Friday, March 30, 2007

FDF Volume 1: Issue 51: The Pixies - Doolittle



Album - Doolittle
Artist - Pixies
Key Players - Black Francis (vocals, rhythm guitar), Kim Deal (bass guitar, vocals), Dave Lovering (drums, percussion), Joey Santiago (lead guitar)
Produced By - Gil Norton


Release Date - April 18, 1989.

What caused me to blow off the dust? - Uh oh...people probably already reading this are saying "how can this be forgotten?" Umm ahh well I honestly can't tell you the last time I spun this record front to back. Realizing I am about to get my "indie cred card" revoked there is still hope you will read on.

Overview - This was the second studio album from, and, first major label release by Boston band "Pixies". College radio play, and even a smidge of help from MTV on the tracks "Monkey Gone to Heaven" and "Here Comes your Man" would start the band rolling towards international acclaim.
In 2003 NME writers claimed this to be the second greatest album EVER. Its influence still resonates even though the album has sold less than one million copies in the United States.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) The 15 track album opens with the chugging bass from Kim Deal on "Debaser". The guitars and drums come marching in and Blackie comes in strong. It is one of the strongest songs on the album but was never released as a proper single. The song is based off a film "Un chien andalou" which was famous because the opening scene had a woman getting her eyeball sliced by a razor. The line is sung "slicing up eyeballs I want you to know". Its a perfect track placed at a perfect spot on the album. "Tame" has a bass and drum intro with some whispered lyrics. It is one of the shortest songs (at 1:55) but it wastes no time in erupting with guitars and emotion in the lyrics. "Wave of Mutilation" starts almost before the prior song ends. There are some vocals tricks used on Blacks' voice and there is some good call and response between he and Deal. The song keeps a pretty steady pace for the duration. "I Bleed" also opens with a bass lead and some simple drum parts laid out by Lovering. Deal harmonizes with Black, she opts to sing while he almost speaks the lyrics. Perhaps the best known track by the band follows in "Here Comes Your Man". There is a faint trace of acoustic guitar and the guitar riff is one of the more recognizable riffs perhaps ever recorded. "Dead" is one of the "darker" feeling and sounding tracks on the record. Bass, guitar and drums are all brought to the front for the first few bars. The vocals are compressed and almost buried below the mix. "Monkey Gone to Heaven", easily a band classic and hit opens with spoken rather than sung lyrics. Deal offers a lot on this track in the harmonies. The bass, the drums, the guitars are all perfect. There are many reasons this song is considered so important to the band was well as the musicians it influenced. See for yourself if you really need to in the down load section. "Mr. Grieves" starts of slow but grows in to a really rock-a-billy sound with crisp drum beats and the 12 bar blues bass line that accompanies most rock a billy tunes. The shortest track on the album (under 1:30) "Crackity Jones" keeps some of the rock-a-billy sounds from the previous track but its a little more urgent in the delivery. "La La Love You" has a drum intro that was totally stolen by the band Live on the track "Pain Lies on the Riverside". Heck some of the guitar parts as well were really lifted from this. Lovering is the lead vocalist on this track Only two songs later "No. 13 Baby" begins and is the longest track on the album, but still clocks in at under 4 minutes. Its one of the more musically strong tracks. The band really clicks on this track and per the norm the strong bass lines from Deal are brought towards the front of the mix. "There Goes My Gun" has somewhat of an "all over the map feel" until the song kicks in. The vocals are up front and the song clicks along at a great pace. "Hey" has a rather lengthy instrumental breakdown in the middle, which is rare on this record due to the length of the songs. "Silver" is a little odd even for this record. The vocals are sung falsetto and there is what appears to be heavy steel resophonic guitar sound. The album concludes with "Gouge Away" which really falls in to place with the other strong rocking songs on the record. Its a perfect bookend with "Debaser".


In one of the greatest rock stories ever Black broke up the band viafax


Where are they now? - The band "disbanded" after extensive touring and internal friction amongst members. In one of the greatest rock stories ever, Frank Black faxed Kim Deal and told her her services were no longer needed. Black would tour and release solo albums. Deal would form "The Breeders", as well as "The Amps". Joey Santiago worked on solo projects and would play on Blacks solo albums. Dave Lovering spent his "down years" becoming a magician. The band re-formed in April of 2004 after and eleven year hiatus. The subsequent tour was the bands largest (in attendance and venue size) in their career. Frank Black was reported to say that the band hoped to record new material in early 2007.

