"Devils and Dust" ~ Bruce Springsteen

Kush · Post by **Kush** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:55 pm

Ghoti...I did see the VH1 show and taped it. He always comes across as a very genuine person, happy to be around people and making them laugh.
I'd strongly recommend the DVD Live in NYC to understand his stage persona which was how he become so popular in the first place. Its foot-stomping, piano hopping guitar screamin rock arena Bruce at his best.

In the VH1 show, the piano version of the classic Thunder Road was a masterpiece. One reason I like his music so much is for the car & highway metaphors. I love driving cross-country whether alone or with company.

You can hide beneath your covers
And study your pain
Make crosses from your lovers
Throw roses in the rain
Waste your summer praying in vain
For a savior to rise from these streets
Well now I'm no hero
That's understood
All the redemption I can offer, girl
Is beneath this dirty hood
With a chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can we do now
Except roll down the window
And let the wind blow back your hair
Well the night's busting open
These two lanes will take us anywhere

Ghoti · Post by **Ghoti** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:48 pm

I agree, he was excellant live. What song are those lyrics from they sound good?

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:16 am

Thunder Road?

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:18 am

This CD sounds like this summer's must have. Van Morrison's Magic Time is also very tasty.

Linda.

Ghoti · Post by **Ghoti** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:40 am

I've never been a fan of van, compatriat and all as he is.

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:19 am

Is that right? Did you follow his 'career' when he was with that old rock group 'Them"? The song "Gloria" then later "Brown Eyed Girl"? He's been around for a long time, as I'm sure you know. I've always liked him. But...I can see how different artists might not appeal to everyone.

Cheers!
Linda.

Kush · Post by **Kush** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:09 pm

Yeah....that's from Thunder Road from the album Born to Run. That was the last song he did on the VH1 show with just himself on piano.

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:31 pm

I've not heard D&D, but it's beginning to sound like I'll likely buy it. I like that 'pared down' style that Springsteen does so well.

Linda.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:05 pm

Got it on friday, not dissapointed. Most of Van's career was before my time and its only what I've heard around that I'm judging. It annoys me when Irish singers, and those of other nationalities I'm sure, americanize there voice - alter accents etc.

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:28 pm

Hi Mr/Ms Guest,

I'v read about or seen programs about this very thing. I don't think it's a case of say Van Morrison deliberately trying to be more 'Americanized'. I think it is a matter of easier singing and better clarity. I know there are groups like The Chieftans that keep their 'accents' but there are those that don't perhaps because of the kind of music they sing. It has something to do with linguistics and breath and the mechanics of singing as opposed to trying to 'lose' and accent. I can't explain it (obviously) but it isn't always as a way to sound more American.

Linda.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 7:08 pm

I tend to prefer Bruce's work with the E Street band, which is why I went to see him on his last tour. I wasn't a big fan of Tom Joad. In fact, I think I gave it away to a stauncher Bruce fan, but I also have heard two tracks from the album and have really liked them, so maybe I need to check it out too. Bruce is also an amazing poet in his own right.

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 9:31 pm

Hello Guest,

Bruce is also an amazing poet in his own right.

I couldn't agree with you more. His lyrics are evocative of youth and freedom in many cases. In others, he speaks of the 'working, blue-collar man', and does so, eloquently.

E Street is a great band, of course, but I like Springsteen on his own, with a guitar. That way, one tends to focus on the lyrics more. A poet indeed. A 'working man's poet'.

Linda.

Shane · Post by **Shane** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:47 pm

I think this is his best album yet, closely followed by The Ghost of Tom Joad. Fave tracks: Devils and Dust and Reno. I tend to prefer his ballads, but there are good feelgood songs on this one too.

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:47 pm

Hi Shane,

There seems to be a split; those that like this album also like Joad and Nebraska. Then those that don't like Tom Joad, don't care too much for this either. No need to explain why, I think I get it. In fact, I think I will get it. The CD, that is.

Linda.

Shane · Post by **Shane** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:32 am

Of course, you're right, Linda.

As for Van Morisson's Magic Time - it's better then most of the stuff he put out recently, but still far from the ideal Astral Weeks and Veedon Fleece.