Springsteen Goodies Part 2: The Promise

The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story is Bruce Springsteen's latest creation. It celebrates the anniversary of the release of Darkness on the Edge of Town. The Boxset includes a notebook with Springsteen's epic lyrics and thoughts while creating the album. The remastered version of album Darkness on the Edge of Town is included, as great as the day it was released.

The two disc cd "The Promise" (the actual album, pictured), includes many songs that Bruce didn't get to include on Darkness on the Edge of Town. Some highlights include the '78 version of Racing in the Street, Bruce's personal rendition of Because the Night (written by Bruce for Patti Smith), Candy's Boy and the upbeat track Ain't Good Enough for You. The title track, The Promise is also a beautiful song, in the league of Backstreets or Racing in the Street.

The informative and intuitive documentary that explores the making of Darkness on the Edge of Town is another inclusion in The Promise. It takes viewers through the process, insight into Springsteen's decisions about songs and their inclusion on the album. The documentary is another great addition, as it is always interesting to hear the reasoning behind decisions made by artists.

Also included is Bruce and the E Street Band playing the Darkness on the Edge of Town album to an empty Paramout Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The live rendition of The Promised Land is particularly amazing, in my opinion, and I always enjoy a live performance of Badlands (no crowd chanting in an empty theatre, its different). The performance is fantastic, as live music always brings out the best in each song.

The final inclusion is "Thrill Hill Vault": Springsteen and the E Street Band Live in Houston in '78. It opens with Badlands and Streets of Fire (not often heard live). The songs are those that are not often regulars in live concerts, such as Independence Day, It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City, Fire, Candy's Room, Point Blank and Because the Night. Roy and Clarence never cease to amaze me during live performances and a live performance of Jungleland is not missing from this collection. Clarence and Roy rock the crowd with their amazing skills (Clarence's sax solo, backed by Roy's elegant but fierce piano is epic). Rosalita also comes out, another song that is made great by Clarence's sensational sax skills.

The Promise is by far the best Bruce release of 2010, if not the best release by any musician. I urge you to check it out in any way you can! You will not be disappointed by the sheer talent of The Boss.

Dannielle :)

Bruce Springsteen Goodies That I Love

Bruce has been busy creating music that his fans are loving, including me. This week, you'll hear about London Calling and The Promise. This blog will be devoted to London Calling, so stay tuned for Part 2 on The Promise later this week.
London Calling is the two-disc DVD of Bruce's live concert in Hyde Park London. Named for the epic hit by band The Clash, that Bruce covers as the opening song of his concert spectacular. The concert is amazing to say the least, and is one of Bruce's most entertaining performances. Bruce launches into Badlands, Night and She's the One to get the crowd pumped (successfully). Outlaw Pete, from Bruce's latest album Working on A Dream becomes an epic anthem when performed live with the E Street Band. Working On A Dream and some classic Bruce (Youngstown, Bobby Jean, No Surrender). I love the renditions of songs from Darkness on the Edge of Town (Promised Land, Racing in the Streets), these never fail to impress the crowd.
Disc Two kicks of with The Rising and Born to Run, with the classic crowd chanting. Rosalita usually only comes out when democrats are in the White House, but perhaps Bruce's buddy Obama convinced Rosie. Rosie didn't disappoint, as usual with a fantastic performance from the whole band. What concert would be complete without the epic Jungleland? Bruce delivers a performance that is, as always, epic and beautiful. The amazing concert ends with some classic Born in the USA tracks: Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark. The reaction of the crowd is nothing short of amazed, inspired and thoroughly content with the amazing performance they have just witnessed. Bonus tracks include The River (Glastonbury 2009) and Wreckin Ball (Giants Stadium 2009).
Stay tuned for The Promise and keep on listening...
Dannielle

The Only Boss I Listen To

My favourite song/album/artist changes daily, if not hourly, but if I had to pick one album I couldn't go past Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run. Even the cover art is worthy of favourite status! Just look at that guitar and flip to the back to see Clarence's leather pants and tell me that's not cool.

One of the things I love about Born to Run is that there are no weak songs. On some albums you get "power songs" and hits, then you have the others. If you're in a hurry those are the ones you skip over. There is no skipping in Born to Run.

The title track "Born to Run" is an energetic rock anthem. Oh the energy, the guitar and Max, who may look like an accountant but can make a wicked sound, who keeps the song alive. The lyrics make you want to run a marathon, but for those of us who can't let's stick to our treadmills.

The two epic songs on Born to Run are without a doubt "Backstreets" and "Jungleland". "Backstreets" is a indescribable. It has to be heard. I love Roy on piano and Bruce's raw emotion in the lyrics. "Jungleland" is similar to that of Billy Joel's "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", in that it has different sections with different melodies and sounds. The beginning has beautiful strings and piano which soon descends into fast paced drums and guitar. But it is Clarence's saxophone solo that truly makes the song epic.

