Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Bruce Springsteen 4/21/09 Night One Recap

So this was my 5th Bruce show, but only my second E St show. I was hoping to score GA's but ended up on the lower level even with the soundboard and it was great. Of the two shows I've seen 43 different songs, and people are wondering why I want to go again?

Badlands
What I great way to hit the ground running. The song sounded great and I like it more at the beginning then the end.

Adam Raised A Cain
Back to back Darkness tracks raised the roof. Not a single person was still in their chairs and we were only about 10minutes in.

Outlaw Pete
Wasn't sure how this was going to be live and I really enjoyed it. After the first two rockers it brings it back down, but didn't complete destroy the momentum.

Out In The Street
A personal favorite of mine and we are back at full volume!

Working On A Dream
Love the message, still out on the song. It was good live, but I didn't LOVE it.

Seeds
I can do without this song. It's not one that I listen to on a regular basis, but it still rocked.

Johnny 99
As you can tell by my s/n this and Thunder Road are two of my favorites. I think its interesting that we've almost all of the last couple tours represented, except Devils & Dust. As long as he doesn't start closing the shows with Dream Baby Dream I would love to see a solo song or two or full band versions. Right around The Wrestler would be great. But Johnny 99 was smoking tonight.

The Ghost of Tom Joad
Nils shredded this song apart. If they can rework this, they really need to work on some of the Devils and Dust stuff.

Raise Your Hand
It was like Simon Says. Bruce said Raise Your Hand and the crowd obliged. Signs collected.

I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
Everyone loves a good cover, and this was fun, but I wish there were more BRUCE sign requests.

I'm Going Down
Really enjoy this and since Gillette when it was "Rarely played, and ever more rarely requested" it seems if there is a sign for this one, it's going to get played.

Growing Up
Another sign request. First saw this on D&D tour. Liked the full band version equally live.

Waitin' On A Sunny Day
I know here this song is tired and old, but I've never seen it and it's been a song with a lot of personal meaning to me. So those first couple chords really got be going. As much as the handful of people here are bored with it. First timers and others really get into it. It has to give the guys on stage a huge boost of energy.

The Promised Land
I fell in love with this song on D&D and personally think he should strip it down going into The Wrestler.

The Wrestler
This song live was awesome. More powerful and emotional if that's possible. I remember when someone recorded from the end of the film before it had released and I wasn't sure about it. Now I'm hooked. The smoke effect was pretty cool. It's interesting to see mid tour he dropped the super bowl screen. Wonder if it will come back?

Kingdom of Days
WOAD has been growing on me as an album and I'm glad that this was one of the ones I got to hear live. Dedicated to Patti tonight who had a spill off a horse, although not a 'Madonna-like' spill. This one went out to her.

Radio Nowhere
While the sign was great and I like this song...he replaced Jungleland for it. Sign maker is not forgiven.

Lonesome Day/The Rising
Where some people are really tired with Waitin'. I'm tired with these two. They are great and I'm sure I was singing at the top of my lungs, but can't we get Lost in the Flood or Thunder Road or Kitty's Back or more Working On A Dream.

Born to Run
Lights on. Security guy in front of my section looked startled that the lights came on, then was smiling from ear to ear. I think this works really well to close the main set. Tramps like us...

Hard Times
Good song. Prefer How Can A Poor Man... if he is going to do something along these lines and I'm not sure it works really well as an encore opener, but it does work with the PSA.

10th Avenue Freezeout
Some people think this has gotten to hammy, but I love this song. It's a 'New Jersey fairy tale' as he said in July. The crowd gets into it, the band has fun with it. And I mean it's the BIG MAN! (Who by the way was holding his own, but he sat in his chair during the encore break and Cindy helped him across the stage for the bows.)

Land of Hope and Dreams/American Land
It's when you know it's the end of the night. I like LOHAD but also think its tired in the Encore slot. I'm okay with a consistent main set closer, but get rid of these two for a bit.

Rosalita
Just like Gillette one more for the road. Rosie came out and the lights came back on and it was a rocking time in the Garden.

Great energetic night. Setlist was great. Hoping to score a single ticket for tonight!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Please Enjoy The Music While Your Party Is Reached

New music player on the right side. I'll update it when I hear new music that I have to share!

I suck at blogging again

I know. I've not been good at blogging lately, but I'm working on it. I really want to get back into writing more and about more things and maybe finish that movie/book/tv pilot I'm writing. I was talking about it to someone the other day and they like it, so back to that soon. Things are crazy here at work, but good crazy. Trying to make some changes and seeing resistance, but I'm just remember that I can't change everything or that changes don't happen instantly. Serenity!

Music is great. Everyday finding new stuff and rediscovering old stuff. Trying to me less ADD and more focused on things and get the ball rolling on my 10 year plan. It's scary to think that I have a 10 year plan (and that I'll be 34 when I get to the end of it) but I have goals and if I want to make it happen, I have to start now. Too bad saving money is hard when all I want to do is go to shows. I'm not one to ask for favors and with the state of the music industry, live music is the only income these people are having. So I'll pay the $20 to see a band or $100 Million to see BRUCE! This week has been crazy. Working events day and night trying to get new stuff in here and more exposure for the cafe. But I'm getting tired. Late nights, early mornings. Hopefully I do it now and it pays off by the end of this 10 year plan.

Artists to check:

Toby Lightman / Lucy Woodward / Rachel Platten
Last night these three ladies graced our stage for the second time. Their voices really blow me away. Something very soothing and soulful about all of them.

Cage The Elephant
This show is coming up in a couple weeks and they are alternative country type and it just rocks. These guys are really starting to pick up steam in the blogs and press and I'm sure the show is going to sell out in a couple weeks.

The Hold Steady
I have been listening to Massive Nights for a while since I got it on a compilation disc a couple months ago, but after seeing an interview with them down at South By and getting some more urgings from friends I've been listening to the albums the past week or so. 'Chips Ahoy" is a great track about horse racing and drugs. The DJ for the event yesterday said their sound is "if Bruce Springsteen and Thin Lizzy birthed a band". Check it out for serious!

Delta Spirit
Still spreading the Delta Spirit love. Check the last post for more info on these guys. Long day that pounding bass drum really hits hard.



It's marathon weekend and there are Red Sox games, Bruins and Celtics are in the playoffs so the city is alive with tourists and runners. It's annoying because everything is crowded and people walk slow, but I love that the city is alive again. Summer is almost here.

No hot water this morning so it was a cologne shower this morning. Hopefully I'll get some time to run home this afternoon and freshen up. Looking for apts for next year or at least I should be. Looking for a roommate, but it may be time to grab a studio. Probably get more writing and focus on. TV has been running my life. So many great shows on right now. Will be happy when they wrap for the summer. More motivation to get outside and enjoy the sun.

We'll talk soon. I promise.
Shawn