We'll start off with my Huffington Post review of the new Bruce CD. Here is the link if you like their layout better.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN- WORKING ON A DREAM
You know, it's not all about Bruce Springsteen. (yes it is) I mean, there are other great new releases out this week. (not really)
The similarities between "Magic," Bruce's last release and Bruce's new record "Working On A Dream," were unnerving at first. Musically, many of the new tracks are mirror images of tracks from "Magic," at least to my ears.
"Surprise Surprise" is "I'll Work For Your Love." Listen to the intro of "Surprise, Surprise," and right before the snare smack, start singing "Pour me a drink Theresa...," the opening lyric from "I'll Work For Your Love." Same song.
Speed up "You'll Be Coming Down" from "Magic" just a little, and you have "My Lucky Day." As a matter of fact, right after the Big Man's solo in "Lucky Day," start singing the last verse of "Coming Down." You can do it. Really.
What about "This Life" and "Your Own Worst Enemy?" Here are two separate songs that evoke the baroque pop and grandiose production of The Left Banke and The Walker Brothers, with Beach Boys-inspired harmonies and string arrangements. It wouldn't be a problem if Bruce had written, say... a dozen or so songs in the last 30 years that sounded like this. But the beauty and wonder of hearing "Your Own Worst Enemy" for the first time is almost tainted (almost) now that another mini powerhouse in the shape of "This Life" comes so quickly. It's as if Bruce wrote these pastiches and put one in column A and one in column B.
Don't even get me started on "Queen Of The Supermarket," the song that one friend referred to as "a song that could be as classic as 'Racing In The Street,' if he only didn't say 'supermarket' so much" Well, I get it. I mean, no matter how good "Yonkers Joe" is, the movie is still called "Yonkers Joe." Still, "Supermarket" is another brilliant work of art.
But, what if I heard "Working On A Dream" first and "Magic" didn't exist?
That said, I can't stop listening to WOAD. It truly is the masterpiece that some, but not all, have been calling it. If you're like some who think Bruce's best work is behind him, nothing will ever sound satisfying to you again. Very few songs are "Thunder Road" & "Meeting Across The River" and few will ever be. But like "Magic," "Working On A Dream" is filled with Bruce's love of melody, and the music that made him. If you're looking for a dozen sparse arrangements with lyrics about guys doing hard time, look elsewhere. Those days are over...for now.
One last thing about "Outlaw Pete." It is NOT "Jungleland." STOP saying "Jungleland" when talking about "Outlaw Pete." And Lefsetz, kiss my ass. I say that will all due respect. (not really)
THE BIRD & THE BEE- RAY GUNS ARE NOT JUST THE FUTURE
New record from low-key, sixties psych-meets Morrissey on a tropical isle duo. (I just made myself interested.)
FRANZ FERDINAND- TONIGHT: FRANZ FERDINAND
The third releas
e from F.F. "finds the band evolving its post-punk sound to encompass funk and R&B influences." I wish I was more interested in this. I didn't get ga ga over their first two releases, so I haven't much to say about this. But, a post-punk band dabbling in funk and R&B doesn't sound promising.
THE JACKSONS EXPANDED
Both "Destiny" and "Triumph" get remastered with a few extra tracks slapped on for good measure. These records were solid at the time, featuring the hits 'Lovely One," "Shake Your Body," and the hilariously retitled "This Place Hotel," AKA "Heartbreak Hotel." Graceland wasn't amused.
PAUL MCCARTNEY- AMOEBA'S SECRET
On June 27, 2007, Paul McCartney shocked the music world by performing a surprise, first ever in-store at the famed Los Angeles record shop. I guess when you're a Beatle, there will always be some collectibility, but it really is only 4 songs. And those songs are "Only Mama Knows," (ok, I think) "C-Moon" (jeez), "That Was Me," (what?), and "I Saw Her Standing There." (Maybe that's why they kept it a secret)
MARK OLSON & GARY LOURIS- READY FOR THE FLOOD
The Jayhawks side projects continue with this somewhat moody and lethargic collection of songs that have a lot of heart, but not much strength. Sort of the "Rudy" of folk rock.
And there you have it.
4 comments:
Just started to listen to the Bruce album, and so far I think you're right on the money.
Did you originally reference Badlands as an album in this posting? Confused by the comments left on Huffington.
No Michael. Some guy who has been listening to Bruce his whole life thought "Badlands" was an album. I had nothing to do with that.
Who's equating 'Outlaw Pete' with 'Jungleland'? I'm not getting it.
I like Working On A Dream better than Magic although nothing matches 'Girls In Their Summer Clothes'
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