Springsteenesque.com: Opinion

Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts

Apr 7, 2008

The awakening of a fan

I would say that Steve Gillmor has been indoctrinated into the Brotherhood of the Boss with this article. I love seeing a fan being borne...

Read the whole thing here.

I've been immune to Bruce Springsteen for more than 30 years. Tonight, that is over. I'd heard so much about the power of his live show, the legend of Clarence Clemons, the Soprano jaunt of Little Steven, yadda, yadda, yadda. Nothin. Nice guy, man of the people, power anthems that never really connected.

The harbinger for me was an appearance on Today a few months ago, where Springsteen and his E Street Band debuted an anti-war song with the most startling spoken intro that the veeps at GE must have blinked through like a sip of tart limeade. Living in the future, well, you should get the record. Tonight, I finally did.

Apr 3, 2008

Finally, someone who 'gets' the brotherhood...

A while ago I asked if I was the only one who felt the brotherhood of the Boss. Apparently Tony Sauro feels the same way. Check out his article here.

Is there something there? Do you feel the camaraderie at His shows?

Mar 27, 2008

The Vatican Papers (part 2)

Part two of our Vatican story here on Springsteenesque. Our quest for a copy of the article and a translation first got on the way thanks to the kind comment of southjerseydevil on the original piece.

South provided the link to the article as published on the site of Leonardo Colombati, author of the book “Come Un Killer Sotto Il Sole (Like a Killer in the Sun)”. He also provided a link to a Google translation of the article. Although this was a nice gesture, the translation Google spat out didn’t make much sense. But then again not much the Vatican says makes much sense at all.

Under the illusion that they might make a bit more sense than the Google word jumble I then posted a request on BTX, seeking help from the native Italians on the board. Freebies were offered to little avail. The article proved too lengthy, and maybe too mystifying, for anybody to attempt a translation.

A kind soul who calls himself Franz picked up the two first paragraphs and that seemed to be it. Until today! The author of the book posted on the thread on BTX announcing that an English translation to the article will be available soon on his site. As it turns out the article is mainly a review of his book, though it does cover Bruce’s Catholicism as well.

Stay tuned as we’ll find out more on the Vatican’s, possibly twisted, views on our fallen Catholic object of fascination.

This was contributed by SoulBoogieAlex - check his blog here.

Mar 21, 2008

Springsteen and the Vatican?

Sometimes news takes a detour. I usually get my news through Backstreets, so I only noticed this today on the Dutch fan site BeTrue. According to them the Osservatore Romano, the Vatican news paper, published an article on Springsteen and the Christian merits of his lyrics. According to BeTrue the Osservatore Romano was uncharacteristically praisingly in discussing Springsteen's work. Something they rarely do for popular artists. Quotes taken by BeTrue from the article are "Springsteen's lyrics show a literary depth" and "show a constant sensibility to catholic core values". According to the Osservatore Romano "The Catholic background of the singer songwriter rings out through his entire body of work...., in a sense Springsteen is predestined to be Catholic". According to BeTrue the article was published by the Osservatore Romano on March second. I checked their site but unfortunately couldn't find a digital reference to the article BeTrue is referring to. Since the site looks hopelessly outdated, I wouldn't be surprised if not everything gets published digitally.

I haven’t had the pleasure to read the article yet, and I’m not sure if it is even available in English. The Source at BeTrue doesn’t really say. It does mention though that Leonardo Colombati new book “Come Un Killer Soto Il Sole” is what prompted the Vatican press to write about the boy who used to piss in his desk at his local catholic school, or at least so the legend goes. The book is apparently an Italian biography, not available in English. Springsteen is popular enough in Italy to get a native language biography, only a year ago he sold out 7 Seeger Sessions shows, where as Americans seemingly couldn’t be dragged to the Arenas. The Seeger Sessions itself was filled with Catholic imagery and Gospel, so much so that Christian Music Today called it Springsteen’s most Christian album to date. So who knows maybe that’s what got the Vatican paying attention. The tour got nation wide broadcasting over the Radio in Italy (download here), so maybe some R&R minded Bishop took notice on his break from daily prayer and contemplation. Though Springsteen views himself as a fallen Catholic at best, spin “Promised Land” once more and the affectionate words from the Vatican are easily understood. That song alone makes it easy to turn a blind aye to all those nuns pleadin' immaculate conception.

