I got a job working construction
For the Johnstown Company
But lately there ain't been much work
On account of the economy
Now all them things that seemed so important
Well mister, they vanished right into the air
Now I just act like I don't remember
Mary acts like she don't care
But I remember us riding in my brother's car
Her body tan and wet down at the reservoir
At night on them banks I'd lie awake
And pull her close just to feel each breath she'd take
Now those memories come back to haunt me
They haunt me like a curse
Is a dream a lie if it don't come true or is it something worse?
Bruce Springsteen
It's always nice to find something that independently confirms your thinking. After annointing Bruce Springsteen Existential Poet and Political Prophet, I discover that Rolling Stone did a poll recently to get the reader's point of view on what were the Greatest Springsteen songs. I can't quibble at all, although the order isn't the one I'd use. There are some things that might surprise you -- The River is very higher than perhaps some might expect, Darkness at the Edge of Town is lower. I also suspect a lot of folks will disagree with number 1 versus number 2. Number 1 is Thunder Road, and Number 2 is Born to Run. I happen to agree completely, although Born to Run is the most obvious tie to Bruce. But, when I saw the No Nukes Movie, they used Thunder Road, and I was stunned...exceptionally fine performance, incredible song, ecstatic performance. That was it, I was a Springsteen fan for life. As a guy from upstate New York, Thunder Road said everything there was to say about yearning, and life and fitting in, and failing, and making your own way.
One of the things about Rolling Stone is simple -- they have access to all sorts of stuff. This piece's versions of the songs are what they consider the definitive performances. In some cases, I'd disagree...I think the definitive performance of The River was the one from No Nukes. But, they have access to stuff I don't...the version they show of Darkness at the Edge of Town is kind of amazing...the contemporary Bruce has the same issues as the Bruce who wrote that song, only with the maturity that comes from being 60 or so...
Anyway, here's the first performance of The River, from the No Nukes Concert. Compare it to the other version on the list and decide for yourself. Be curious to know what the six or seven people who read this who are not crazy or robots think of the list and the performance. MR. Fun, who is dealing with Fatherhood, may choose to introduce his daughter to music with this list...
So many great songs. I'm partial to "Lost In The Flood".
Posted by: Zencomix | 09 July 2011 at 09:34 AM