Weekend Mix: Radio Somewhere

Sal's title and mix.

In an email I told him I'd received Bruce's bio, "Born To Run," during the Solstistic festivities.

I admitted that the only Springsteen album I ever bought and played more than once is "Born To Run". I have a largely unheard yardsale copy of "The River".

I bought "Born To Run" when it came out because of the hype, and that's probably why I resisted loving it. Maybe it was an east/west coast thing.  I didn't "get" Hall and Oates either.
The title, "Tenth Ave Freeze Out" and "She's The One" are the songs I remember.

A friend had an extra ticket, so I went to see "The River" tour October 30th 1980, at the LA Sports Arena. Our seats were about 10 rows up behind the stage, a little left of center. It was almost like being in the band, looking out at the crowd. Bruce masterfully played the whole room, and made a point of making sure I witnessed all his solos. He can really play guitar.
One of the best shows I've ever seen. Sitting behind Max was amazing. They played for hours.
I didn't know most of the songs, but I was totally into it.

My admission was an invitation for dialogue. I figured I'd get schooled by an expert.

Sal gave some advice and made me a mix.

I know "Wrecking Ball came out this century, and "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" was a free download on iTunes in 2006, otherwise I have no idea which albums they are from.

Sal's email:

"So many are always clamoring about Brendan O'Brien's production on the last four Bruce records, as if he told Bruce, "This is the way it is and nothing you say will change my mind." I am sure Bruce was responsible for plenty of what made the final cuts. I don't hear a problem, other than the records don't sound like old Bruce records, which probably doesn't sit well with older fans, who think his last good record was "Darkness On The Edge Of Town."

I also think people had a hard time with Bruce trying to make pop music. But not me. I love these records for that very reason. They are filled with great pop songs, as well as some of the thinking man's Bruce tunes, just to keep things honest.

This is a compilation I put together from those records. You can decide if and when you'd like to go in. You may not want to at all."

I'm the guy who thinks the Stones last good one was "Exile", so I get the "Darkness" thing.

I jumped in feet first and was immediately struck by how good the songs are, and the attention to detail in the craft. So full of spirit. Obviously everyone involved gives a shit. According to "Born To Run", Bruce is always fully engaged. I hear that.

All the qualities missing from "A Bigger Bang" for instance.

It's a great mix so I wanted to share it.

I decided not to do any research and let these songs just hang together. I don't know which albums they come from, or when. I'm guessing, based on Sal's email, it's all the last four, late model, 21st century issue.

If any newbie's came along with material this strong we'd all be going nuts over it.

Enjoy!-BBJ

Radio Somewhere

Time to dig out that copy of "The River". And then, of course there's "The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle". My work is cut out for me.