We’ll keep you updated if we find out more or get our hands on a translation.

This was contributed by SoulBoogieAlex - check his blog here.

Feb 7, 2008

Er...Springsteen? Anyone?

It's like radio silence these past couple of months. Is there anyone alive out there? This has to be the quietest lull of Springsteen-related news I've ever witnessed -- even when he was NOT touring!

Only 24 big sleeps until Springsteen makes an appearance in Montreal where I will happily be...

Jan 3, 2008

Interesting choice of songs at political rallies

So this is not how we wanted to start the new year but Springsteen news is few and far between -- or maybe we've just been spoiled with all the stories, pictures and videos from the tour (on hiatus until the end of February)...

After Springsteen stumped for Kerry during the previous election I wondered if anyone would use his music this year and, low and behold, there is John Edwards using 'The Rising' at his rallies. Maybe he should use 'Magic' or even 'My Best was never good enough'...Other song choices are as follows:

At John Edwards rallies, Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising." At Barack Obama's, Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed and Delivered." At Hillary Clinton's, Dolly Parton's "9 to 5." At Mike Huckabee's rally in Des Moines last night, it was "Sweet Home Alabama" --except the candidate himself was on stage strumming guitar with a local band.

Interesting if you follow this stuff. Springsteen is 1 and 1 (with the 1 win totally inadvertently -- Reagan and BitUSA) and the loss, the aforementioned Kerry (No Surrender).

Do you think the music they choose has an impact on the votes they get? C'mon, there is NO Springsteen news...

Nov 26, 2007

Some more kudos for 'For You'

Don't mean to harp on this but if you haven't ordered your copy or put it on your Christmas list and still need to be convinced, check out this discussion or this one on BTX.

Nov 21, 2007

The Brotherhood of the Boss

I've been toying with this title since I got back from the two Chicago shows and have just found the words to ask this question. But before I ask anything, I feel I should explain the title a little bit.

I've lurked on BTX and GreasyLake for a number of years now and what I've noticed is the living community that has emerged and quickly in the digital realm around Springsteen. Granted, Springsteen's handlers have done a horrible job in this area but I don't think that is a bad thing anymore --it may have been viewed as forced if bigco had tried to create the community themselves.

Anyway.

I have a group of guys that I go to the shows with -- The Ottawa Boys. We met in the PIT line for The Rising Tour in Ottawa - I was number 51 and they were a couple ahead of me. It's ironic but there were a bunch of Rob's and an Ett. The old PIT process made for a great way to meet similar fans (as opposed to the way things happen on the Magic tour) and meet we did. The Ottawa Boys hit it off so well that we headed to NJ for a couple of shows, congregate when a CD or DVD is released and struggle online (and in a conference call) when tickets go on sale. We all headed down to Chicago for two shows and stay in touch around Springsteen news, setlists and news announcements (we also wonder why we just don't quit our jobs and hit the road and follow Springsteen around).

We are but a small group of guys and gals who appreciate Springsteen's music and have formed a strong personal bond around His music and I see this everywhere online on BTX and similar boards -- there are groups that meet before each show, groups that raise money for charities, and groups that come together to support each other during times of sadness and happiness.

The odd thing about this whole experience is the QUALITY of the people I've met over the years -- they are amazing, hospitable, honest people. Everyone of them (ok, maybe not the pit pigs). We have formed a camaraderie that began with a chord from Springsteen but has aged well and grown into friendship.

I know there are other experiences like this out there -- everywhere. My question to you is simple: What is your "Brotherhood of The Boss" story? Do tell!

Nov 4, 2007

Springsteen and Earle -- Doing fine after 50

For those of you out there who like both Springsteen and Steve Earle and see similarities in their message (perhaps not the way they make their message known -- anyone remember FtheCC?), this is a great review of the two artists and their new releases.

I started listening to Earle when Springsteen would take 4 years between albums and found his music, lyrics and brash style to become the voice of my generation (even though only but a few were listening to him). When he dropped off the face of the earth I'm not sure anyone noticed but when he cleaned up, was released from prison and came back it is hard to argue that for the last 10 years he has released some of the best music pressed on vinyl.

