Tonight we are off to see Bruce Springsteen in an epic stadium show. It's perfect testing conditions; an iconic rock star, a rare chance to see classic songs performed live and a huge running time of at least three hours. Surely, if the theory needs testing that listening to any albums beforehand dulls the impact of the concert, then this is the ultimate test? Will PW's theorem of pre-gig abstinence hold water?
If you think Springsteen is all rock guitars, stadium anthems and songs about cars and girls then 'The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle' is going to come as a bit of a shock to you. It's funky, a little bit soul, some vaudeville and a yes there is some rock but this is just part of an eclectic mix. The opening track should be enough to knock you off your axis - it's a full on funk assault. New Jersey style.
I came to this album, like most people probably, in reverse order having bought his albums from the 80s onwards I then investigated his extensive back catalogue. This one came as a bit of a surprise.
'Born To Run' should need no introduction to any self respecting music aficionado. It certainly fits the Springsteen mould much more closely than its predecessor. It's a classic rock album, from its iconic cover to the last note of the final track 'Jungleland'. And in between there's 'Thunder Road', '10th Avenue Freeze Out', 'Born To Run'. Classic. Great. Essential.
And finally to 'Born In The USA'. The first Springsteen album I bought and all because of a TV program called 'No Limits'. 'No Limits' was essential viewing in the 80s with its clever mix of music videos, local information, daring stunts and Jenny Powell. They also filmed their own segments set to music. I forget the exact details but one such 'wacky' montage involved climbing up (or down) stairs in some sort of historic tower; the camera never far behind Jenny's behind. And the music they selected to accompany this comedic moment was 'I'm Goin' Down' by Springsteen. Being the impressionable teenager that I was, I loved the segement and at the next opportunity bought 'Born In The USA'. I was not disappointed as what greeted me was a well honed rock album with great tracks - nearly everyone a classic in its own right.
The album spawned no fewer than seven singles and there are great rock anthems within its covers; 'Cover Me', 'Dancing In The Dark', 'No Surrender', 'Glory Days', 'Downtown Train'.... all great tracks that are equally at home in a car stereo as well as in a stadium. And then there's 'Born In The USA'. The title track is probably the most misunderstood track in rock history - being mistaken for a flag waving american anthem by many casual listeners and Presidents. This couldn't be further from the truth - the song documents the effect of the Vietnam war on American citizens. You only have to read the lyrics of the verses to realise this but most are drawn, moth-like, to its stadium friendly chorus. The most poignant moment is saved until last. 'My Hometown' describes a working class town that is down on its heels following the closure of shops and factories. Sound familiar?
"Now main streets whitewashed windows and vacant storesSo there you have it. A true Springsteenfest. It'll be interesting to see how I perceive the concert this evening - it's perfect outdoor concert weather; rain lashing down, wind picking up and temperatures dropping. It won't matter though as I'm happy to spend the evening with forty thousand other Springsteen fans, signing in the rain as if our lives depended upon it, mesmerised by the tales of love, happiness, economic hardship, heartache and hope. And to think, and perhaps most bizarrely of all, I've got a dodgy 80s TV programme and a photogenic bum to thank for it.
Seems like there aint nobody wants to come down here no more
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they aint coming back to
Your hometown"
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