Random Thoughts While Watching Springsteen’s Live in NYC DVD With TheWifeToWhomI’mMarried
I played “Livin’ in the Future” in the car with TheWifeToWhomI’mMarried last night because it’s my favorite song on Magic and I was hoping it would hook her, too. Mission:accomplished. As we were driving she turned to me and said, “It is kind of catchy, isn’t it?”
The fun of listening to a song I love and sharing it with someone else put me on a high for the rest of the night. When we got home, we watched House and I busted out the Live in New York City DVD because I was dying to see the marathon performance “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.” I can’t remember how we got on the subject, but I was laughing about the band intros during that song and the way the crowd reacts to Clarence. After talking about it, I had to see it.
Tenth Avenue Freeze Out: One of the first things TWTWIM asked me as the song began was, “Is that sweat?” I smiled. Even though I’ve never seen a Springsteen show in person, I’m well aware of the legendary performances. Before the song was half over, she understood as she got caught up in the energy of the performance and watching him jump, groove, dance, strut, and clown around the stage.
While we watched, she was struck by what a good singer Bruce is. I think Bruce’s abilities as a singer get overshadowed by his status as a songwriter and overall icon. It was a good point. I overlook that about him.
The Patti Factor: I’ll admit, I’ve never been a big fan of Patti’s voice and the example I most often point to is the insertion of a bit of her “Rumble Doll” during “Tenth Avenue.” I cringe during that. I thought TWTWIM would do the same. I was wrong. She like’s Patti’s voice, but wishes she’d find a note and stay there awhile – OK, that was my phrasing. TWTWIM thinks Patti holds the notes out a little long and bounces a bit much, but likes the earthy sound to her voice.
I was stunned. I was stunned that I guessed wrong about her reaction. I was stunned because she is absolutely right. I’ve been expressing it wrong for awhile now. Patti’s got a very nice voice that could be used to greater effect if she could control it a bit more.
RamrodThe NYC version of “Ramrod” is the definitive version of the song. Bruce and Stevie are fabulous on that one.
If I Should Fall BehindAfter watching “Ramrod,” she came back into the room to listen to “If I Should Fall Behind.” We loved this one. She wasn’t a big fan of Steve’s solo moments in the song. She can’t separate the Silvio from the Steve and in fairness, Steve probably sings the rockers better than the ballads. I thought she’d like Nils’ voice more than she did, but she didn’t dislike it. The clincher is when Bruce, Patti, Steve, Nils, and Clarence harmonize at the end. She loved that. I’d forgotten how great that part is until we watched it together.
TWTWIM has long been a casual Springsteen fan and sharing my still-growing love for his music last night felt unbelievably good. If I have my way, there won’t be anything casual about the way she hears his music. All of this has made me more desperate than ever to see Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band in concert.
While I’m waiting, could someone pretty please with fuckin’ sugar on top get us a DVD box set of the solo acoustic shows he did on the Devils & Dust tour? Are you listening, Landau?
Filed under: Bruce Springsteen, Musical Musings and Random Ramblings
oh geezuz, i feel woozy.
‘Rumble Doll’ is a fine, fine song and Patti is the ultimate cougar.
Look at those legs! Look at that hair!
BruceFan needs to step off and respect the man’s wife; he takes that Patti bashing shit better than I would. How do I know? He still puts out records, right?
Seriously, listen to Brer Josh about the ‘Devils & Dust’ DVD from Boston. Let’s get this thing in shops by Christmas, people!
I’ll take ‘Santa Ana’ in Atlanta next year, Bossman!
i’ve always thought of Patti’s voice as a cross between Roni Spector and Bonnie Raitt.
the bashers are kind of nauseating for a number of reasons. i’ve got to learn to ignore them i guess.
Bruce has likened Patti’s voice to Dusty Springfield, which I can sort of hear but I’m not a real student of DS so I wouldn’t offer too strong an opinion on that.
BruceFan has gone off the deep end and gone way too far. Criticism is one thing, the bashing, pettiness, and ugliness that’s been going on is way beyond that. I’m still not a huge Patti fan and there are times when her singing distracts me from the song rather than adds to it. I don’t think that’s bad form. It wouldn’t take long for it to become that. I agree with you both.
While “BruceFan” takes to the ‘net to trash the man and his work, we’re going to use it to humbly petition for more of it. For example… a Devils & Dust DVD box set. Those shows from Boston, for example. I’m going to have to write this and we’re going to get the word out on this.
[...] admitted I’m not the world’s biggest fan of Patti’s singing, although I’ve come around on this point just a little. Even though I don’t go to the [...]