Bruce Springsteen, born September 23, 1949 in New Jersey, is definitely one of the greatest American songwriters of the past 40 years. Influenced heavily by the likes of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, Springsteen has found a way to describe the dreams and aspirations of those living in small towns in our country in a way that no one has matched since. For a long time his artistic merit was under-appreciated (in my opinion, largely due to many peoples mis-interpretation of has biggest hit, "Born in the USA"), but within the last 10 years or so his huge influence has made itself known with bands such as The Hold Steady, Arcade Fire and The Killers, among others.Along with his remarkable talents as a lyricist, the other great aspect of Springsteen's music is the ability of his backing band, The E Street Band. Consisting of various members including Clarence Clemons (one of the greatest rock saxophone players of all time), Danny Federici on organ, Roy Bittan, Max Weinberg (of Conan O'Brien fame), Steven Van Zandt (of The Sopranos fame), Nils Lofgren, and his wife since 1991 Patty Scialfa, the E Street band is one of the tightest, most proficient bands ever put onto record. They allow Bruce to write just about anything he likes, and are able to convey even more emotion on top of what Springsteen writes into the lyrics himself.
When listening this week, my major request is that you listen to the stories that this remarkable writer tells. Put yourself into the skin of his characters and you should be able to feel their desperation, their desires, and their dreams of a better life.
The Albums:
1. Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. (1973)
Before this week I had very little knowledge of Bruce Springsteen’s work. I think this is primarily due to the fact that the music I had heard previous to this week really did nothing for me. On Greetings from Asbury Park, I am already having a little trouble getting into the album. As much as I like storytelling in music I feel like Bruce is a real downer. “Mary Queen of Arkansas” was a struggle to get through for me. It is a song I would listen to if I wanted to be really depressed. I do think that Bruce really sings his heart out on the song but that is about the only good thing I can say about it. Thankfully things get a little more uplifted with “Does this Bus Stop at 82nd Street” I liked up-tempo beat to this song but kind of had a hard time following the lyrics. It kind of went all over the place such as, “ Wizard imps and sweat sock pimps, interstellar mongrel nymphs Rex said that lady left him limp. Love's like that (sure it is).” Kind of not sure what he is getting at there. “Lost in the Flood” was probably my favorite song on the album. I liked how the tempo picked up halfway through to make for more dramatic emphasis. Once again Bruce sure can sing his heart out, and this is such a dark song about people losing their way and the repercussions of that happening. This first album is pretty much what I expected, and I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI love the great intro the E Street Band put on in the song “Backstreets.” This song really has some power to it, and I could see this song as being awesome at a live concert. “Born to Run” I have heard many times before being played on the radio at my work. I always knew it was Springsteen but was never highly impressed by it. Not saying that it doesn’t once again tell a great story, but I don’t really get much out if it. On the other hand I really enjoyed “She’s the One.” I loved the piano and how it reminded me of a carnival or something along those lines. It is also nice to see Bruce talking about lighter subjects such as love, instead of his doom and gloom, which I have grown accustomed to so far. To me, I think that the best way to get a Bruce Springsteen experience would be in concert. I can just imagine all the Springsteen fans going crazy to some of these tracks. “Meeting Across the River” was beautifully done. I love the saxophone, and if you didn’t hear the lyrics you would almost assume it is some sort of love song. This album was much better than the previous.
