As we all know, there's nothing better than seeing Springsteen live. Granted, the songs sound great in studio, but live? Surrounded by thousands of screaming fans, and watching the man himself go crazy for three straight hours? It really has to be seen to be believed.
My favorite moments in each concert are the "build-ups". You know the moments I'm talking about: where the song reaches an emotional high point, teeters there for a moment, and then Bruce sends it crashing down. Here are, in my humble opinion, the songs that, from the first chords, have me eagerly anticipating that build-up-and-crash.
5. "Badlands"
"Ooooooh, oh oh OH oh...." It's a call that's become so synonymous with the song that I'm surprised that it isn't actually on the studio version (it's more of a low hum). The chant is so popular that it frequently used as a call for an encore! After the saxophone solo, the chants start, building in volume and intensity, just waiting for Bruce to return to the song. Then, "For the ones who has a notion..." leads the way to the climactic line: "I want to SPIT in the face of these BADLANDS!" I saw "Badlands" live in my first Springsteen concert, and had a similar experience to the above performance. Since that time, it has been cemented as an all-time favorite Springsteen song for me.
4. "Darkness on the Edge of Town"
"Darkness on the Edge of Town" is a song that slowly lulls you in. It's gentle rhythm is easy to listen to, and it's melancholy story is engrossing. Then, Bruce's wailing chorus kicks in, and you are hooked. But, it doesn't end there. The verses return to being gentle and approachable, while the story gets richer and darker. Finally, the build-up breaks, culminating with Bruce screaming "TONIGHT I'LL BE ON THAT HILL, BECAUSE I CAN'T STOP!" It is chillingly effective each time.
3. "Jungleland"
Bruce's climatic build-ups are not only in signified by massive guitars and primal wailing. Sometimes, the build-up leads to a whisper, and it is no less dramatic. This is best signified in the conclusion of the musical epic "Jungleland". The journey Springsteen takes us on in "Jungleland" is sprawling, beginning slowly with violins and a piano, becoming an up-tempo rocker, transitioning to a somber saxophone solo, and concluding back again with the piano. After this nearly ten minute adventure, the music stops. It is now just Bruce and the audience. "Tonight.....in....." Anticipation builds with each out-of-rhythm syllable. "Jun...." When will the next one drop? "Gle...." And, finally, finishing the build-up with long, low growl: "Laaaaaaaaand....." The piano kicks back in, taking us away from this world. Amazing.
2. "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out"
I've been writing about this since, quite literally, the start of the blog. It's a simple, repetitive riff, but each time, the anticipation builds. As the song is basically the origin of the E Street Band, this build-up is functional to the storytelling process: it signifies that this is truly the start of something special. s I wrote back then, I could listen to those opening notes on repeat for hours. But, evenutally, Bruce reaches that "One two!" and brings it to the drop. The song is filled with "moments" that you anticipate, such as "Kid you better get the picture" and "When the Big Man joined the band", and concludes triumphantly, but that opening build-up/drop sets everything in motion.
1. "Born To Run"
Come on, you knew this was coming. This is what the build-up list has been building up to. I feel silly describing the moment, because most fans know what it is already. An everlasting kiss. A saxophone solo. It all comes crashing down. You shake your hands in the air. You shake them longer. Then, after an eternity, you hear "One two three four! The highway's jammed with broken heroes...." And the crowd goes bonkers. Not just one of the best Bruce build-ups, but one of the best rock-and-roll build-ups of all time.
So, are there any that I missed? Let us know in the comments!
Showing posts with label Top 5 lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top 5 lists. Show all posts
Friday, September 5, 2014
Monday, December 23, 2013
OB's Christmas List: Heavy Metal Songs I wish Bruce Would Cover
So with Christmas only being two days away I came up with my Christmas list of songs that I would love to see Bruce cover. Keep in mind I grew up listening to heavy metal, and some of my friends are shocked when they know of all the other bands I love (Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath etc) that Bruce trumps all of them. However I did put some forethought and didn't just randomly want to hear Bruce sing "Master Of Puppets", "Run To The Hills" and "Iron Man" as they wouldn't fit with the E Street sound. So below are songs that I really do think could work for Bruce, but even still I'm well aware there is practically no chance of Bruce ever playing them. I say practically, because as we all know anything is possible with Bruce. And without further ado...
