Oh, and as ever, to be able to jump from an official, glorious quality 1999 version of "Incident" in an official, glorious quality version of "Real World" from 1992 is a privilege.
Even just looking at the "Light of Day", "Human Touch" and "Glory Days" (Etc. etc.) that I could play after this makes me feel good.
@Mario Brega The discussion on BTX around your predicted choice from the East Rutherford 1999 stand was interesting, lots of people saying the night before was better. Then again, a killer show experienced in person doesn't always translate to a killer audio only listening experience (St Louis 2008, I'm looking at you). TBH, anything from 99/00 is welcome here... my appreciation for that tour has grown exponentially pretty much with every release from it.
Honestly I'd say I listen to the 1999 releases least out of everything, which is crazy given how highly I rate them all. I feel like I always go to listen to Philly, Chicago or LA, but end up opting for something else instead.
Hoyed "Incident" from September 25th on just now though, before "Real World" from Boston '92, and I'm remembering why I should always stick with my initial instincts. I still love how Bruce just avoids ballsing up that opening guitar solo on this one 😂
I think it's ok to forget about certain songs and performances for a while. It's a mechanism that gives us an opportunity to be amazed over and over again. I don't mind forgetting.
It's an amazing list of shows, presented in the best quality. If the series ended now, I'd be satisfied. All the tours since 1975 are represented. If you asked me what my wildest dream was in 2008, this would be the answer. Sure, some of the mastering is a bit "hot". If you invest in decent sound equipment, you will never be unsatisfied. I have the shows in Apple lossless on my iPhone 12 Max. I rock with my Airpods Max. I just played the Roxy 78 show while watching the Rose Bowl game today. I am so grateful at this point.
I'd expect an easy to mix release in January. I'd also bet it will be here Friday....Maybe a Joad show from Fall 95 or maybe a full album show from November 09.
Obviously, Mario is more an expert on the archive series than I'll ever be, since it's his writings that often remind me of gems in the series that I've lost in the scope of the whole thing.
Being among the few who prefer full-band Real World just slightly over the solo piano versions, that would have been on my list. That's a personal favorite I waited a long time to see released.
D&D is easily a top 5 choice for me. Along with the full band Real World you mention below, having never heard a live full band version of that before it was a revelation when that show came out.
@Bosstralian I'm gonna have to replay the full band "Real World" right now.
I mean, I've been listening to it on and off over the last eight months, but maybe now I'm reading you guys all say how much you enjoy it will make it click. There was something missing for me there. Let's see if I can find out what it is...
Edit: I'm 3 minutes in and nothing needs to click. I love this, I just clearly love the 2005 version more. 😂
First of all, holy fuck, I can't believe that the seventh year of the archive series has just passed. The awesomeness we got so far can only be measured by the amounts of laughter and tears these shows provide, and they do both in abundance.
Mario, you only got one show right? 🤣
As 2022 goes, I hope a tour will occur, but I've been let down due to Covid so many times in the last two years, that it won't really surprise me if it doesn't happen. But it saddens me if we will have to wait for another year.
If I were choosing, I'd pick that Joad show you mentioned for January or February because Joad goes well with winter. It can make any winter blues more stinging, and I see this as a bonus. It's what it is supposed to do...
I might switch the order somewhat on the top ten list, but I think you have included the creme de la creme. This version of Across The Borderline can't leave anyone coldhearted. If, for any reason, you feel the urge for some sweet melancholy, it's captured so well in this song. Fitting for January the 1st somehow...
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Should we form a consensus that 2021 was really only like the fourth year haha? The output from 2014 - 2016 was so 'minimal' when we consider the First Friday era. Of course, we can only wish the years prior to 2014 were just as 'minimal' where it concerned live releases.
Yep, I smartly saved Nassau #1 for 2021's preview instead of including it in 2020s. Imagine how I was feeling while planning this post in November! 😂
The spread of Omnicron here in the UK is a daunting sign for tour delays, but we'll see what happens. Nothing stops the mighty E Street Band after all, right?
Oh yeah, November 26th, 1996 will definitely soothe the January/February blues. Bruce's jovial mood combined with the mood of the Joad tracks will be perfect.
I'd be amazed if any one person agreed with all of my Top 10. Considering the plethora of songs released, I think I'd actually be a little disappointed hahaha! Glad you love "Across The Borderline" as much as - if not more than - me. Also glad not to have seen anyone booting off about that song's placing in the Top 10 yet, although I haven't visited every forum/social media platform since posting yet...
Oh, and as ever, to be able to jump from an official, glorious quality 1999 version of "Incident" in an official, glorious quality version of "Real World" from 1992 is a privilege.
Even just looking at the "Light of Day", "Human Touch" and "Glory Days" (Etc. etc.) that I could play after this makes me feel good.
@Mario Brega The discussion on BTX around your predicted choice from the East Rutherford 1999 stand was interesting, lots of people saying the night before was better. Then again, a killer show experienced in person doesn't always translate to a killer audio only listening experience (St Louis 2008, I'm looking at you). TBH, anything from 99/00 is welcome here... my appreciation for that tour has grown exponentially pretty much with every release from it.
I think it's ok to forget about certain songs and performances for a while. It's a mechanism that gives us an opportunity to be amazed over and over again. I don't mind forgetting.
It's an amazing list of shows, presented in the best quality. If the series ended now, I'd be satisfied. All the tours since 1975 are represented. If you asked me what my wildest dream was in 2008, this would be the answer. Sure, some of the mastering is a bit "hot". If you invest in decent sound equipment, you will never be unsatisfied. I have the shows in Apple lossless on my iPhone 12 Max. I rock with my Airpods Max. I just played the Roxy 78 show while watching the Rose Bowl game today. I am so grateful at this point.
I'd expect an easy to mix release in January. I'd also bet it will be here Friday....Maybe a Joad show from Fall 95 or maybe a full album show from November 09.
Obviously, Mario is more an expert on the archive series than I'll ever be, since it's his writings that often remind me of gems in the series that I've lost in the scope of the whole thing.
Being among the few who prefer full-band Real World just slightly over the solo piano versions, that would have been on my list. That's a personal favorite I waited a long time to see released.
Great read and if we're lucky, all of your predictions will come true as releases.
Only thing we have to fight about is my belief that the St. Paul 2012 Devils & Dust belongs in the top ten.
Thanks, Mario, a few thoughts...
First of all, holy fuck, I can't believe that the seventh year of the archive series has just passed. The awesomeness we got so far can only be measured by the amounts of laughter and tears these shows provide, and they do both in abundance.
Mario, you only got one show right? 🤣
As 2022 goes, I hope a tour will occur, but I've been let down due to Covid so many times in the last two years, that it won't really surprise me if it doesn't happen. But it saddens me if we will have to wait for another year.
If I were choosing, I'd pick that Joad show you mentioned for January or February because Joad goes well with winter. It can make any winter blues more stinging, and I see this as a bonus. It's what it is supposed to do...
I might switch the order somewhat on the top ten list, but I think you have included the creme de la creme. This version of Across The Borderline can't leave anyone coldhearted. If, for any reason, you feel the urge for some sweet melancholy, it's captured so well in this song. Fitting for January the 1st somehow...
Thank you. Bring on the hype!