“Nebraska” starts off on a much darker tone. Seems like the E Street Band is MIA on this one. The title track, although very dark and not usually my style, is done brilliantly. Bruce set the mood perfectly of a convict singing his song with his harmonica, about why he killed those people and his last requests for his love. The mood doesn’t get much better, through the next three songs. “Johnny 99” struck a chord with me, and made me think about all the people who are losing their jobs and don’t know what to do. Some people get to their wits end and act out in rage, and I think this song helps to make people understand what is actually going through these peoples minds when they are losing everything. Not saying that killing someone is the answer, but this is just one persons story. “Used Cars” is kind of like every hard working mans dream. People work so hard at their jobs, yet still can’t afford to buy them the luxuries they so desire or deserve. This album is very dark and depressing, I do however have to commend Mr. Springsteen for shedding a light on the type people that society choose to ignore or not recognize
“Born in the U.S.A.” seems to be Bruce going back to his E Street ways. Of course everybody knows the title track to this album. It has almost become the anthem of American workingman. While I myself am not a huge fan of it, I can see it’s appeal to older generations. This seems to be the album of choice that the radio stations like to play. I immediately recognize “I’m on Fire,” and “Glory Days.” I like the song “I’m on Fire” and think it is a very lustful song. That is not the reason I like it per say, but the music sets a very sensual tone, which I find somewhat appealing. As for “Glory Days” I really like how Bruce talks about how we all reflect on better times, but how we know we can’t relive them again. It kind of makes you realize that you should not take any moments in life for granted. “Dancing in the Dark” is my favorite song on the album. Of course this is another highly recognizable song and that may be the appeal for me, but it makes me think of Courtney Cox dancing around in the video. If Bruce is looking for some action out of his life, this song will definitely make you want to start dancing. With the E Street band, Bruce really knows how to capture the essence of hard working Americans. It’s no wonder he has developed the fan base that he has.
ReplyDeleteComing into this week, the only track that I knew was Bruce Springsteen’s was indeed Born in the USA. Like Justin has pointed out before, I prefer to discover groups on my own or through friends, not through the radio or on a best of the 70’s disk. As a result, I always had a bias against Bruce for the success of that song. I my very well have the wrong interpretation as well, but I feel like anyone who would have put out a song with that chorus would have been praised due to the search for patriotism that was going on at that time. As a result, I have been considering him one of the most overglorified one-hit wonders ever. I am glad David chose him this week so that I could remove my bias and give him an honest shot.
ReplyDeleteUpon loading up Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. on grooveshark, my first thought is, holy shit, he wrote Blinded by the Light. Much like the Decemberists, it becomes obvious immediately that he is a story teller through and through. The raw sound of this album helps you follow his story and give him a real sense of honesty. Growin’ Up, Mary Queen of Arkansas, and It’s Hard to be a Saint in the City were my favorite tracks and I really didn’t dislike any of the others. I read somewhere that this was the only album that he wrote where he had to wonder if anyone would listen to it. As a result, it really sounds like he puts his heart and soul into this album.
The first thing you notice with Born to Run is the addition of the band. Although the band is terrific, I feel like he lost some of that honesty with the lyrics and it was often the case where I got lost in the band and not in his lyrics or story. This was especially the case with Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out and She’s the One. However, in ‘Night’ especially, he steps up the emotion in his delivery and these were the moments where I was pulled back in. I also recognized ‘Born to Run’ so my one-hit wonder bias was removed with this album. Jungleland and Backstreets were my other favorites.
After loading up Nebraska on grooveshark, I thought that perhaps I grabbed the wrong album. I guess he really had something to say, otherwise I don’t think anyone would advise putting an album like this out after Born to Run. That being said, this album had a lot of the elements that I appreciated about Greetings from NJ. This was up close and personal with Bruce and I must say that I was probably just as depressed as he was after listening through these tracks. It has that raw and honest sound and you can very easily follow his stories. The topics were very dark and as David pointed out, he is attempting to represent the less fortunate in every track. My favorite track was State Trooper as the guitar riff definitely painted a picture of an officer out on a cruise. I also liked Atlantic City and Used Cars. I am guessing that most of America could relate to these two. I guess I don’t consider his voice very melodic and when his voice is the focal point, it is not an extremely soothing sound. I think with someone like Paul McCartney singing you could step back and say, “What a beautiful song” to a lot of these.