5. Iron Maiden - "Afraid To Shoot Strangers"
Just because I said "Run To The Hills" didn't make it, doesn't mean Iron Maiden isn't on the list entirely. One of my all-time favorite metal bands, and one of my favorite live acts to see, Iron Maiden has been putting out stellar albums since 1978. Their lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, has one of the most powerful voices in all of music and probably would give Springsteen a hard time with most other Maiden songs. But in this song Dickinson's voice is consistently low, almost whisper like, to portray the gravity of the emotion behind this song. Before "Devils and Dust" questioned the The Second Gulf War with Iraq, Iron Maiden penned this song questioning The First Gulf War. Like "Devils and Dust", the song is written from a soldier's point of view, who is following orders. And although he knows there is honor in following orders, his conscience troubles him, as he is "Afraid To Shoot Strangers".
4. Black Label Society - "Road Back Home"
Fellow New Jersey native, Zakk Wylde's band Black Label Society is known for their brutally hard guitar riffs and Zakk's signature gravelly blues voice. However on this album, Book of Shadows, their trademark sound is changed for a much more melodic sound with acoustic guitars and pianos. Of all the songs on this list, this is the one that I think has the most E Street sound - from the opening organ intro, to the pre-chorus and chorus that I could easily see Bruce and Stevie getting into.
3. Guns N' Roses - "I Used To Love Her"
If Bruce Springsteen didn't exist, Guns N' Roses would be my favorite band. But he does, so they ain't. Still, I absolutely love them. They were the first band that absolutely captured my attention and imagination. From their bad boy antics to their legendary live shows, GNR was rock and roll rebellion personified, and I loved them for it. Although Bruce and Axl Rose have played together before, I still can't imagine Bruce ever singing GNR. Even though I can easily see Stevie and Nils jamming on this guitar riff like Slash and Izzy, and I can even see Bruce doing his playful laughing while singing the lyrics "I knew I'd miss her, so I had to keep her. She's buried right in my backyard." Still, a man can dream.
2. KISS - "Hard Luck Woman"
Much like Springsteen fanatics, KISS fans are as hardcore as they come. The costumes, the facepaint, but most importantly the music has endeared KISS to their fans for decades now. For a long time I didn't count myself as one of them, simply because Gene Simmons is probably the biggest jerk in rock and roll. Stories of his ego and attitude has caused nearly as many headlines as their hit songs have. However, much like I have with Axl Rose, I simply separate the music from the person. Just because I don't agree with them personally, doesn't mean I can't like their music. I even feel that way about Bruce sometimes! And ever since I've been able to do that, I have become as big a KISS fan as can be. I love everything about them, their characters, the blood and fire, but above all else their songs. Oh man, how awesome would it be if Bruce came out in full blow KISS make up and then went right into this opening guitar lick!? Alright, I gotta calm down.
1. Motorhead- "I Ain't No Nice Guy" (Featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Slash)
Cigarettes, whiskey, and a lifetime of playing hard music at a blistering fast pace: that's what gave Motorhead their signature sound that has made them icons that they are in heavy metal. When one first hears that Motorhead is playing with Ozzy and Slash, you can't help but think it's got to be a heavy metal classic. And it definitely is, but not in the way you might think. This mostly-acoustic, ballad-like song features an aging Lemmy and Ozzy (and this was over 20 years ago!) contemplating about the mistakes they've made in their life. I would absolutely love to see Bruce take the stage with this song, solo with only an acoustic guitar, but again, like every song on this list, it is just not going to happen.
So, there you have it. What do you guys say? Any metal fans agree or have different picks? Are their any weird genres of music that you would to see Bruce cover? Let us know! Merry Christmas!
5. Iron Maiden - "Afraid To Shoot Strangers"
Just because I said "Run To The Hills" didn't make it, doesn't mean Iron Maiden isn't on the list entirely. One of my all-time favorite metal bands, and one of my favorite live acts to see, Iron Maiden has been putting out stellar albums since 1978. Their lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, has one of the most powerful voices in all of music and probably would give Springsteen a hard time with most other Maiden songs. But in this song Dickinson's voice is consistently low, almost whisper like, to portray the gravity of the emotion behind this song. Before "Devils and Dust" questioned the The Second Gulf War with Iraq, Iron Maiden penned this song questioning The First Gulf War. Like "Devils and Dust", the song is written from a soldier's point of view, who is following orders. And although he knows there is honor in following orders, his conscience troubles him, as he is "Afraid To Shoot Strangers".
