It Was 40 Years Ago Today...


Born To Run, released this day:

August 25, 1975

And the world saw the future of Rock & Roll, and his name was Bruce Springsteen.
courant

Showing 4 responses by kb54

Without question, the most important artist of his generation, and the greatest live rock performer of all time. A consistent and passionate advocate for working people, veterans and the needy since finding his voice in the late 70s.
I'll stand by what I said. Neither the Stones, the Who, Queen, etc., were able to connect with people emotionally, communicate a compelling message and create a sense of community in the way Springsteen was. The other band that has been able to do this (and they credit Springsteen, among others for it) is U2.

Schubert, your comment is incredibly ignorant, since Springsteen almost single handedly led Asbury Park out of the ashes (My City of Ruins was originally written about that town), raised awareness of the mistreatment of Vietnam Veterans, has helped shelters and food banks throughout the country, etc., etc., etc. He's also campaigned against politicians who have no interest in the underserved. Do you think it's possible that repeated cuts to essential programs, corporate greed and lack of political will has something to do with their worsening situation?
It seems to be the rule (rather than the exception) that in rock music, most of the artists' best, most unique and creative work arrives early in their careers. Most people would say that about Bob Dylan, The Beatles (together and apart), the Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne and on and on. Why should Springsteen be any different? I agree that his best recordings end with Tunnel of Love (I personally never cared much for Born In The USA; Bruce himself has said during interviews that he was only happy with half of the songs, and it's his most commercial and dated sounding production). If interested, check out his many live concert recordings on Youtube from 1975-1980 (especially 1978) to hear him at his peak. Now he's in his mid 60s; we shouldn't expect him to be the same performer he was in his 20s.

Schubert, good luck with your narcissistic personality disorder.
Andrew, when I said early in their careers, I didn't necessarily mean their first several albums (although for some of the artists that I listed, I feel that those albums included a lot of their best work). I meant to say that rock and roll seems to be a young person's game, and that much of their best music is written and performed in their teens, 20s and 30s. Of course there are exceptions; I agree with Mapman-Dylan's Time Out Of Mind is among my favorites of his albums.