Confessions of a Conservative Atheist
The world’s only one man media empire
Surrounded by tens of thousands of fans, many of whom know the lyrics by heart, the promised land is then and there. As Springsteen belts out the lyrics - even as he approaches the fifteen hundredth time – the moment we are seeking is right now. “The Promised Land” has never been one of Bruce… Continue reading Springsteen in Albany and “The Promised Land”
The song exists entirely in the moment, purely for the unrestrained joy of what music can do for you in a single moment. It’s a party in seven minutes, but most classics aren’t built this way. Thankfully, there is no shortage of classic songs in the rock and roll world. The rare tracks that rise… Continue reading Springsteen’s “Rosalita” is the ultimate party song and the rare classic that cannot be overplayed
An updated rendition of “Darkness on the Edge of Town” and the debut of “Spirit in the Night” sets the second show apart, but you can’t please all of the people all the time as some deranged critics are claiming the Boss needs lessons from Taylor Swift, who should be so lucky playing at this… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen spends Labor Day at the Meadowlands to the delight of fans and ire of a particularly misguided critic
The Boss released Human Touch and Lucky Town on the same day in 1992 to some of the worst reviews of his career. This doesn’t mean there aren’t stellar songs on both including the most poignant take on jealousy in his canon. By Springsteen standards, the early to mid 1990s was the nadir of his… Continue reading “I Wish I Were Blind,” revisiting Springsteen’s oft forgotten classic from Human Touch
The past is memory, memory is a ghost and also a dream, the dream is a lie, and yet we still cannot stop ourselves from trying. “The River” isn’t a happy song, but that doesn’t preclude the possibility of redemption in some unforeseen future. Bruce Springsteen’s “The River” isn’t a happy song. The music, complete… Continue reading Springsteen’s “The River” and the ghost of redemption
A 73 year old rocker and his equally old band are still playing close-to three hour shows, doubling the length and intensity of acts half their age. We’re in uncharted territory and few things illustrate it better than a live performance of “Jungleland” at Madison Square Garden. Last Saturday, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen has no equal or even an apt comparison
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 epic “Outlaw Pete” and the ridiculous ode to unrequited love, “Queen of the Supermarket,” are effectively parodies of Mr. Springsteen’s earlier work, standing as strong songs on their own and bringing new meaning to classics from “Jungleland” to “Cynthia.” Call it Bruce Springsteen meets Warren Zeavon. Working on a Dream is perhaps Bruce Springsteen’s… Continue reading Working on a Dream: Springsteen’s most misunderstood and underappreciated album
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”
Confessions of a Conservative Atheist 