Off on a tangent here. I always very much enjoy myself when I hear them play Backstreets or Jungleland in concert. But whenever they play the first few notes, especially during the encore, I think "they could play 2 songs instead of this one." Again, really good songs. But I never react with a shriek of ecstasy like most of the audience typically does. Am I alone here?
While I adore "Backstreets" and, especially, "Racing in the Street" about as much as anyone on here, I'm going to say that brilliant as they are—I usually consider "Racing" to be one of his three best songs ever—they're epic...but they're not epics, simply due to not being quite long enough. (Admittedly, they're both over 6 minutes, so this may be picking nits, but...)
Meanwhile, I would absolutely consider "Outlaw Pete" an epic. Because while it's obviously nowhere near as great a song as those previous two, it qualifies due to not only length, but also the separate and contrasting sections which aren't absolutely necessary for an epic but do contribute to its earning that qualification.
Note that I don't think we're debating whether epics must actually be good or not. :) Although I do like "Outlaw" more than most on here seem to, but also don't think it's really first-rate Bruce.
I thought it was a bit silly and a bit amusing when I first heard it. But it definitely not only grew on me, but I decided that even if it wasn't 100% successful—and maybe it is! But even if it's not—it was one hell of a bold move on his part. But then I think the entire album (well...with the exception of the title track) is the most underrated and misunderstood in his catalog.
Just saw this and thought I wouldn't be the only one here amused:
Off on a tangent here. I always very much enjoy myself when I hear them play Backstreets or Jungleland in concert. But whenever they play the first few notes, especially during the encore, I think "they could play 2 songs instead of this one." Again, really good songs. But I never react with a shriek of ecstasy like most of the audience typically does. Am I alone here?
Spare Parts
I believe an epic song must provide an emotional buildup and the cathartic moment that follows.
Hot take incoming:
While I adore "Backstreets" and, especially, "Racing in the Street" about as much as anyone on here, I'm going to say that brilliant as they are—I usually consider "Racing" to be one of his three best songs ever—they're epic...but they're not epics, simply due to not being quite long enough. (Admittedly, they're both over 6 minutes, so this may be picking nits, but...)
Meanwhile, I would absolutely consider "Outlaw Pete" an epic. Because while it's obviously nowhere near as great a song as those previous two, it qualifies due to not only length, but also the separate and contrasting sections which aren't absolutely necessary for an epic but do contribute to its earning that qualification.
Note that I don't think we're debating whether epics must actually be good or not. :) Although I do like "Outlaw" more than most on here seem to, but also don't think it's really first-rate Bruce.
I’d put Point Blank on that list, bumping out Rosie. Matter of opinion of course, but to be epic I feel a song has to be downbeat at its core.
Western Stars