I just listened up to and through "Out in the Street" and obviously it's a great show. Love how he's already laughed at least a handful of times. I've often though discarding the Darkness tour intro to "The Promised Land" was a bit of a bummer, but here I think it really would have helped the transition from "American Skin" — still a great segue, but I feel like the slower build-up would have been even more effective.
My one and only Reunion show was in New Jersey in 1999. And something I have a vivid, vivid memory of but which I've never heard on any official release that I can recall is that the first few lines, at least, of "Youngstown" had this wicked effective delay that possibly even ping-ponged around the arena. Did I just hallucinate that?
I had a night of four-pack plays: "ToL", "Be True", "Two Faces" and "Heaven" from Detroit '88; "Youngstown", "Murder Inc.", "Badlands", "Out in the Street" from this MSG show and finally "Spirit", "Atlantic City", "Open All Night" and "Nebraska" from NJ '84. Good listening! Where it concerns MSG, I agree that his enthusiasm is infectious and I still love that "Get back in those seats!" line at the end of "Out in the Street" maybe most out of the lot. Not too sure if I agree about the Darkness Tour intro for "The Promised Land" working best here though. I think the explosive intro better highlights the relief of the audience coming off of that intense "Skin", but I will definitely be listening to a '78 "Darkness" and '00 "American Skin" tomorrow to experiment this.
Obviously I wasn't there in '99/'00, but I know you're not hallucinating about the effective delay/ping-pong/vocal reverberation of "Youngstown", as a lot of BTXers have been complaining about it since the Philly release last July at least. There's even one on the GL release thread chastising Altschiller for ignoring it here - even though 'Bob the God' didn't include it on Live in New York City either.
Another poster on there claims:
That echo effect was never audible on any archive release, neither was it on Live at NYC which was mixed by Bob Clearmountain. This is an effect they only did on the actual live mix at the shows, it was never recorded on the multitracks though.
@Mario Brega That poster's claim seems believable to me based on the evidence. The effect is present on every bootleg from the tour I've heard, all of which are either full audience or audience/IEM sourced recordings. Yet it is missing on all official releases. I think if the effect was present on the original multi tracks, it would be hard to completely remove any trace of it on the official releases. (Certainly for the Nugs ones, where the cost and time invested on mixing each release would presumably be a fraction of that spent on the original LINYC DVD and CD). You would still hear some trace of it, especially on the higher res releases on good sound systems, but it just isn't there.
@Bosstralian I probably should have mentioned this when/after replying to Scott the other night, but I listened to it again and I swear I heard the faintest of echoes on this version. It's noticeable for me when Bruce sings "Ohio" (0:25), "'03" (0:27) and "Youngstown" (0:47), but that's about it and I'm certain it's nowhere near to the presence of the effect as you guys all heard it on the boots.
I'm not the biggest 'Mary Queen Of Arkansas' fan at all, but this version is quite beautiful. 'Back In Your Arms' is stunning!
But 'Loose Ends' is a real highlight for me! I absolutely love this song, and I consider it to be one of my all-time favourite outtakes and the band just nails this performance. I would kill to get this one live someday.
I was thinking today about the paradox of why I don't like Back In Your Arms. It's weird because I adore his relationship songs, and I have to say I like the bitter ones much more than the happily ever after ones. So in that context, BIYA is confusing me.
Perhaps it's too pathetic. Or it's because I'm not used to hearing Bruce beg... In other songs he's never asking the girl to come back, he knows he's fucked up and he's usually very passive or counterproductive in his misery (Reno, Dry Lightning..)
Anyway, I don't feel this song, and this version although beautifully sung, drags and drags and I'm always tempted to skip it but then decide not to and I suffer almost as badly as the narrator does.
@Mario Brega The lyrics don't particularly bother me, it's just that I think someone else should have sung it in order to make the song flourish.
Garh Brooks or Celine Dion are the first two that I can think of. The song itself is good, but I just think it doesn't suit his style. I'm aware this is just my perception, so as always I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying it...
Re the tempo, is there any slower version than this one. It's like watching a slow motion scene in a soap opera... 🙂
The Tracks version is nicer, faster, and has a tiny shiny highlight - Max's drumming just after 'I met you with indifference, and I don't know why'
I've always loved the song, from the moment they screened the Blood Brothers doco here in Australia and I heard Bruce and band recording it. That vocal on the doco was other world awesome. I was ecstatic to subsequently see it on the Tracks tracklist, slightly disappointed by the version thereon as the vocal wasn't quite as intense as the doco but it still became a favourite off Tracks for me.