His latest has lost the in-your-face edge -- seems he's taken a lesson from Springsteen in that there is a way to make your voice heard without having to infuriate and alienate. His latest is subtle and brilliant in the same way Magic is.

Nov 2, 2007

Remixed version of Girls?

According to an article on Fox News, Columbia is getting set to release a remixed version of "Girls in their summer clothes" to target top 40 radio stations:

Columbia Records is said to be readying a remixed version of "The Girls in their Summer Clothes," a poppy Beach Boys-type track that has such a catchy hook fans were singing along to it at live shows before they had the album. Bruce insiders are hopeful that with a push from Sony, "Girls" will triumph.

What do you think about that? Does Springsteen really NEED validation from top 40 radio or are record/digital sales enough?

Is Clear Channel boycotting Springsteen?

Springsteen too old to play Rock and Roll? Yup, that's what they are saying:

"Sources tell me that Clear Channel has sent an edict to its classic rock stations not to play tracks from "Magic." But it’s OK to play old Springsteen tracks such as "Dancing in the Dark," "Born to Run" and "Born in the USA.""

Too old? Perhaps the fine (sic) folks at Clear Channel should pull their ears and eyes out of their asses and go see their first show. How can the number 1 album for 2 of the last 3 weeks (one that has sold 500,000 copies and WILL sell 1,000,000 copies) be vacant from rock radio stations?

And people wonder why radio is dead...Is there anybody alive out there?

Read more here and here if you want to or just go listen to Magic -- much more satisfying.

Update: Down With Tyranny has a more in-depth political view on this whole thing. Find it here.

Oct 20, 2007

Do you suffer from Post-Springsteen concert syndrome?

I've had this discussion with other fans MANY times over. If you are feeling blue, thinking the show you just saw will be the last with the E Street Band, the last time the Big Man blasts out that vaunted solo in Born To Run, that you never saw Backstreets live then head over to this stream of sadness/support on BTX.

How come it is our Springsteen support group that understands our enjoyment of Springsteen shows better than our significant others?

Oct 5, 2007

Springsteen on 60 Minutes Sunday night

Does Springsteen really need to defend himself against allegations that he is unpatriotic? Now, I'm from Canada but one great truth we share with our neighbours down south and that is, if you don't speak up you don't deserve a democracy.

Springsteen's words are slightly more elegant than mine:

"It's unpatriotic at any given moment to sit back and let things pass that are damaging to some place that you love so dearly and that has given me so much,"

You can watch some clips at www.cbsnews.com or wait until Sunday night at 7 to see him defend himself and the right to speak his mind...Ridiculous.

Sep 9, 2007

Goin' to Chicago

Well, I managed to score tickets to both shows in Chicago -- well, I wasn't able to, but the group I'm going with did. Next up is Ottawa and then divorce court if there are any shows after that.

How did everyone else do?

Aug 23, 2007

Springsteen's Radio Nowhere is in the house

So I've heard it, more than once (maybe a dozen times now), and I like it. It certainly didn't have the impact that my first listen of "The Rising" did -- that song blew me away, the way the pressure builds, the way his vocals seemed restrained and then, bam, it turns into a rock song. "Radio Nowhere" is not like that. It's more like a tune that would have fit in nicely on Human Touch or Lucky Town. Good, but not quite as good as the E Street Band could be. I was hoping for a little more Clarence maybe?

Also, I tend to agree that the riff throughout the song sounds like "Don't Fear the Reaper"

Check out some other comments on BTX.

Aug 16, 2007

The Boss' Website...

While we wait for The Release and ponder our best strategic triad of shows to hit I'm going to hit up Sony once again for the garbage they call www.brucespringsteen.net.

I've written about this before (and about his MySpace page) and I'm hoping this is the last of it that comes from me although I highly doubt it...

My hope, aside from this coming album being a triumphant return of the E Street Band, is that Sony finally addresses his poor excuse of a website. Every time I visit that site (which is not very often) and that music starts to blare through my work speakers I get angry. The disconnect between that front page and the rest of the site reminds of that episode of Arrested Development where Gob takes over the business, builds the facade of a house in two weeks, cuts the ribbon and all four walls fall down to reveal an unfinished frame -- www.brucespringsteen.net. Arrested Development was funny, Springsteen's official site isn't.

