overlooked gem from the Born In The U.S.A. juggernaut! As innovative as Dancing In The Dark (Blaster Mix) was, Arthur Barker took it a step beyond with Cover Me. He slowed the down the pitch a bit, added backup singers, really made it sound like a carnival. Cutting edge stuff! And for anyone who doubts Bruce was in on it, one need only to listen to the live version of Cover Me from the Born In The U.S.A. tour (as featured in his Live/75-85 box set). The arrangement, including the backup singers, is more… Read more »
Thank you so much for this incredible insight and support! You really nailed it—Arthur Baker’s Cover Me (Undercover Mix) truly pushed boundaries. That slowed-down pitch, the backing vocals, the almost surreal, carnival-like atmosphere—it was bold, experimental, and completely unlike anything else coming from a mainstream rock artist at the time. It’s easy to overlook just how groundbreaking that was. And you’re absolutely right about the live version from the Live/75–85 box set. Bruce leaning into that arrangement live is all the proof anyone needs that he was definitely on board with the remix vision. It wasn’t just a label decision—it… Read more »
Yes I do get Tina Turner vibes from the backing vocalist (Jocelyn Brown) now that you mention it, Lol! Probably not a coincidence…
Love seeing this pop up, DJPaul! I’ve loved Bruce since college – he’s one of America’s great artists. The combination of his musicianship, work ethic, connection with fans, and the way he embodies true American ideals of compassion and community ~ are all things that keep me coming back, year after year, to hear everything he does. He stands for all the best parts about America, with a keen knowledge of what we need to do better, as well. And it’s a blast to hear this 12″ from his most popular period shared here … sounds amazing, and I thank… Read more »
Grant, thank you so much for the thoughtful message—it really resonated with me. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Bruce isn’t just a phenomenal musician; he’s a voice of conscience, resilience, and unity. His ability to channel compassion, working-class grit, and hope through his music is exactly why he’s remained such a powerful and enduring figure. I’m really glad this 12″ brought back some of that magic for you—it’s always a joy to revisit this era and hear it in all its full, extended glory! I’m honored to help keep these moments alive and share them with fellow fans… Read more »
Ok. So I’m English. Been listening to Bruce before he became world famous. Still listening and loving. Have the same opinion about Bruce I’ve always had: If most Americans were more like him, America truly would be the greatest country in the world.
Jay, thank you so much for sharing that—it really means a lot. Bruce has always had that rare ability to connect with people across borders, generations, and walks of life. The fact that you’ve been listening since before he became a global name says everything about the kind of impact he’s had from the start. And I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment—Springsteen’s honesty, work ethic, compassion, and deep-rooted sense of justice are qualities the world could use a lot more of. He’s always embodied the best of what America can be, and it’s powerful to hear that echoed from… Read more »
Thank you Paul for sharing your thoughts also. As I said, I’m English. A brown skinned Englishman. For me, Bruce has always spoken to my heart and spirit (and feet). I never thought about him as being white, or foreign. He’s just a genuine, caring and decent human being. That is what our world is lacking too few of now. We don’t need hate. We don’t need violence.. physical, mental or emotional. People need to wise up and to start thinking for themselves; instead of allowing their views to be shaped by dangerous influences and influencers. It’s an old adage… Read more »
PS I understand if you don’t post my last comment. This is a music forum I know. My apologies if I’ve been inappropriate.
I love what you said, Jay, and I agree with every word.
I remember your “Dancing In The Dark” rips and they still sound fantastic. I playlist it regularly with your rip of Huey Lewis & The News – Power Of Love with those Jellybean remixes.
Thanks Paul 🙂
Glad to hear that, Mark. I am going to be updating “Dancing In The Dark” so be on the lookout for that one 🙂
Thanks for the great post, Paul! This sounds so much better than the original rip! This guitar-heavy song reminds me…any chance you could post the Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy promo https://www.discogs.com/release/664553-Fine-Young-Cannibals-She-Drives-Me-Crazy as well as the USA 12″ 4-track of the same song? It had such a great guitar presence, too and the mixes were killer. I requested it a few years ago but I know you’re always busy. Anyway, have a great day and thanks again!
