The Outhouse - The Greatest Comic Book Forum

by **thefourthman** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:40 pm

So I never really got into Springsteen growing up.

I think an Uncle gave me a copy of Born to Run, but it didn't really impress. I have The Rising and think it is phenomenal and even bought the Pete Seger Sessions, cause I dig that kind of stuff...

Anyhow, I am a fan of the Killers and everyone always compares Brandon Flowers writing and delivery to Springsteen and it really hit home to me as I was listening to his solo album today.

So, I'm wondering which albums are must haves? Which one is the pinnacle of what he is all about?

Note to the people who will recommend some kind of greatest hit package, I really like the concept of a Rock Album and enjoy listening to Albums over songs, so while those are great if you are introducing yourself to an artist, I think given my age and the fact that I already have a couple of albums, I am past the introduction and looking for that pure statement from the guy.

by **S.F. Jude Terror** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:05 pm

Well, you really can't go wrong by just getting his whole catalog up to Born in the USA really. I'm surprised with how much you like Wilco that you aren't a big fan of Bruce already.

If you want to ease yourself in, based on what I know of your tastes, get Nebraska and Darkness on the Edge of Town, then after that get The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle and The River. Then get the rest. There was a concert album put out a few years ago recorded in London in 1975 that as really fantastic, and there was a triple live album back in the day that you can probably get still, which was also awesome.

by **Benderbrau** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:08 pm

Not to be ignorant but doesn't every 80s band have a greatest hits album by now anyways? I usually just buy those. Expect for Queen they generally include all the best stuff.

by **thefourthman** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:10 pm

Benderbrau wrote:Not to be ignorant but doesn't every 80s band have a greatest hits album by now anyways? I usually just buy those. Expect for Queen they generally include all the best stuff.

This is why super ignore shouldn't affect you anyhow, it's not like you read anyone's posts. :lol:

by **Benderbrau** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:11 pm

thefourthman wrote:This is why super ignore shouldn't affect you anyhow, it's not like you read anyone's posts.

I'm okay with this assessment if it gets me what I want. :-D

by **thefourthman** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:12 pm

Jude Terror wrote:Well, you really can't go wrong by just getting his whole catalog up to Born in the USA really. I'm surprised with how much you like Wilco that you aren't a big fan of Bruce already.

If you want to ease yourself in, based on what I know of your tastes, get Nebraska and Darkness on the Edge of Town, then after that get The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle and The River. Then get the rest. There was a concert album put out a few years ago recorded in London in 1975 that as really fantastic, and there was a triple live album back in the day that you can probably get still, which was also awesome.

I kind of figured Nebraska was gonna be the stock answer.

Question, is he like the Stones where I am really only like a small portion of their output?

by **S.F. Jude Terror** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:23 pm

thefourthman wrote:I kind of figured Nebraska was gonna be the stock answer.

Question, is he like the Stones where I am really only like a small portion of their output?

No, like I said before, I think you'll find his work similar in tone to Wilco's in a way and like all of it. (with the exception of the abysmal albums he made in the nineties).

by **thefourthman** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:26 pm

Jude Terror wrote:
No, like I said before, I think you'll find his work similar in tone to Wilco's in a way and like all of it. (with the exception of the abysmal albums he made in the nineties).

As an aside, I seem to remember liking the Tunnel of Love stuff they played on the radio.

Springsteen seems to be more lucid in his lyrical tone, I think I know where you are coming from musically though.

by **thefourthman** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:30 pm

you know while we are talking about music, Jude, have you ever listened to My Morning Jacket? The only problem I think you might have with them is Jim James' voice (I think he has a beautiful tone, but I have heard people complain about his voice, so what do I know?)

by **thefourthman** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:32 pm

Hey, I have Johnny CAsh doing Highway Patrolman somewhere...

by **mrorangesoda** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:49 pm

Yeah, I'd start with Darkness... and Nebraska and go from there. I'd also give Born to Run another listen.

by **JL_Amato** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:04 pm

Born to Run
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Nebraska

/done

by **Stalzer2002** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:06 am

thefourthman wrote:So I never really got into Springsteen growing up.

I think an Uncle gave me a copy of Born to Run, but it didn't really impress. I have The Rising and think it is phenomenal and even bought the Pete Seger Sessions, cause I dig that kind of stuff...

Anyhow, I am a fan of the Killers and everyone always compares Brandon Flowers writing and delivery to Springsteen and it really hit home to me as I was listening to his solo album today.

So, I'm wondering which albums are must haves? Which one is the pinnacle of what he is all about?

Note to the people who will recommend some kind of greatest hit package, I really like the concept of a Rock Album and enjoy listening to Albums over songs, so while those are great if you are introducing yourself to an artist, I think given my age and the fact that I already have a couple of albums, I am past the introduction and looking for that pure statement from the guy.

My favorite Bruce albums are Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska, Born to Run and the Rising. But really, the pure statement, the pinnacle of everything he's about, is the live material. As great as the albums are, they can't compare to passion and excitement of live Springsteen, whether it is the ramping energy of Prove it all Night from the Darkness Tour or the melancholy of the sax/piana/harmonica arrangement of reunion tour version of The River. So yeah, the live albums. Hammersmith Odeon. Live in New York. Live in Barcelona. The Promise box set includes a full concert from the '78 tour. And then there's a ton of stuff on youtube too.

by **S.F. Jude Terror** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:12 am

thefourthman wrote:As an aside, I seem to remember liking the Tunnel of Love stuff they played on the radio.

Springsteen seems to be more lucid in his lyrical tone, I think I know where you are coming from musically though.

You only say that because you haven't listened to Greetings from Asbury Parl.

by **thefourthman** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:47 am

Stalzer2002 wrote:
My favorite Bruce albums are Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska, Born to Run and the Rising. But really, the pure statement, the pinnacle of everything he's about, is the live material. As great as the albums are, they can't compare to passion and excitement of live Springsteen, whether it is the ramping energy of Prove it all Night from the Darkness Tour or the melancholy of the sax/piana/harmonica arrangement of reunion tour version of The River. So yeah, the live albums. Hammersmith Odeon. Live in New York. Live in Barcelona. The Promise box set includes a full concert from the '78 tour. And then there's a ton of stuff on youtube too.

Yeah, I may have to check out the live stuff... I like Nebraska, I relistened to Born to Run, but neither blow me away. Born To Run is particularly puzzling... there are some great songs there, but they never quite feel great... I don't know if it is the production (which is crisp and clean, something I normally like) or the band restrained by the studio (not willing to fly off or too focused on "getting it right")... there is a certain hollowness to both records.