I was gobsmacked in Adelaide 2014 when he did this live... no way I would've bet any money on that happening. I'd never heard the version at the time with the 'boy, you beg' stories and interludes. It was amazing live in the moment, but I have to say repeated playback of the live versions with the spoken interludes does wear thin on me.
Which is why I really love the version on this new release... I think this comes the closest to the spirit of what I loved in the Blood Brothers doco original.
Special call out to the Columbus 2005 piano version as best heard on that Nugs archive release. Wow, did the Boss ever nail that vocally. Amazing.
@Louisa I totally understand what you mean. The Tracks version is indeed faster, and I also like it better that way rather than when they play it super slow.
This is possibly the best 'original arrangement' version of Blinded By The Light I've heard. (Seeger still wins, but this one has some real rock muscle).
@Early North Jersey That's where I was clumsily going with my comment. I agree, the Seeger Blinded is unbelievable and also my favourite. But when it comes to versions of the song done in the original arrangement, the one on this new show is incredible.
I just now got around to buying the show, I'm downloading it now. I'm so excited to see how everybody's enjoying this release and I can't wait to join you guys in your praise. But for now, I can just join you in the excitement! 😄
I love the reunion tour version of Youngstown so much. Whenever I hear it, I think of my brother Tommy, at his one and only Springsteen show, looking at me during Youngstown and screaming "That's so fucking metal!"
It always makes me smile that this version of Youngstown never caused the anguish to some fans that the very similarly reworked electric The Ghost of Tom Joad did.
YES. That sequence from "The River" into "Youngstown" into "Murder Inc" into "Badlands" is beyond phenomenal. I actively thought I could never hear a four-song sequence that could equal, much less possibly surprass, 1978's "The Promised Land" into "Prove It All Night" into "Racing in the Streets" into "Thunder Road" but goddamn if the Reunion tour didn't prove me oh so wrong.
"That's so fucking metal!"
I have mentioned before on here that many of my friends and acquaintance who have otherwise (honestly) outstanding musical tastes actively dislike Springsteen's music (even as most of them respect and even admire the guy). A few of them just don't think he rocks hard enough. But how in the hell do you rock harder than "Youngstown" into "Murder Inc"? (Trick question: you don't.)
I didn't realize they had a spot for the duet ...I got Mansion On The Hill the night i went ..... I do love listening to them singing together...Empty Sky ..... Seeger If I should Fall Behind ..... They just SOUND like they love each other lol
Just been listening again there on a walk and "Backstreets" got me thinking about Buddha's "differences between 6/27 and 7/1" take. "Backstreets" on July 1st is a flawless performance, but it does absolutely nothing for me. In comparison both the October 23rd and now June 27th versions enthral me. I guess what I'm trying to say is, with a lot of July 1st that we'd heard on LINYC the songs have a dryness to them. The magic isn't gone, we just know when and where it's coming. That's why we need more of everything and why these four additional tour releases (so far 🤞) are imperative.
I've long felt that way about 7/1 (no mention of any 10/10 reviews this time 😉). I'm not sure it's necessarily over familiarity either. I just think there is something imperceptible hanging over the band on that night... my guess, the weight of thinking that this could possibly be the last time they would all be doing this together on stage. Collectively, all working rigidly to make this night as great and perfect as possible, which paradoxically somehow makes it less as perspiration trumps inspiration.
For my money, every other one of the 99 shows so far released is superior to 7/1, if not technically then certainly in soul, energy, spirit. ( Although I'd argue the Staples one beats it on every level). I haven't had a chance to listen to the new one yet, but based on Buddha's comments I expect this one will be the same.
@Bosstralian I was at 7/1 and you are on the money ..... He came on late and seemed intense and a bit cranky to me. I'm sure it was the weight of the occasion hanging over the proceedings.
I personally can never be sure when i am seeing shows close together how much is attributable to the law of diminishing returns , but i had a much better time on 6/17.
@Bosstralian I just think there is something imperceptible hanging over the band on that night... my guess, the weight of thinking that this could possibly be the last time they would all be doing this together on stage. Collectively, all working rigidly to make this night as great and perfect as possible, which paradoxically somehow makes it less as perspiration trumps inspiration.