ReplyDeleteI was not very impressed with Born in the USA. I was surprised to learn that the radio hits I’m on Fire, Glory Days, and Dancing in the Dark were his. I’m not sure who I thought sang them, but I never associated them with Bruce. Outside of these hits and including them to some extent, it seems like he was willing to sacrifice the story for production value. These tracks quite simply lack heart to me. I am curious what David’s interpretation is of Born in the USA. I had never listened closely to the lyrics, but I guess he is stating that being born in the USA is not all that it is hyped up to be? We get in trouble, go to jail, get in the military and impose our force on others, then come back and work a boring 9-5 job or serve another jail sentence. Downbound train was a track that seemed like he was trying to give it some extra juice, but it came off as though every lyric came from his last breath. This was very irritating to me. I can see how the radio hits helped this album receive a lot of hype, but I would pick Nebraska over this any day of the week.
I guess We Shall Overcome had to be thrown in to cover Bruce’s entire career. What I have come to appreciate about Bruce is his songwriting and storytelling ability and not so much his singing. This album does not have any relevant lyrics and I do not think anyone can relate to these stories. So all that is left is Bruce’s singing which is not bad, but should not be the focus. As for the tracks, they really all blend into one another. If someone said that Bruce Springsteen was going to be performing some famous folk songs in concert, I would picture Bruce with a banjo player and a few back up singers. Then maybe on the final track a group of 25 people or so would come out and sing the final track in a grand celebration of Pete Seeger. When I listen to this album, it feels like very single track is that last performance where everyone contributes to every track. My favorite track was Eerie Canal, however it reminds me of Steve Martin in that you can sing any depressing topic in this style and it will sound cheerful. I also liked Eyes on the Prize.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot this week and am glad I got to take a closer listen to a musical icon that I had a poor opinion of without anything other than his commercial success provoking it. That being said, I still don’t think that he has become someone I will say ‘Hey that’s Bruce Springsteen, turn it up.’ Instead it will be ‘Hey that’s Bruce Springsteen, don’t change it.’ Nonetheless, excellent choice.
My knowledge of Bruce Springsteen was sort of similar to Thomas'. I knew The Boss was supposed to be a big deal, but I wasn't familiar with any of his stuff besides "Born in the USA" (which I, unlike Thomas, did like). When I heard he was headlining Bonnaroo 2009, I appreciated the chance to see a legend. That night, although I can say ol' dude could really rock, I was surprised that I knew as little as I did. I guess I expected my experience to be like it was when I heard the Beatles "1" album for the first time and realized I knew all the classics, just never knew who did them. This was exactly the opposite. I couldn't see anything anyway, so I laid down (which David got mad about because people kept almost stepping on me) but the music was possibly even more powerful, just because of its authenticity, and that, you have to appreciate.
ReplyDeleteSomething I can really appreciate about Bruce Springsteen is the power and emotion in his voice. Everything he writes/sings just drips with authenticity, so much so that he could still be that young New Jersey boy who grew up not much differently than you and I (us Catholic school kids I mean ;)) I was pleasantly surprised on "Greetings From Asbury Park" that "Blinded by the Light" was a Boss original. That being said, I like the other version better, but I can still appreciate its roots. "Growing Up" was my favorite track on the album. I like the quiet vocal intro and the impressive piano work. That's another thing I like about his music, both live and recorded - there is a lot that goes into this. The E Street Band is massive - on stage, it kind of reminded me of those rappers that must have their entourage on stage with them, only everyone has an instrument.
ReplyDeleteAlthough "Asbury" was enjoyable, "Born to Run" was my favorite of the first three albums (latter two to be reviewed tomorrow). Starting off strong with a heartfelt "Thunder Road" (probably my favorite track here), to an emotional "Backstreets" to the hit I should have recognized more easily at the show last summer, "Born to Run" (which I love. Isn't it amazing the energy he is able to build throughout the verses and how great it feels when he launches into that "Baby we were born to ruuuuuuun" chorus>). And that's just the beginning half of the album. The latter half isn't as exciting for me. "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" (other than "Outlaw Pete") is the song that I remember most from his live show, although I'm not sure why. I think it's my least favorite Bruce track actually.
