Monday, January 28, 2008

The Boss of Me.

One of my co-workers confessed to me this morning that he doesn't get Bruce Springsteen and that he felt lost when the people in his area started debating the relative merits of everything from Greetings From Asbury Park through Magic. I told him that the best thing to do whenever he found himself in a situation like that is to confidently state that Born in the USA is a great album that suffers because of its production. In addition to being true, it's the kind of statement that makes you sound like you've given the matter a lot of thought. Whoever you're talking to may disagree, but that's fine. Springsteen fans are an opinionated bunch. And they (okay, we) are used to being on the defensive. It's the Jersey thing, I suppose.

Anyway, observe the E Street Band in 1975:




And covering the Arcade Fire (with Win & Regine lending a hand) in 2007:



I love the audible audience reactions. So much joy....

And as a bonus, here's Badlands. Just because it's awesome.

5 comments:

Colleen said...

Those audience reactions were GREAT in the second one. I am so ashamed that I have never seen him live.

Mike Lupica said...

I am now even more excited to give you the belated birthday present that is sitting on the desk just to my left.

therese said...

Ooh! I love belated birthday presents!!!!

And Colleen, he's playing three shows in NJ in July, you should come up! It's way too hot in Louisiana in the summer.

Maine Man said...

I believe your co-worker is either an alien or some sort of agent provocateur, because everyone has a favorite Springsteen album or song.
Even people not from Jersey.

therese said...

Alien or Agent Provacateur would explain a lot, actually.