Forgive me if you've said something along these lines in the past and I've forgotten, but damn you raise a good point here. I read it before I had to dodge out and I've been thinking about it listening to the show, with the two Hammersmith gigs and Springsteen on Broadway coming to mind too. The idea of everything being tweaked to perfection consequently tainting the perfect looseness Springsteen shows are revered for is a fascinating one.
Still, I think the fact everything needed to be perfect/special/spot on for the last dance in MSG adds to the significance and historical context of the night, so I have to backup my 10/10 rating 😉
I have been listening since it dropped. I cannot believe the differences between 6/27 and 7/1, and it isn't song selection. It's a looseness and a freedom that is hard to explain. The opening of the set seems to explain the idea of breaking free of The Ties that Bind. Code of Silence speaks perfectly to the moment we are in on the anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death and the opening to the trial of George Floyd. The Blue line protects itself, and the country turned a blind eye to it for centuries. We cannot deny our freedom, no one is free until we all are and a reckoning is upon us. This point is relayed in Adam Raised a cain in that we in the end our own keeper in response to the systemic oppression, Trapped is a breaking away or a desire to. Two Hearts is the freedom only love can provide amidst it's safety. American Skin is the river we must pass, we must respect ourselves and be born anew...The the improv explodes into a joyous release in gospel and recovery. The singer went to the river and embraced his partners, we are all the benefactor here. The set gives and gives and gives again in humor and joy...
I was in Boston when the Reunion tour began, I stood in line for tickets with some friends I had made while working there. I never went to the Boston shows, although I did attend a show in new Jersey. That moment was amazing. This was before I started downloading boots from the Stone Pony server, which would come later. I heard Land of Hopes and Dreams that night in Jersey. That fucking song moved me like nothing else in that moment. I was keenly aware of the religious undertones of redemption through good works and faith in my fellow travelers. The song was needed today. This whole show was. I often ask why when a certain show is revealed. Today we have hope. Today we see a path out of this darkness. This show is a reminder of that. We walk down out of this dirty alley, holding each other's hands as we go. We are aware of the past. we will survive and at some point thrive.
God bless you all today. I am honored to share my opinions without being censored. I appreciate you reading me again.
Mario is absolutely correct in his review, he sings with a latent Joad voice and now I'm left imagining how this song might have sounded solo. Astounding, probably...
Light Of Day is the monumental peak of rock'n'roll blending with a joyful religious celebration. I'm trying to summon up how this makes me feel, and there are just unconventional superlatives buzzing all over my mind.... 😊
I wonder how many of these ten MSG shows were recorded. We've had video and / or audio officially released in full or in part from the last three shows, so the 29th June show they'd have for sure and we'll presumably get that in due course. On the basis of the LINYC DVD, it's possible (probable?) that filming covered the last three shows only. However, there must be a chance that some more of the shows in this stand were at least recorded in multi track audio.
I just listened up to and through "Out in the Street" and obviously it's a great show. Love how he's already laughed at least a handful of times. I've often though discarding the Darkness tour intro to "The Promised Land" was a bit of a bummer, but here I think it really would have helped the transition from "American Skin" — still a great segue, but I feel like the slower build-up would have been even more effective.
My one and only Reunion show was in New Jersey in 1999. And something I have a vivid, vivid memory of but which I've never heard on any official release that I can recall is that the first few lines, at least, of "Youngstown" had this wicked effective delay that possibly even ping-ponged around the arena. Did I just hallucinate that?
I'm not the biggest 'Mary Queen Of Arkansas' fan at all, but this version is quite beautiful. 'Back In Your Arms' is stunning!
But 'Loose Ends' is a real highlight for me! I absolutely love this song, and I consider it to be one of my all-time favourite outtakes and the band just nails this performance. I would kill to get this one live someday.
Loving this show. Great energy. Odd choice to have the start of Promised Land tacked onto the end of American Skin... But hey...
I was thinking today about the paradox of why I don't like Back In Your Arms. It's weird because I adore his relationship songs, and I have to say I like the bitter ones much more than the happily ever after ones. So in that context, BIYA is confusing me.
Perhaps it's too pathetic. Or it's because I'm not used to hearing Bruce beg... In other songs he's never asking the girl to come back, he knows he's fucked up and he's usually very passive or counterproductive in his misery (Reno, Dry Lightning..)