Another song that made me fall in love with this classic Springsteen album is "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out". The song seems to capture the sound of the twenties saloon but with the epic rock sound of it's time. Trivia: "The Big Man" is Clarence.

So for a musical experience you'll never forget, listen to one of Springsteen's best albums. Tune in for my review of Florence and the Machine's Lungs. Coming this week :)

Dannielle xoxo

Playlist of the Week

1. Sometimes A Fantasy- Billy Joel
2. American Skin (41 Shots)- Bruce Springsteen
3. The Wake Up Bomb- R.E.M
4. Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)- Florence and the Machine
5. Space Oddity- David Bowie
6. Knight of Wands- Au Revoir Simone
7. 1901- Phoenix
8. Gold Dust Woman- Fleetwood Mac
9. Black Fingernails, Red Wine- Eskimo Joe
10. Generation Why- Kisschasy

Album Review: Glass Houses

Glass Houses was released in 1980 by the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. The album cover shows Billy throwing a stone at his own glass house in Oyster Bay. The album is a great mix, which includes some of Billy's classic hits and some great 80's sounds that won Billy Joel a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

Classic "Don't Ask Me Why" is featured. This is a great song, that has some cool lyrics and relaxed sound. Piano, guitar and if I'm not mistaken, some maracas. Another Billy classic is the unmistakable sound of "You May Be Right". This song has a more aggressive sound than "Don't Ask Me Why", making it a song perfect for a good rock-out session.

Two other major highlights are "All for Leyna" and "Sometimes a Fantasy". These have more of an eighties sound, especially "All For Leyna", which has some awesome keyboard sounds to make your day. Like all good songs, it's about a girl and apparently Billy's doing it all for her. That's nice of him. Now get ready for the addictive lyrics of "Sometimes a Fantasy", especially the verse that reads: "You better baby, but believe me its the next best thing". Try to say it at Billy's speed and you'll be laughing.

Glass Houses is one of Billy's great albums and I highly recommend it for your Billy Joel experience.

Verdict: @@@@

Playlist of the Week

1. You're My Home- Billy Joel (Piano Man)
2. Incomplete Lullaby-Lisa Mitchell (Said One to the Other)
3. (Don't Go Back To) Rockville- R.E.M (The Best of R.E.M)
4. Hard to Live (In the City)- Albert Hammond Jr (Yours to Keep)
5. Knight of Wands- Au Revoir Simone (Still Night, Still Right)
6. New York City Serenade- Bruce Springsteen (The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle)
7. Where You Lead- Carol King (Tapestry)
8. The Heart of Life- John Mayer (Continuum)
9. Baby Driver- Simon and Garfunkel (The Essential Simon and Garfunkel
10. I Feel it All- Feist (The Reminder)

Album Review: 12 Gardens Live

Billy Joel plays live at Madison Square Garden in New York in this two-disc album. The concert begins with Turnstiles classic "Angry Young Man". The skill that Billy shows in this song is phenomenal and is even better live. The first disc is a great mixture of Billy Joel songs that promises to enhance your Billy experience. "New York State of Mind" live shows an extension on the piano melody at the beginning that sounds amazing. "The Great Wall of China" of the River of Dreams fame, receives an uplifting makeover. The song sounds even better live. another great piano experience is "The Ballad of Billy the Kid" from Piano Man. The piano solos in the middle sounds like something out of an old western movie. Must listen! Miami 2017 (Turnstiles), Vienna (The Stranger) and Everybody Loves You Now (Cold Spring Harbour) are other great live songs that compliment the album songs. "Don't Ask Me Why" sounds even more upbeat with some Italian counting at the beginning. A brilliant first half.

Disc two begins with The Nylon Curtain's "Goodnight Saigon", complete with chopper sounds. The concert then proceeds into "Movin Out (Anthony's Song)", "The Downeaster "Alexa", and "An Innocent Man". They all sound amazing live. Then we have a great version of "We Didn't Start the Fire" that has everyone singing along. Then we have the epics. "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is an epic hit from the Stranger, performed live with the crowd singing and it is amazing. "Only the Good Die Young" sounds bolder and louder than the studio version, which makes you feel like dancing. And of course we finish with "Piano Man", "And So It Goes" and "It's Still Rock & Roll to Me". "Piano Man" sounds great live and Billy lets the audience sing solo and they don't disappoint. They know every word, like true Billy fans. "It's Still Rock & Roll to Me" sounds fun and upbeat, just like the studio version. But with all these tracks, the live versions give them new life, new sound and like any good concert, have people screaming out for more.