4. Black Label Society - "Road Back Home"
Fellow New Jersey native, Zakk Wylde's band Black Label Society is known for their brutally hard guitar riffs and Zakk's signature gravelly blues voice. However on this album, Book of Shadows, their trademark sound is changed for a much more melodic sound with acoustic guitars and pianos. Of all the songs on this list, this is the one that I think has the most E Street sound - from the opening organ intro, to the pre-chorus and chorus that I could easily see Bruce and Stevie getting into.
3. Guns N' Roses - "I Used To Love Her"
If Bruce Springsteen didn't exist, Guns N' Roses would be my favorite band. But he does, so they ain't. Still, I absolutely love them. They were the first band that absolutely captured my attention and imagination. From their bad boy antics to their legendary live shows, GNR was rock and roll rebellion personified, and I loved them for it. Although Bruce and Axl Rose have played together before, I still can't imagine Bruce ever singing GNR. Even though I can easily see Stevie and Nils jamming on this guitar riff like Slash and Izzy, and I can even see Bruce doing his playful laughing while singing the lyrics "I knew I'd miss her, so I had to keep her. She's buried right in my backyard." Still, a man can dream.
2. KISS - "Hard Luck Woman"
Much like Springsteen fanatics, KISS fans are as hardcore as they come. The costumes, the facepaint, but most importantly the music has endeared KISS to their fans for decades now. For a long time I didn't count myself as one of them, simply because Gene Simmons is probably the biggest jerk in rock and roll. Stories of his ego and attitude has caused nearly as many headlines as their hit songs have. However, much like I have with Axl Rose, I simply separate the music from the person. Just because I don't agree with them personally, doesn't mean I can't like their music. I even feel that way about Bruce sometimes! And ever since I've been able to do that, I have become as big a KISS fan as can be. I love everything about them, their characters, the blood and fire, but above all else their songs. Oh man, how awesome would it be if Bruce came out in full blow KISS make up and then went right into this opening guitar lick!? Alright, I gotta calm down.
1. Motorhead- "I Ain't No Nice Guy" (Featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Slash)
Cigarettes, whiskey, and a lifetime of playing hard music at a blistering fast pace: that's what gave Motorhead their signature sound that has made them icons that they are in heavy metal. When one first hears that Motorhead is playing with Ozzy and Slash, you can't help but think it's got to be a heavy metal classic. And it definitely is, but not in the way you might think. This mostly-acoustic, ballad-like song features an aging Lemmy and Ozzy (and this was over 20 years ago!) contemplating about the mistakes they've made in their life. I would absolutely love to see Bruce take the stage with this song, solo with only an acoustic guitar, but again, like every song on this list, it is just not going to happen.
So, there you have it. What do you guys say? Any metal fans agree or have different picks? Are their any weird genres of music that you would to see Bruce cover? Let us know! Merry Christmas!
Friday, August 24, 2012
OB's Top 5 songs "I've never heard at a concert, but really want to!"
What can I say? I enjoy a good list. So even though I've seen Bruce a dozen times before (and gotten to see some rare "once in a lifetime" performances like "The Weight" and "Jailhouse Rock") there are plenty of songs I haven't gotten to that I am really hoping he plays either of the next two times I see him (September 7th at Wrigley Field and September 22nd at Metlife Stadium).
Honorable Mention goes to "The Wrestler" and "Leap Of Faith". I would love to hear either one of them, but they both just barely missed the cut.
5. "Ain't Good Enough For You"- Just in general, I'd like The Promise to get some more love at live shows. But in particular this toe tapper would be awesome to hear live! It's upbeat, got some heartbreaking lyrics which are completely contradicted by some rockabilly-style piano and E Street harmony, and is one of my favorite songs from The Promise. I can't see Bruce putting this into a setlist, so my best hope is for Bruce to pull a sign requesting this.
