Bruce Springsteen

Art Quote of the Day
Any good music must be an innovation.
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Baxter">Les Baxter</a>

Unlike some of my friends who preferred foosball to the half-time performance yesterday, I eagerly anticipated 'the show'. As a long time fan, I knew what was coming. While my last concert with Bruce was in the somewhat distant past, I knew what he could and would do. Full bore, no quarter asked or given, mainline rock n' roll. And that's what he did.

So why am I disappointed? Couple of reasons. First the new album. See review <a href="http://lakinreport.com/springsteen.html">here</a>.

Then half time. It was nice for the world to see the redemptive power that great music and specifically rock n' roll can bring when a dedicated artist brings his best to the party. Bruce always brings his best. My preference would have been more great music, more emotion in the singing/playing and less climbing on the piano and sliding on his knees into the camera!?

He waited a few years too long. Maybe 10. I could feel his pain and even though he seems to be in fine shape he is an older man. So am I, dammit. Rather be young and dancing in the dark but time is a bitch. There is no way he can do what he did 30 years ago. Neither can Dylan or the Stones. Either you recognize that and adapt, like Dylan the Stones or you become a parody.

I don't hear much innovation in 'Working on a Dream". The concerts will be like before only not quite. I think he could still be a compelling artist, on record and live. We always wanted records faster than he produced them. But when he has enough songs for two records, he should take the best and put out one record. Second, a show that is less physical but has more feeling. His voice is not the same either but he can still bring it.

Love Bruce, thought the performance was vintage, just made me nostalgic for the mid-70's and tickets in hand for an upcoming show.

Working on a Dream
Bruce Springsteen
Release date January 27, 2009

Outlaw Pete

The record starts with a rousing romp through the badlands, while Pete ages. Born into a life of crime. Runs and then is caught by the river. A bit repetitive then slows and hits the point where Pete really goes down the path, shooting the lawman dead. Forty days and nights reference ties to religious themes. Wall-of-sound goes into nothing except a lonesome harp and "strings"????
Can You Hear Me?? Yes but not sure what you are asking me to feel or to think. Pity for the outlaw, uuhhmm OK.

My Lucky Day

Happy Bruce? Decent riff but I'm not really being moved.

Working on a Dream

Happy Bruce II? kind of boring

Queen of the Supermarket

Huh? Happy again? Guess domestic bliss is catching up with him. Although he has better looking checkout girls at his store than I have at mine.

What Love Can Do

More interesting track has a snarling sort of vibe, with the guitar snaking in and out. 'Can't stop the train when it comes crashing through' - like that visual describing when love hits. Short and sweet.

This Life

Brian Wilson meets awkward lyrics - banal. This life and then the next, I have been blessed, what more can you expect???? Yikes.

Good Eye

Nice start, syncopated, lyrics are forced out but seem real and heartfelt. Sort of bluesy and western sounding at the same time. Voice coming through some kind of old time speaker - much more interesting than the previous track. Great harp. Minimalist instruments. Not much Clarence on any of it so far.

Tomorrow Never Knows

Creedence rhythm to start. Seems like "less is more" is coming through. Wall-of-sound is gone? Nice track.

Life Itself

Nice story, talking about someone I'd like to know more about. Production sounds kind of rushed, like they could have done better with more time. But I sort of like the rougher, more unpolished tone.

Kingdom of Days

Same voice, as previous - happy again. This guy is really in love. I love you, I love you, I love you, I do. Let's see, does he really love her? I'm guessing yes. (I really love my lady, wanna hear me tell you over and over?)

Surprise, Surprise

Happy number -- sorry lost count. Happy Birthday song. Surprise, surprise, surprise...... over and over. Get it??!!

Last Carnival

Simple, acoustic start. Seems heartfelt memory of the days at the carnival. Nice bridge, 'moonlight was in your eyes, daybreak you made me ache'.

The best song so far. Takes me to a place I can feel. Very nice images. He still has it.

Wrestler [*]

Streets of Philadelphia vibe - sorry no Oscar this time. Nice images - one-legged dog. Leave with less than I had before.

Last two songs are the best of the album. Cannot understand where Rolling Stone gave it 5 stars. To be clear, Bruce has more talent in his little pinky than I can dream of having. In some respects it doesn't feel right to comment on his work. On the other hand, why not. Writing about records helps me to "hear" it in a different, more substantial way than if it is just playing.

I am very happy Bruce is happy. He deserves it. He has given me and many people I know immense pleasure. It is nice to be in Love. Just not sure what it does for this record. More songs like Last Carnival and Wrestler would have been welcome. But hey, it's just my take on it.

Full disclosure. I was a huge Springsteen fan. Saw many concerts, enjoyed them all, looked forward to all CD releases until after The Rising. Just sort of drifted away. So this may be more typical of his later stuff. Not sure. Cheers!