ReplyDeleteThe title track on "Nebraska" is almost dreamy, good way to follow up the last album. Love the harmonica intro on "Mansion on the Hill," which is a great song lots of people can relate to - especially me, having always daydreamed about how the other half lived while I was growing up (heck, sometimes I still do!) For that personal connection, this is probably my favorite track on "Nebraska." Other highlights include "Johnny 99" and "Open All Night," which reminds me of something that might come over the jukebox at some of the country bars David and I used to play darts at (or something that would have played on the bar side of the Jerseyville Legion during one of my 800 cousins' weddings. Yes, I really have 800 cousins ;)) The guitar and the energy in this song are brilliant. The fact that these albums and these songs can be so well made and musically excellent while retaining that certain everyman appeal is reason enough for me to be proud I saw legends like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band live at Bonnaroo last year. After these first three albums, I feel a little cheesy for having liked "Born in the USA" although I think that track kind of culminates what his music is all about - Americana, authenticity, the everyman. More on that tomorrow...
ReplyDeleteFirst thing I notice on this last album is the clarity in the sound. I know all the previous album were circa 1984 and earlier, but that goes to show how far we have come in improving our music technology. The premise of this album is very interesting in that Bruce invited a bunch of New York musicians out to his farmhouse for a three-day music festival. What a unique and fun idea for an album. This album in my consideration is very much country/folk. Starting right off the back with “Old Dan Tucker” which reminds me of something that would have been used in the movie “O’ Brother Where Art Thou.” It is very old fashioned and you can just envision people dancing around while the band plays on. “Mrs. McGrath” takes on more of that folk feel. It sounds like some old Irish tale, and I am usually a fan of that kind of Celtic sound in music, therefore this is a song I very much enjoyed. Another thing I noticed that I liked about this album is the group of singers in the background. It really helps to give the feel that a hoedown is in process. All in all this was a very fun album for me, and I would definitely give it another play or two.
ReplyDeleteI think if I was ever offered the chance to see Springsteen in concert I would definitely take it. Honestly I think that would be the best way to get the full effect of his emotion in each song, and fully appreciate his music. Thanks to David, I now have more appreciation for the man they call “The Boss.”
Bruce Springsteen has always struck me as an artist who was simply pandering to the patriotic, dumb, mid-western folk who are suckers for songs about America; John Mellencamp and Kid Rock(to an extent) also comes to mind with this description. This notion was culled from my only exposure of the Boss being limited to his big radio singles like “Born to Run”, “Glory Days”, and “Born in the USA”. When Bruce came out with the theme song to the amazing movie “The Wrestler” I took a step back and had to re-evaluate my opinion. David played me Bruce’s album Nebraska and I finally understood why this guy has had so many praises heaped upon him, he’s a masterful storyteller and has the ability to sing TO his audience and not AT them.
ReplyDeleteGreetings From Asbury Park, NJ is an album I want to own on vinyl because that’s the way it was meant to be heard. I was not aware “Blinded by the Light” was Bruce’s song as I was only familiar with Manfred Mann’s version; it’s a great table setter for an amazing debut album. “Growin Up” is a fun tale of rebellious youth. The Dylan comparisons are inevitable with the way Bruce paints a canvas of very fleshed out and realized characters that, you have to believe, are all souls that Bruce has encountered at some point along his journey. “Lost in the Flood” plays out as a soldier returning home from one war and walking into another one. “Saint in the City” is more from young Bruce, and his neighborhood tale of temptation and the swagger and grit necessary for survival. Great start.
Sorry for the delay, I have been dealing with major computer issues, please bear with me.
ReplyDeleteThe E Street Band make themselves known on Born to Run; “10th Ave. Freeze Out” and “Night” establish players Clarence Clemons and Max Weinberg as forces to be reckoned with. Clarence’s sax gives “10th Ave” the groove that makes it such an addictive listen; add Max’s driving drums with Clarence’s bookend bombasts on “Night” and you’ve got great ingredients for “cookin”. Danny Federici is the next E-Streeter to emerge with his piano providing the backbone to “Backstreets”; Bruce belts out his ode to living the carefree vagabond lifestyle and the amazing friendship he eventually lost from it. His use of hot-rods as metaphors for himself and the testosterone filled evenings on “Born to Run” are funny when you actually listen to them. “Meeting Across the River” is my favorite track, because I think Bruce is the best when his voice is the emphasis and the instrumentation is sparse. “Jungleland” plays out like a 70’s Scorcese flick and the orchestrated nighttime movements of a bustling city.