Aug 15, 2007

Any day now, I'm sure...

I'm astounded by the activity surrounding the upcoming and EVENTUAL release of Springsteen's next album. If you can judge the demand from the fervor displayed at BTX than this album will sell, well, at least 50 copies .

The feeling is that the announcement will come out today but who knows? It looks like there are dates booked (Bercy in Paris has already put Springsteen's picture on their website with a concert date of December 17) and TicketMaster indicates a national tour is pending so I would imagine we are close to a note from ShoreFire.

The anger that I've seen as a result of the non-story makes me feel warm and fuzzy that Springsteen seems to still be relevant to people other than myself.

I'll keep ya posted!

Jul 8, 2007

An offer he COULD refuse!

This is why we all have a deep affinity for Bruce Springsteen. He didn't play live earth, he doesn't have a custom IPOD, he won't participate in American Idol, he hasn't done a Chevy commercial and now we find out he has continually refused to lend his likeness to the Simpsons.

Some people would say by not doing all these things he is limiting his exposure but I'm pretty sure the fans he would gain would pale in comparison to the fans that would lose respect for him for selling out.

What do you think?

Jun 2, 2007

Bruce Almighty - Article from Ireland.com

Ireland.com has a great article online penned by Jim Carroll about Springsteen's influence on the new generation of artists such as The Killers, The Hold Steady and Arcade Fire -- all of which whose latest records have been compared to Springsteen's.

Carroll does concede that:

While songs such as Antichrist Television Blues and Chips Ahoy are clearly Springsteen-like in spirit and composition, his own songs about dreamers in dead-end towns, cars screaming towards the horizon and the other side of the American dream remain infinitely better.

Nothing new here as you can't recreate or conjure up images from other people's experiences evoked by a song...Different time, different place, different head space.

Go give it a read, it is vindication for the commitment we've all made to Springsteen's art (well, ok, it's really so we can say 'I told you so' to the non-believers out there).

Apr 22, 2007

Bruce and the boots

I've often wondered about the trade of Springsteen boots and the inability of Sony to do anything to stop it from happening.

Now, whether I should admit this or not I'm not sure, I clamor to get the latest Boss boot and it seems that everyone running sites such as theboots.net, www.brucebase.org.uk and advertisements in Backstreets Magazine are willing to feed that need. My question is, how can people run these sites and/or distribute these boots without legal harassment from Springsteen's label? Do they not want to protect their investment?

It seems to me that the recording companies are still having a hard time figuring out who they should go after for copyright infringement -- take for example the recent ruling on Internet radio. The fact that companies such as live365.com will need to pay millions of dollars to stream music to eager listeners (who actually PAY for the service) seems to be a complete lack of foresight. People who are willing to PAY for online radio are typically the same people willing to PAY for CD's or MP3's. Why is it that the record companies don't go after the guys who bring recording devices into concerts and then release those recordings for profit? I don't get it.

When I was setting up www.springsteentracker.com and was trying to design a custom shirt for the site, I had to go through dozens of designs before the IP folks at CafePress would allow our design -- they were worried about copyright infringement and, to their credit, defended Springsteen's brand in order to protect themselves from his "team" of lawyers who were obviously waiting in the wings to shut them down.

I also notice that the BTX doesn't allow the trade of illegally obtained materials yet there is an active stream of MP3s that are distributed through the site and announcements of live video footage proliferate the forums. Heck, even YouTube removed a slew of Springsteen videos from their site without provocation (this preventative measure must relate to the recent acquisition by deep-pocketed Google).

My personal view is that the more of this stuff that appears, the more time (and money) I invest in the artist. Take the recent Seeger Sessions tour -- I was ABSOLUTELY going to see a show but there were a lot of others who weren't interested...until they saw some early footage on YouTube from the European shows -- almost a try before you buy scenario. I would guess that more than a few people bought tickets as a result of the footage captured and placed on YouTube.

So whether you agree with it or not, bootlegging has opened up some of the best Springsteen material never available on vinyl and, quite frankly, helps us all during the long Springsteen dry spells.

Ramble/Rant over.