Talking Of Springsteen…
by Simon
I’ve been on a Boss kick these past couple of weeks, loaded up everything up to Tunnel Of Love onto the Ipod, hit random and settled back into my train seat and closed my eyes.
My favourite album is probably not one that everybody would name, Tunnel Of Love. There’s a simplicity to the lyrics that I find really appealing, especially when you compare them to some of the other albums. And the title track is one of my favourite lyrics by anybody anywhere. Especially the following lines:
“Then the lights go out and it’s just the three of us
You me and all that stuff we’re so scared of”
Which I think in two simple lines says so much, far more than I read into it when I first heard it – blimey 22 years ago – when I was 19. I really think it’s a wonderful bit of writing which resonates so strongly, and it’s not just about a bad or dying relationship either, it pretty much fits any relationship.
It’s also a great tune…
The Songs That People Sing 
Nebraska is my favourite album. Highway Patrolman has a certain resonance with me, the estrangement from a brother not the nicking of his bird bit.
I listened to Born To Run, from the album really loud on vinyl the other night and it sounded completely different to listening to it through headphones, it sounded so much more raw but also a little dated in a good way if you know what I mean.
“it sounded so much more raw but also a little dated in a good way” That kind of sums up Bruce for me, it’s kind of similar to John Martyn in that way or Van; it’s kind of old fashioned in a way The Jam or The Clash aren’t. And right now it’s something that appeals a lot.
bruce is still a bit of a mystery to me – never really started but the odd bits i’ve liked loads more than i ever thought i would. he’s very good for excercising to – i get lost in the stories which is much nicer than being endlessly reminded of the ridiculous and horrid stuff i’m putting myself through than encouraging beats.
any more tips would be most gratefully gobbled up
x
The obvious Born To Run, Born In The USA has some good songs, The River is a good double with some great rockers. Tunnel Of Love is part pop-rock, but also pretty good country/folk rock. Nebraska has some pretty fine lyrics. There’s a great live album from 75 at Hammersmith. I also really like the first two albums Greetings From Asbury Park and The Wild And The Innocent E Street Shuffle, which have a huge Van Morrison influence. Google Rosalita, cracking little tune.
Post 1990, I know none of his albums, but I’m told The Rising is the best of the bunch, a lot of people think it’s one of his best ever.
Devils & Dust and The Ghost of Tom Joad are both very very good albums with some great lyrics mostly just Springsteen a guitar and a great deal of melancholy. Well worth checking out.
I’d put ‘Tunnel of Love’ in a fight for 3rd place with ‘The E Street Shuffle’ with ‘Darkness on The Edge of Town’ and ‘Born To Run’ in 1st and 2nd place.
The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle !
you’re a clever lot ain’t you just. i’ll have a go at some then and let you know
x
Y’all will have heard about this, no doubt?
That’s what’s gotten me started on this kick, I’m waiting for it…
Late getting here. Been very distracted lately. But I’d second your choice of “Tunnel of Love.” That was the LP that first brought me to Springsteen, and as good as many of the others are (“Born To Run,” “The Rising” and “Tom Joad” especially), I return time and again to “Tunnel of Love.” Good post.