ReplyDeleteNebraska is just Bruce and I love it. As much as I appreciate what the E Street Band does to enhance Bruce’s sound, the message hits home a lot harder with just an acoustic guitar and a world-weary storyteller. “Atlantic City” is a bleak look at a man who has run out of options, his details are just enough that these characters become very tangible and the stories very real. A moral dilemma and loyalty to his own blood is addressed in “Highway Patrolman”; we’re riding shotgun with a man who hasn’t much to live for and is a live wire, but for how long, in the haunting “State Trooper”. “My Father’s House” may be the Boss releasing some inner demons with unresolved issues involving the distance between he and his father, very powerful. I feel this will be my favorite of our required listening.
Born in the USA starts off with the cliché that I unfairly stamped on the Boss. “Cover Me” will immediately tell you what decade this was recorded in as it is dripping with Huey Lewis keyboards and is a little too generic for my tastes. “Working on the Highway” is a fun change of pace, with a rockabilly/surf feel that suits Bruce and the band. Maybe my favorite Bruce song ever is a radio single; “I’m on Fire” is Bruce in his element, showing off his subdued Jersey boy swagger with some fine guitar picking that would make Buck Owens proud and Max Weinberg keeping time. “Bobby Jean” is song that was meant to be played live as the E Streeters are given some space to run around. This album for the most part, didn’t sit well with me because it sounds like it was birthed in the eighties (which it was), the hits are hits for a reason and it’s because they were composed with the intention of being squeezed into radio formats alongside the Huey Lewis’ and the Billy Joel’s of the time.
ReplyDeleteWe get a two-fer on our last album, we get introduced to the great Pete Seeger, who’s picture should be next to folk music in the dictionary. He would be on the Mt. Rushmore of folk music with Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. This was a great way to end our listening as it speaks to the artist that Springsteen is; Seeger was for the people with his music and his message, just like Bruce. The songs aren’t modern in their sound but their messages are timeless. You can actually hear the smile on Bruce’s face during the more upbeat songs like “Old Dan Tucker” and “Froggie went a Courtin” but you also get the consternation in his inflection on “Erie Canal” and “Eyes on the Prize”. Folk music draws from pain and the common people, whether it be political or socio-economical constraints; Bruce knows who paved the way for him and he pays his dues. I’m a fan of the Boss.
I had never put much thought into "Born in the USA" and sometimes equated Bruce with the likes of artists like Bon Jovi because of its popularity. This week, David inspired me to listen more closely to the lyrics and I really heard it for the first time. The references to Vietnam and Americana are simply a part of our history as Americans. I enjoyed "Dancing in the Dark," which I was surprised to recognize - another song I liked but didn't know the name. All in all, I didn't like this album as much as the other three, which was surprising since the title track was the track I was most familiar with going into this week.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly, "We Shall Overcome" started off with a bang on "Old Dan Tucker." I wasn't sure what to expect but got really excited upon hearing that banjo. Since I decided to try playing fiddle music in 2007, I've had an interest in bluegrass music, even though I haven't gotten into it as much as I would have liked. My uncles play it, it's in my blood. Anyway, this was such a shock coming after "Born to Run" and I was glad to see Bruce embracing something that's had much of the same message as Bruce's music over the years, just a different type of feel. Fiddle music is just so fun and down to earth and I love how Bruce's voice fits this genre so well. Highlights for me included "Jesse James," "John Henry" (for some of the fiddle techniques I was learning before moving into the apartment with David last year) and "Eyes on the Prize." This album, once I get it on my iPod, will most definitely warrant some repeat listening.
ReplyDeleteThanks David for helping me appreciate Bruce, but most of all for introducing me to this side of him, which I will most definitely have to explore with some more depth (as well as Pete Seeger himself).