Billie Joe Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen Contribute To Jesse Malin Tribute Album

In May of 2023, a legend in the New York City rock scene, Jesse Malin suffered a spinal cord stroke that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now, a substantial lineup of musicians are contributing to a Jesse Malin tribute album to honor him as he continues his recovery. Among them are Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, Lucinda Williams, and Elvis Costello.

The record is entitled Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin. It will be released on Friday September 20. You can listen to the first single “Prisoners of Paradise,” which features Jack Antonoff's Bleachers.

"'Prisoners of Paradise' is a song about new beginnings and rebirth - letting the past crumble and starting fresh," Malin said in an Instagram post.

Upon revealing the news of his condition, a Sweet Relief fundraiser was established to help Malin as insurance did not cover much of the hefty medical bills.

Many artists have come to the aid of Malin over the past year to support their friend and fellow musician.

"The album honoring the New York punk stalwart whose gutter poetry songwriting acumen has long made him a favorite among fellow songsmiths will also feature contributions from the Hold Steady, the Replacements/GNR’s Tommy Stinson, Counting Crows, Dinosaur Jr., the Wallflowers, Spoon, the Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs, Frank Turner and Rancid," Billboard explained.

The album is available for pre-order. In addition, there will be various vinyl versions. There will be a black version and a red, yellow, and green "Rasta" option.

American Songwriter relayed an update on Malin's progress at the end of last year saying, "Malin revealed that he has been undergoing rehabilitation, including daily physical therapy, and has undergone several stem cell treatments at a clinic in Bueno Aires, Argentina since late September."

Malin posted an update video on March 27 where he said, "It’s been tough being in another country where I don’t speak the language very well and I can’t walk. The doctors are seeing some progress and I push forward every single day nonstop."

While the official track listing of Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin has yet to be released, we do know that Billie Joe Armstrong's contribution is one of much anticipation. In fact, Armstrong has long been a friend and fan of Malin's saying, "New York City is the center of the universe, and there is no New York City without Jesse Malin.”

Believe it or not there are some acoustic versions of songs that are better than the original! Can you think of any off the top of your head?

We came up with a list of 5 examples but there are definitely many more than that! Start thinking of some of your favorites and let's see if they end up making the list!

Sometimes, you'll find live versions of songs that you prefer over the original version. Other times, you might find a cover version that defeats the original song. Additionally, there are acoustic versions of songs that are better than the original.

Even some of the hardest rocking bands will release acoustic versions of their hits and songs. Sure, they can be boring duds at times. Not all songs are meant to have an acoustic version and that's okay! However, there can be that rare moment when you realize you actually prefer the acoustic version more than the original! It can even happening on some of the most well-known songs of all-time!

There's a time and a place for an acoustic set. If you're looking to party and rock out it's probably not going to be what you're going to seek out. Nor should it be! However, if you're looking to relax or maybe put on some chill background music for your BBQ, pool party, or bonfire an acoustic album could be the way to go! Surprisingly, some of the best acoustic versions of songs that are better than the original come from rock stars who are known to be fantastic on the electric guitar. Some of these songs even have famous--maybe even iconic--guitar solos. Won't the acoustic version eliminate those highlights? Not necessarily! It turns out if you're good on the electric guitar you're probably going to be impressive on an acoustic, as well!

Can you think of any acoustic versions of songs that are better than the original? Check out our list below and make sure to let us know if we missed one of your favorites!

"Everlong" is the first song that comes to mind when I think of acoustic versions that could be better than the original. That's really saying something because I love the original! It's one of their best songs. However, there's something about the acoustic version that takes it to the next level. It adds some emotion or something that was missing in the original version. The acoustic is my go-to version. Do you agree?

"Pardon Me" by Incubus is a fantastic jam. It rocks and delivers. However, the acoustic version could be even better. It has a different tone and feel than the original and I find it more...digestible? It's easy listening and good for anytime where sometimes the original can rock a little too hard to fit my mood. Thankfully, the acoustic version can be played whenever. I love it on road trips.

"Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows is an incredibly recognizable song. Pretty much everyone knows it and it's hard not to like. It's easy to sing along to and it's a feel good song. However, the acoustic version presents a different face. The acoustic version has much more emotion and a different vibe. It's more of a trying and seeking feeling. You really feel Adam wanting to succeed in the song. It's different, but I'm here for it.

Love me some John Mayer. I believe he could be the best guitarist of this generation. At least he could be if he wanted to but he chooses to seek different genres. That Continuum album showed what he can really do on the guitar. "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room" is one of my favorite songs, not just of John's--but of all-time. There's great lyrics, a good feel, and that guitar solo is amazing. Thankfully, you still get all of that in the acoustic version. The only difference is John puts more feeling into the lyrics with the acoustic version. It's fantastic and actually could end up being better than the original. It depends on your mood and what you're looking for. You can't go wrong with either version, honestly.

The acoustic version of "Push" by Matchbox 20 is so strong it can make you stop in your tracks. There's so much emotion and feelings that it will affect your mood. You can be feeling on top of the world and then turn this on and you can feel Rob's pain. It will take you back to your own heartbreak from high school or college. It's a strange powerful thing that can't be explained. Sure, the original is great but it doesn't hold a candle to the acoustic version.