You’re welcome, Fred! You’re in luck because I have both of those singles and plan to post them soon. I’m also thrilled that this transfer sounds better than the original, as that is always my objective. 🙂
Immense gratitude, Paul, for bringing this out once again! I’ve cherished your rips of Springsteen’s 12-inch dance singles! I felt lucky and very blessed because, if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have them. I know there was a recent re-issue of the album, “Born In The USA,” but they didn’t include the remixes on the package. I felt that this was a wasted and missed opportunity!! Fans deserve such things. I’ve read that Arthur Baker insists that Bruce was all for these mixes and was even there when M. Baker made them, so I really then don’t understand why… Read more »
Hi Jeff, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words—your support truly means the world to me! I’m thrilled to know you’ve been enjoying the Springsteen 12-inch singles. They really are special, and it’s such a shame the recent Born In The U.S.A. reissue didn’t include those iconic dance mixes. Like you, I agree—it was a huge missed opportunity for longtime fans. I’ve also read those same comments from Arthur Baker, and it’s fascinating that Bruce was not only supportive of the remixes but actually present during the process. It makes the absence of those tracks even more puzzling.… Read more »
You hit the nail on the head Jeff! I’ve read that same article – Arthur Baker confirmed Bruce was present at the mixing sessions. Bruce was all in too – straightened out his teeth, got muscles, was truly MTV ready! The Dancing In The Dark (Blaster Mix) reached No. 7 on the Dance chart and was the top selling 12 inch for 1984. Not bad for a remix! So for Sony to try to ignore history is a real shame. And you would think it would be a selling point to include all the 12 inch remixes.
Thank you, Retro Hound, for your comment. You always make fantastic observations when it comes to Paul’s post. That, and you are truly one of my favorite people commenting on his site! I find you most genuine, passionate and all-around, nice guy! You’re great!! I will add to the discussion, that Arthur Baker said that Bruce doesn’t own his master tapes anymore so that’s why he didn’t have a say about the re-issue. It’s just very strange to me. I’m just so glad (and EUPHORIC!) that we have our DjPaulT having us covered! I hope Mr. Baker is reading this… Read more »
Aw shucks, thanks so much Jeff!! I suppose it takes one to know one, you’re quite the special person yourself! Forgive the saying, but I just love the fact that you are Paul’s most loyal “superfan”! Believe me, this community would NOT be the same without you. To your remark that Bruce doesn’t own his master tapes anymore. That’s true, but I wonder if he signed a clause allowing him some degree of artistic control and/or input?? With his new Tracks II coming out (I don’t know about you, but I am psyched about it), I would imagine he must… Read more »
Arthur Baker really had the touch for a time! Glad to see Bruce still out there “fighting the good fight” – made my day, thanks!!
Me too, thank goodness for “The Boss”.
Fun times the 80’s were. I remember an article, I think in TV Guide, that asked the question who was the biggest: MJ, Prince or The Boss! Another time capsule moment illustrating the more dance potential for Springsteen was FGTH covering Born To Run!
Love that this was written for Donna much in the way I love her Dim All The Lights was written for Rod Stewart!
I remember having to get this album on CD from Columbia House 😆😆😆.
Thanks!!
Absolutely—what a time the ’80s were! That TV Guide article sounds like a classic! MJ, Prince, and The Boss all at their peak—talk about an impossible choice. Each brought something so unique to the table, but it’s wild (and kind of awesome) to think of Springsteen being part of the dance/pop conversation back then. And yes—Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s cover of Born to Run really showed how adaptable his music could be, even on the dance floor! I totally agree with you about Cover Me being written for Donna, just like Dim All the Lights was for Rod. There’s something… Read more »
I love the behind the scenes! Love learning all the connections beyond the ones that saw the light of day!