4. "Two Faces"- Like The Promise, I'm dying to see some more songs from Tunnel Of Love played! I realize both albums were written when Bruce was going through some issues, and they might just be too personal to play live. Tunnel Of Love, has so many under-rated songs that'd be great to hear live, but this soul searching ballad tops the list for me. Like previously mentioned, this one probably won't get played outside of a sign request. But hey I can still hope, right?
3. "The River"- This one particularly hurts. It was a big hit for Bruce and he plays it semi-regularly on tours. I just never seem to be in the right place, at the right time to hear this live. Fortunately since it was such a big song for Bruce, there's always the possibility Bruce could add it to a setlist, and due to it popularity with the fans, it's also likely there could be a sign for this. This song is the one I think I have the best chance of hearing, so I'll be keep my fingers crossed.
2. "The Promise"- I told you I wanted to this album get some more appreciation! "The Promise" I think is Bruce's best song lyrically. It's my favorite song off the album of the same name, and probably even one of my top 5 Bruce songs altogether. It's rare, but not unheard of, for Bruce to put this on a setlist, and I'm sure there will be plenty of signs for it as well. No matter what else he played that night, I can say with almost certainty this song would be the highlight of the night.
1. "Incident on 57th Street"- Duh, it's my favorite song. Of course this one tops the list. Like "The River", Bruce plays this one somewhat often, but I just haven't been lucky enough to be at any of those shows. It's always a crowd favorite, and would make this particular blogger very happy!
The coolest thing about this list, is that Bruce has played all of these songs live before. There's always a chance he could play one, or even all five, on any given night. It's that sort of variety and appreciation of his fans to not give them any two shows that are alike, that has made Bruce the beloved performer he is today. And who am I kidding, if he just played "Born to Run" and "Badlands" all night, I'd be happy with that too! What do you guys say? What songs would you want to hear live that you've never heard before?
Honorable Mention goes to "The Wrestler" and "Leap Of Faith". I would love to hear either one of them, but they both just barely missed the cut.
5. "Ain't Good Enough For You"- Just in general, I'd like The Promise to get some more love at live shows. But in particular this toe tapper would be awesome to hear live! It's upbeat, got some heartbreaking lyrics which are completely contradicted by some rockabilly-style piano and E Street harmony, and is one of my favorite songs from The Promise. I can't see Bruce putting this into a setlist, so my best hope is for Bruce to pull a sign requesting this.
4. "Two Faces"- Like The Promise, I'm dying to see some more songs from Tunnel Of Love played! I realize both albums were written when Bruce was going through some issues, and they might just be too personal to play live. Tunnel Of Love, has so many under-rated songs that'd be great to hear live, but this soul searching ballad tops the list for me. Like previously mentioned, this one probably won't get played outside of a sign request. But hey I can still hope, right?
3. "The River"- This one particularly hurts. It was a big hit for Bruce and he plays it semi-regularly on tours. I just never seem to be in the right place, at the right time to hear this live. Fortunately since it was such a big song for Bruce, there's always the possibility Bruce could add it to a setlist, and due to it popularity with the fans, it's also likely there could be a sign for this. This song is the one I think I have the best chance of hearing, so I'll be keep my fingers crossed.
2. "The Promise"- I told you I wanted to this album get some more appreciation! "The Promise" I think is Bruce's best song lyrically. It's my favorite song off the album of the same name, and probably even one of my top 5 Bruce songs altogether. It's rare, but not unheard of, for Bruce to put this on a setlist, and I'm sure there will be plenty of signs for it as well. No matter what else he played that night, I can say with almost certainty this song would be the highlight of the night.
1. "Incident on 57th Street"- Duh, it's my favorite song. Of course this one tops the list. Like "The River", Bruce plays this one somewhat often, but I just haven't been lucky enough to be at any of those shows. It's always a crowd favorite, and would make this particular blogger very happy!
The coolest thing about this list, is that Bruce has played all of these songs live before. There's always a chance he could play one, or even all five, on any given night. It's that sort of variety and appreciation of his fans to not give them any two shows that are alike, that has made Bruce the beloved performer he is today. And who am I kidding, if he just played "Born to Run" and "Badlands" all night, I'd be happy with that too! What do you guys say? What songs would you want to hear live that you've never heard before?
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