Anyway, I don't feel this song, and this version although beautifully sung, drags and drags and I'm always tempted to skip it but then decide not to and I suffer almost as badly as the narrator does.
This is possibly the best 'original arrangement' version of Blinded By The Light I've heard. (Seeger still wins, but this one has some real rock muscle).
Another from the uploader who added BIYA
We need this proshot footage in full, please Boss.
I just now got around to buying the show, I'm downloading it now. I'm so excited to see how everybody's enjoying this release and I can't wait to join you guys in your praise. But for now, I can just join you in the excitement! 😄
I listened to "Two Hearts" then immediately went to the Nice '97 performance from last month. From the ecstasy to intimacy.
I love the reunion tour version of Youngstown so much. Whenever I hear it, I think of my brother Tommy, at his one and only Springsteen show, looking at me during Youngstown and screaming "That's so fucking metal!"
It always makes me smile that this version of Youngstown never caused the anguish to some fans that the very similarly reworked electric The Ghost of Tom Joad did.
Damn ....Factory is gorgeous ....
Pro shot snippet in this that I've never seen before until today.
So far up to Youngstown, and I couldn't agree with myself more. This is again better than July 1st IMO.
Just been listening again there on a walk and "Backstreets" got me thinking about Buddha's "differences between 6/27 and 7/1" take. "Backstreets" on July 1st is a flawless performance, but it does absolutely nothing for me. In comparison both the October 23rd and now June 27th versions enthral me. I guess what I'm trying to say is, with a lot of July 1st that we'd heard on LINYC the songs have a dryness to them. The magic isn't gone, we just know when and where it's coming. That's why we need more of everything and why these four additional tour releases (so far 🤞) are imperative.
I have been listening since it dropped. I cannot believe the differences between 6/27 and 7/1, and it isn't song selection. It's a looseness and a freedom that is hard to explain. The opening of the set seems to explain the idea of breaking free of The Ties that Bind. Code of Silence speaks perfectly to the moment we are in on the anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death and the opening to the trial of George Floyd. The Blue line protects itself, and the country turned a blind eye to it for centuries. We cannot deny our freedom, no one is free until we all are and a reckoning is upon us. This point is relayed in Adam Raised a cain in that we in the end our own keeper in response to the systemic oppression, Trapped is a breaking away or a desire to. Two Hearts is the freedom only love can provide amidst it's safety. American Skin is the river we must pass, we must respect ourselves and be born anew...The the improv explodes into a joyous release in gospel and recovery. The singer went to the river and embraced his partners, we are all the benefactor here. The set gives and gives and gives again in humor and joy...
I was in Boston when the Reunion tour began, I stood in line for tickets with some friends I had made while working there. I never went to the Boston shows, although I did attend a show in new Jersey. That moment was amazing. This was before I started downloading boots from the Stone Pony server, which would come later. I heard Land of Hopes and Dreams that night in Jersey. That fucking song moved me like nothing else in that moment. I was keenly aware of the religious undertones of redemption through good works and faith in my fellow travelers. The song was needed today. This whole show was. I often ask why when a certain show is revealed. Today we have hope. Today we see a path out of this darkness. This show is a reminder of that. We walk down out of this dirty alley, holding each other's hands as we go. We are aware of the past. we will survive and at some point thrive.
God bless you all today. I am honored to share my opinions without being censored. I appreciate you reading me again.
Already looking forward to making "Back in Your Arms" #1 for 2021 and giving "listen to 6:22" as the only reasoning as to why.
What a nice and easy little write-up that will be
Have I told you lately how much I love Trapped?
Mario is absolutely correct in his review, he sings with a latent Joad voice and now I'm left imagining how this song might have sounded solo. Astounding, probably...
Light Of Day is the monumental peak of rock'n'roll blending with a joyful religious celebration. I'm trying to summon up how this makes me feel, and there are just unconventional superlatives buzzing all over my mind.... 😊
Off topic, I know, but man Stevie is SKINNY in that pic....
I wonder how many of these ten MSG shows were recorded. We've had video and / or audio officially released in full or in part from the last three shows, so the 29th June show they'd have for sure and we'll presumably get that in due course. On the basis of the LINYC DVD, it's possible (probable?) that filming covered the last three shows only. However, there must be a chance that some more of the shows in this stand were at least recorded in multi track audio.
We need a release with Another Thin Line.