Lyrics Spotlight - "Backstreets"

Slow dancing in the dark
On the beach at Stockton's Wing
- "Backsteets", Born To Run

This post comes way courtesy of the good people at /r/BruceSpringsteen.  They have been both supporters of and inspirations to Legends Of Springsteen for quite some time.  It's one of Reddit's smaller forums, but definitely worth checking out for all Springsteen fans.

So, why these lyrics?  Well, a wise poster saw the news story about Stockton College buying the Showboat in Atlantic City, and immediately thought of this song.  Stockton's Wing referred to Stockton College's presence in the Mayflower Hotel in Atlantic City, where they were located in the 1970s.  However, they moved out of Atlantic City nearly 40 years ago.  But, with the purchase of the Showboat, they are back "on the beach".

So, next time you are in Atlantic City, make sure to do your slow dancing at Showboat/Stockton's Wing, and then go lose your money.

Bruce Springsteen on The Daily Show, November 10th

The Daily Show
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The Outlaw Pete promotional book tour is in full swing, and yes, I feel as strange typing that as you felt reading it.  Earlier this week, Bruce appeared on The Daily Show with illustrator Frank Caruso.  There isn't much insight here, as they giggle through a short interview that was basically like Jay Sherman's "Buy My Book!" prop.  It may be worth noting that Frank Caruso looks like the love-child of Bruce and Little Steven (the key words being "may be").  As you can tell, I'm not particularly enthused by the Outlaw Pete project, but with no shows or albums on the horizon, it's what we die-hards will have to make due with for now.

Concert for Valor: 7 PM Tonight on HBO!

Just a reminder that tonight at 7pm LIVE on HBO, Bruce will be performing at the Concert For Valor.  The concert is a very much well deserved tribute to our men and women of service, both veterans and active duty, and their families.  The concert is expected to draw close to 1 million people at The National Mall in Washington DC.

Bruce is just one of the many acts playing.  It truly is a "something for everyone" with Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Rhianna, Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Eminem, and the Black Keys, just to name a few.

More information can be found at www.concertforvalor.com.  Check back later this week for a review of the event!

Video Spotlight: "The River" - Passenger

Passenger had his big break last year when his song "Let Her Go" was used in the insanely popular Budweiser commercial "Best Buds".  I've listened to that album a few times and he's quite a talented singer and songwriter.  So it's no shock at all to figure out that he's a Bruce fan and covered one of his greatest songs.  I haven't heard much from him since that commercial, although admittedly I know so little about current pop music, he could be the most popular musician out there and I would have no idea.

"The River" is one of my top five favorite Springsteen songs of all time.  For awhile it was my favorite, and every now and then I still consider it my favorite, depending on my mood.  It's a perfect song for an acoustic guitar, that really sets the tone for it's somber lyrics.  One quick search of YouTube confirms that by the sheer number of videos on there.  Although Passenger's version is clearly the best cover I have heard of "The River".  Enjoy!

Book Recommendations From Bruce Springsteen

In a brief interview with the New York Times, the Boss opened up about his literary influences.  While he admits to not becoming an avid reader until his late 20s, the amount of authors he cites here is numerous and diverse.  It's a great article if you are looking for book recommendations, but be warned: there are TONS of books Bruce rattles off - by my count, there are over 30 individual books named and another 30+ authors names listed.

While I am unfamiliar with most of the works listed by Bruce in the article, there is one part of the article I did have some expertise in.  At the top, we have this cartoon of Springsteen:

This is the work of comic illustrator Jillian Tamaki.  I recently read her graphic novel This One Summer, a coming-of-age tale that is poignantly written and beautifully illustrated.  So, if you didn't feel overwhelmed by all the book recommendations in the article, allow me to add one more to your reading list!