Happy New Bruce Album Day

At church this morning we had a short memorial for the four members who have died this year, in my head throughout I could hear Bruce singing 'I'll see you in my dreams' , it was lovely.

In the netherland of coming up out of a deep sleep, I finally realized what "Burning Train" reminded me of: Living Proof. Does anyone else hear that?

Any interpretations about Burning Train? I am still puzzling about the lyrics.

Woot, woot! Look what arrived yesterday!

The vinyl is gorgeous. Beautiful package, and the discs are black streaked with white. I’m sure it’s his nicest presentation ever. (Certainly the best one I own.)

I'm going to say it.

I'm finding the album disappointing.  😕

The opening and closing songs are both heartbreakingly lovely, and I loved "Letter To You" straight away. I love "Burning Train" as well.

But then .... oh dear.  I hate the Janey song and I've said enough about that elsewhere. "Last Man Standing" and "Power Of Prayer" sound almost exactly the same to me.  Some nice lyrics but the songs don't stand out. Same goes for "House Of A Thousand Guitars" which could have been much better.

"Rainmaker" is a pretty good song that's growing on me.

"Ghosts" - the music is great but the lyrics don't seem to be very well thought out.  Are the ghosts/spirits with Bruce, or is he on his own? Which is it?  And what's all that about coming home?  That seems to have strayed in from a different song.

I'm not a fan of early Bruce songs and find the wannabe Dylanesque word salad lyrics embarrassing - unless they have meaning.  "Song For Orphans" is sailing close to the wind, it's so derivative.  I like "If I Was The Priest" better, but I would like it more if Bruce could explain all the references, and what it means.   It needs to mean something, otherwise it's just a load of pretentious nonsense.

There, I've said it. 😟

Watching the documentary made me realize that these days Garry might just be my favorite. I remember being surprised to realize his commentary over the years has often seemed the most insightful (and funniest). And although he rarely gets a chance to really shine on his instrument, when they cut to him, he's often playing a much cooler and more intricate line than you'd have thought. (Also, having heard a few IEMs from his feed, he seems to play the root a whole lot less than I'd thought.)

I thought it was impossible for another album to move me in the way WS did when I first heard it - once again Bruce has proved me wrong. I just can't get enough of this one.

My favorite band member was and always will be - in memoriam - Danny. And there is something to be said for Garry, who usually gets overlooked, but his baseline is essential for many songs. I worry about Max because he has been seriously ill several times, and he does heavy physical work during the shows. Just the way he pays attention to Bruce is phenomenal, and to be on top of every tune Bruce calls is really a tall order.

So now I'm left to contemplate the larger than life Clarence, the professor, Stevie and Nils, and I couldn't do without any of them.

And yes. I was at a show when Jay was at the drums and it was a totally different feeling.

The E-Street Band is irreplacable, hasn't the new Album shown that? Having absorbed Jake and Charlie - and leaving a yearning for the old days while being thankful that the remaining members all still perform.

Gots to say after last night's listening party, Last Man Standing has grown on me, a lot. Didn't stand out to me at all last week but not last night, have seen a lot of comments praising this and now think I will be adding to them.

Indeed, have had a soft spot for them myself.

I always liked the professors. Right, @Kay ?

My favorite band member is Roy.

Max is definitely my favorite of the band members. That said, I saw them with Jay and was blown away. And he was only 19 at the time. Now he is in a different league than Max.

I got a spoiler for Christmas - I'm getting the vinyl.

I guess I'll be collecting the discography now in that format? 😁

When I first saw the Ghosts video I did wonder if it made me rate the song more highly. But now I think I I should add it to my list of outstanding songs on the album. Taking away the images let's the music speak for itself. And it speaks of joy. Now I want to hear it live among tens of thousand of others.

My vinyl and CD will be here today. I feel complete.

I’ve often though that since Clarence and Danny passed, the most musically indispensable member of the band was Roy, but listening to the new album I now think it could be Max. I know the overall band sound is far greater than any of the individuals but Max’s contribution here is phenomenal.

I first noticed how vital he was on the WOAD tour when Jay stood in for a few shows. Jay did really well but I don’t think anyone could adequately replace Mighty Max.

@MagicRatAFC did your copy arrive from Badlands or do I have to go on the naughty step?

That sound, those riffs have swept me away. Usually the strength of an album for me lies in its lyrics, but this time the music takes precedence. I will unravel the lyrics in time ("Burning Train?"), but right now the sheer happiness about the tunes and the band performing with such power has me on a high. 🌝

I'm just so grateful. It's an unusual feeling for welcoming a rock record....

Same here, and that's probably two albums in a row now Bruce wise for me. Speaking of which, next task is a play list with LTY and WS included in their entirety played on shuffle. I think some of the potential random song combinations that may throw out could be incredible.