The official verdict : 4.5/5

What's the Frequency Kenneth?- R.E.M

We now enter the realm of band R.E.M, lead by Michael Stipe (centre in photo). R.E.M has a unique sound and a knack for coming up with some clever and kooky names for albums and songs. The top three albums are the following:

1. Automatic for the People: a great album with a variety of songs that express the fabulous musical styling of the band. Highlights include: "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", once you've finished listening the spelling error in the title will be the last thing on your mind. The lyrics are fun in a way that you will never figure out their meaning, so just go with it! "Man on the Moon" is another great song. The chorus shows off the great vocals and harmonies that R.E.M commonly use in their music. The lyrics share a little bit of history and some old-fashioned stuff that add to the overall feel. "Everybody Hurts" has been covered by many artists, but this is the original. The guitar sounds are great
2. Monster: a fantastic album that has a rock feel with some awesome songs. "What's the Frequency Kenneth" is one of my favourite R.E.M songs. The backing guitar is amazing and listening is just a fun experience. Air guitar? Guaranteed! The lyrics are a little whack, but that just makes it even cooler. "Crush with Eyeliner" is also great. Michael often appears live with Bowie-like eye make-up, just because he's Michael Stipe. I'm also a fan of "Star 69" another song that really adds to the album mood. Monster is classic R.E.M alternative sound.

3. New Adventures in Hi-Fi: this album was recorded while the band was on tour, but it still manages to deliver some great songs. "The Wake Up Bomb" is another song that has some lyrics that make you question the sanity of the author. But then you hear the catchy beat and great sounds and just sing along. "New Test Leper" is a song that asks some questions about religion. This is a common topic (politics and religious views) for the band's songs. Another is Around the Sun's "I Wanted to Be Wrong". "Electrolite" is a song that you can easily get into. The backing piano is sweet and gives the song a light feel. Celebrity names like Martin Sheen get a mention in this song too.

These are some great albums. Live albums are also a highlight. One song that misses out in these is "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville" written by Mike (right in photo). Amazing harmony. Mike sings the song live in the album R.E.M Live, singing just his harmony part. The original version can be found on The Best of R.E.M. Excellent. Enjoy you R.E.M journey and tell me what you think, If you are already converted, let me know what completes your journey, or your fave albums.
Dannielle

Playlist of The Week

This week's playlist is a mixture of my favourite Billy and Bruce songs, and also some songs that I'm loving at the moment. Enjoy!

1. Jungleland- Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run)

2. Time Means Nothing At All- Lisa Mitchell (Wonder)

3. All for Leyna- Billy Joel (Glass Houses)

4. Last of the American Girls- Green Day (21st Century Breakdown)

5. New Test Leaper- R.E.M (New Adventures in Hi-Fi)

6. Sleep- Azure Ray (Azure Ray)

7. Mary Queen of Arkansas- Bruce Springsteen (Greetings from Asbury Park N.J)

8. Gold Dust Woman- Fleetwood Mac (Rumours)

9. We Didn't Start the Fire- Billy Joel (Storm Front)

10. Romeo and Juliet- The Killers (Sawdust- Dire Straits Cover)

11. The Entertainer- Billy Joel (Streetlife Serenade)

12. New York City Serenade- Bruce Springsteen (The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle)

13. That's Not My Name- The Ting Tings (We Started Nothing)

14. Prelude/Angry Young Man- Billy Joel (Turnstiles)

15. Badlands- Bruce Springsteen (Darkness on the Edge of Town)

Read- Springsteen: Point Blank by Christopher Sandford

Watch- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band/ Live in New York

Live Listening- 12 Gardens Live: Billy Joel

Piano Man: the Essential Billy Joel

The Piano Man, the Angry Young Man and the Entertainer. Billy Joel is another artist that has changed the way I feel about music, courtesy of my Dad. This post is another beginners guide to becoming another Gen Y convertee like myself. Billy Joel has some great songs and albums, but to catch the Billy bug the following three are the ones to choose(btw, I have avoided the radio favourites, which are still great, but the hardcore fans choose the following):

1. The Stranger: a great album, that has some great songs including "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Only the Good Die Young" and "The Stranger". "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" is an epic hit with great sounds and a few fun lyrics. "The Stranger" is a beautiful and poetic melody about how "we all have a face that we hide away forever" and how "we may never understand how the stranger is inspired". This combined with some old fashioned piano sounds and perfectly pitched whistling make it great. "Only the Good Die Young" is an upbeat anthem that is the tune of choice for the bad girl (or guy!) in all of us. The Stranger is truly one of Billy Joel's best. Other great hits include" Movin Out (Anthony's Song)" and "Everybody has a Dream".

2. Turnstiles: an album marking Billy's change from L.A to New York and contains some great songs like "New York State of Mind", "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood". These are classic Billy and are great for getting into his music. "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" is a song about Billy's change of scene and is a favourite of mine. "Miami 2017" is a bit of an end-of-the-world song that shares some New York scenery with the listener. Forget 2012, Billy's betting on 2017. "New York State of Mind" shares Billy's fondness for the city and once again describes some famous NY scenery. Other notable tracks include "James" and "Summer Highland Falls".

