Recorded on an Amnesty International tour, Bruce and the E Street Band are in top form on this live 4-track mini disc (originally issued in CD 3-inch form) that brings out a few rarities. Bob Zimmerman's "Chimes" are deftly interpreted by the "new Dylan," and the unexpected appearance of "Hungry Heart" b-side "Be True" is worth the purchase price alone. Best though, is a haunting, extremely personal acoustic version of "Born to Run." Only complaint is that the incredible spoken intro was removed (but you can see it on the Springsteen Video Anthology). "Tougher than the Rest" rounds out the four songs.

Chimes Of Freedom was originally released from Bruce's Amnesty International shows (the last time he played with the E Street Band prior to the 99-00 reunion tour) with the proceeds going to that cause. The tour took place after his Tunnel of Love tour and you get two songs that were prominently featured in those shows, "Tougher Than The Rest" and "Be True". The latter song was originally released as a B-side to the River release "Fade Away" and is a great song. The title track was played specifically for the tour and is an old Dylan song, but Bruce's version is taken from the Byrds rendition of the song. Springsteen has always sang about the underdog and this song perfectly captures the spirit of what Amnesty is all about. The disk closes with an intense acoustic version of "Born To Run". In it's original form, you can get lost in the big production of the song, but in this version it's stripped down to its core which is all about desperation and restlessness. Chimes is an interesting document from an era in Bruce's career that doesn't get alot of attention, but considering what it was all about, maybe it should get more.

This LP is absolutely the best recording of Bruce Springsteen available anywhere. The title song is powerful, driving, and full of the energy, passion, and compassion Bruce's rock & folk music embodies. The acoustic version of Born to Run strips away the song to its essential core -- two people on the road looking for connection to each other and their community. "Tougher Than the Rest" and "Be True" are great singles full of energy and clarity. This CD is a must have for anyone who likes Bruce Springsteen and the folk/rock genre.

"Chimes" is a really fine little record. It was originally released for the benefit of Mr Kite - no, wait, Amnesty International - and it opens with a powerful, slow rendition of "Tougher Than The Rest", rolling along like a monolith, all thunderous drums and vibrating bass notes from the keyboards of Roy Bittan and Danny Federici.

Then follows the first release of the excellent rocker "Be True" (which showed up on "Tracks" ten years later), and a six-minute cover of Bob Dylan's "Chimes Of Freedom" (a few verses are cut, otherwise it would have been a ten minute version).
Bruce Springsteen, it has been said, grew up wanting to be either Roy Orbison or Bob Dylan, and his muscular rendition of "Chimes" is nothing less than majestic.

His powerful baritone voice is at the very forefront of the mix, and he sings the first two verses accompained only by piano and synthesizer, before drummer Max Weinberg comes in at the beginning of verse three.
It's still Springsteen driving the song along, though. The drums seem to be trying to keep up with him all through the next four verses, and they finally give up and fall silent for verses seven and eight, only to reappear as the song winds down.

Finally we are treated to an acoustic, Dylan-esque version "Born To Run", harp and everything. And like Dylan, Springsteen significantly alters the melody, making the song moodier, darker, more pessimistic.

This is a fine concert souvenir. Not an absolutely essential purchase, perhaps, but an enjoyable one nonetheless, and impressive for as long as it lasts.

I bought the tape of this set and wore it out. I was jazzed when the CD was released and have listened to it scores of times over the years.
Bruce pulls some magic out of his throat and guitar on this collection. It seems alot of folks never heard of this, but if you like The Boss and want to hear some incredible stuff, check it out. The price is right and you will not be disappointed. Chimes of Freedom is a classic
Enjoy and pass it along.