Confessions of a Conservative Atheist
Living proof marijuana doesn't kill brain cells…
After seven years, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band begin their world tour tonight in Tampa. It’s been a short eternity for die-hard fans, prompting a little reminiscing about prior concerts, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and the magic inherent in the live performance of rock and roll. Bruce Springsteen and the… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen is back and a little reminiscing across over thirty concerts is in order
The Boss’ new album will be composed of entirely culturally appropriated songs, a collection of “soul music” covers, but that is inherently a good thing. Harold Bloom’s seminal The Anxiety of Influence reveals why all art, if not all ideas entirely, can be seen as the product of cultural appropriation. Bruce Springsteen is just the… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen and the artistic necessity of cultural appropriation
Rich lyrics with interpretations ranging from a heterosexual high school couple sneaking away from their parents to drink beer, to heroin addicts trapped on the outskirts of town, to gay lovers hiding their affair, combine with a melodic, rocking composition to create an unforgettable song. It’s part Shakespearean Sonnet, all rock and roll, a true… Continue reading Backstreets: Is this somewhat forgotten classic actually Bruce Springsteen’s best song?
It’s rare when a single work of art, much less a single song running less than five minutes, encapsulates the full genius of an artist in one fell swoop. “Thunder Road” is precisely such a work; everything that makes Bruce Springsteen truly great is present and all you need to do is listen. There is… Continue reading Springsteen’s Thunder Road: Still brilliant and seminal whether or not Mary’s dress “sways” or “waves”
Sometimes, less is more and the penultimate track from Born to Run is certainly one of those times. In just twenty eight lines lacking a chorus or any musical bombast, Springsteen spins a tale of a down on his luck wannabe gangster embarking on an unknown caper, told as a conversation between an unnamed narrator… Continue reading Meeting Across the River: Bruce Springsteen’s lyrical genius in one understated song
Confessions of a Conservative Atheist 