3. The River of Dreams: the cover artwork is painted by Joel's then-wife, the songs are catchy and cool, and the album is one of Billy's most recognizable. "The Great Wall of China" is another autobiographical track about professional troubles and "It's All About Soul" is a great track. "It's all about faith in a deeper devotion, the woman's got soul"; I don't know why, but it's just so cool. The title track "River of Dreams" is a catchy, cool hit that will suck you into the Billy vortex. Another notable favourite is "No Man's Land" which is a quirky song that appears to be a metaphor for consumerism and new century life, e.g "Give us this day our daily discount outlet merchandise, raise up a multiplex and we will make a sacrifice". Nice.

Another notable album is Glass Houses and Piano Man is also a memorable song. Billy Joel has a vast range of music that you will want to devour once your into it. Most played songs on my iPod: "All for Leyna" from Glass Houses and "Only the Good Die Young" from The Stranger. Hope you guys enjoy the music.
Dannielle
xoxo

Introduction to The Boss

The Boss: a.k.a Bruce Springsteen. Bruce Springsteen is one of the most influential musicians ever to arrive on the U.S music scene in 1973 and continues to make outstanding music today. Consider this a page from the music bible for those of you looking to convert to acceptance of the "Old" era. The Boss has made some albums that cannot be described in one sentence. That single sentence would not do them justice. Those of you who are short on time, begin your conversion with these four albums:
1. Greetings from Asbury Park New Jersey- the first album from Bruce, before he was The Boss. Some truly wonderful songs, such as "Mary Queen of Arkansas", "Growin' Up" and "Does this Bus Stop at 82nd street?" were used to introduce the world to Springsteen. The quirky lyrics of "82nd Street" and "Blinded by the Light" will have you desperate to learn them in no time, then try to slip them into conversations. Ooh, tricky. Let me know if you succeed!

2. Darkness on The Edge of Town- another album filled with classic Springsteen. Highlight songs include "The Promised Land", "Racing in the Street" and "Darkness on the Edge of Town". "Darkness on the Edge of Town" has poetic lyrics fitted with fierce drum beats and beautiful piano. " Till' someday, they just cut it loose, they cut it loose and let it drag em down. Where no-one asks any questions or looks too long in your face, in the darkness on the edge of town." is a favourite quote of mine, where Springsteen talks about people having secrets their whole life until one day they let it loose and it drags them down. Truly poetic. "Racing in the Street" has some jargon for the car lovers and a melancholy piano melody that makes it a classic Bruce song.
"The Promised Land" starts with gorgeous harmonica tune and lyrics that give the impression of the all-American boy "workin' all day in his Daddy's garage and drivin' all night". Must listen for the convertee

3, Born to Run- the album you must listen to in order to fully appreciate the music of Bruce Springsteen. The two epic songs: "Backstreets" and "Jungleland". The devotee's anthem: "Born to Run". The great song, often overlooked: "She's the One". These songs make this my favourite Bruce album. The piano and lyrics in "Backstreets" will make you cry with and I guarantee you will never say "no way, that's old music" ever again. "Jungleland" has an epic saxophone solo that is indescribable. "Born to Run" is one of Bruce's most famous hits (along with "Born in the USA") and seeing it live is a dream of mine. My father has had the pleasure of singing along live with Bruce towards the end (the true right of any fan). "She's the One" has something about it that just makes you fall in love with it. Must be heard to believe it!

4. The Rising- a more modern Bruce album from 2002 has some fresh, upbeat sounds as well as some slow and melancholy tunes to define Bruce in the modern era. "Lonesome Day", "The Rising" and "Mary's Place" are some highlights. I'm a fan of "Your Missing", a slower and deeper song. Extra awesome: hit up you tube and search Bruce Springsteen at the Kennedy Centre honours for Sting's cover of "the Rising". Check out President Obama and Michelle Obama next to Bruce attempting to "groove".

Enjoy your Bruce journey, because it's all good as far as I'm concerned. Listen to these and tell me whether you are also a convert. If you are already a Bruce fan, share your favourite albums with me. Next blog: The Piano Man- Your Guide to the essential Billy Joel.
Danni xoxo

Welcome From the Gen Y Convertee

Hello,
You are reading the first of maany posts from the Gen Y Convertee. My name is Dannielle and my posts will feature reviews on my favourite music, new music and miscellaneous music as well as sharing my "conversion" to the music of my Dad's era. The Boss (Bruce Springsteen), the Piano Man (Billy Joel) and the Gen Y Convertee (Me) is all about music for this generation with inspiration from the older ones.
Enjoy!

Danni