FDF Personal Comments (aka the Live experience) - The only time I saw the Pixies live is before they broke up when they had an opening slot on the U2 on March 13, 1992. The band would dissolve soon after. The most interesting story about the Pixies in America up to this point is that up to this point the largest headlining show they'd play in the States was 2000+ seat theaters. After they re-formed they were suddenly thrust in to hockey arenas. Overseas the band always drew large crowds before and after the re-formation. The band would play the Reading and Leeds Festivals as well as the famous Newport Folk Festival during this tour.

FDF Overall Take - Of all the Pixies records this would be the "least" forgotten by the masses. Chances are if you own anything by the Pixies its this record. The accolades this record has received over the years are accurate. Chances are if you have read even this far you are well aware of the band and at least the two singles. Those tunes, along with what you have read will encourage you to drop the "less than $10.00" on this monumental release.

Curious? Check out some MUSIC!

You can buy the studio album right here

This week, rather than post studio cuts from the album you can check out the live download. Its a soundboard recording so it sounds very good and you'd get the idea of their sound if you are unfamiliar.

***MP3's REMOVED on Aug 16th 2007 2:15PM ET.*******
The Pixies
Leysin Festival, Switzerland
November 7, 1991


*** to all the people that have come upon this site via stumble upon thanks..be sure to check out some of the other downloads that are put up. Leave a comment as well..we won't bite and love to hear we are doing something good here**


**show removed**


Disclaimer - For the most part songs listed you can find on iTunes or your local cd shop. The idea is to give you a little taste of the music. Please support the artist buy purchasing some of their work. Songs are posted for about 1 week but can and will be removed at the request of the artist, band, band management etc. If you are one of those persons contact me via the email link in the profile and they will be removed as soon as we are made aware of the request.

Friday, March 23, 2007

FDF Volume 1: Issue 50 Hindu Love Gods - Hindu Love Gods



Album - Hindu Love Gods
Artist - Hindu Love Gods
Key Players - Warren Zevon - vocals and piano, Bill Berry - drums, Mike Mills - bass, Peter Buck - guitar.
Produced By - Andrew Slater and Niko Bolas


Release Date - October 5, 1990


What caused me to blow off the dust? - When I worked in a record store in college I recall getting this cd in. We read about it and opened it right away to give it a spin. What we heard was just a whole lot of fun (my boss was a big Zevon guy and I loved R.E.M) so it was a match. I never grabbed the cd at the time since we spun it ad-nausea. A few years later I went hunting for it and came up empty for a bit. It landed in cutout bins across the US. One day it was found and spun again ad nausea. The recent visit was caused in part by R.E.M's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame and the Superbowl Halftime show by Prince (you'll understand if you keep reading).

Overview - A late night jam session that was never really intended for the public to hear was recorded (supposedly in a drunken session) in 1987. Warren was recently sober so his involvement in the debauchery may or may not be true.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) The entire record is cover songs. After each track in brackets will be who the song is credited to. I'll do my best to not use "12 bar blues" either when talking about the tracks. The album opens with "Walking Blues" (Robert Johnson). You are taken right away in your mind to a small and smokey nightclub. Domestic bottles of beer clutter your table. Buck does a fine, crisp solo on guitar at the mid point. "Traveling Riverside Blues" (Johnson) follows. A soggy bottom riff with simple 4x4 drum temp gives Zevon a moment to shine. The most interesting moment occurs next. The band tackles "Raspberry Beret" (Prince). What a smoking, fun and great take on this tune. The band really takes this and makes it its own. Ever thought this could be a foot stompin barn burner of a tune then look no further. "Crosscut Saw" (Fred Ingrahm, Bill Sanders) flows back to the blues style of the first 2 tracks. "Junko Partner" (Bob Shad) follows and is one of the shorter tracks. The lyrics are sung at a quick pace and the drums are up on the tom toms giving it a smidge more of a rock-a-billy feel. "Mannish Boy" (Bo Diddley, Melvin London, Muddy Waters) is the longest track on the disc and here we get down, down, way down and bluesy. This is a track that has been covered so many times its hard to pick a version that does a real bang up job. This is pretty true to form and the band really finds its groove on this track. "Wang Dang Doodle" (Willie Dixon) intros with some deep harmonica and the band follows suit on the 12 bar blues format (hey first time!). "Battleship Chains" (Terry Anderson) some may recall that the band Georgia Satellites did a cover of this as well. Even though its a Hindu Love Gods version you can also hear the Raspberry Beret feel from earlier in the record. "I'm a One Woman Man" (Tillman Franks, Johnny Horton) again using a harmonica intro and acoustic guitars this is a song you'd imagine being sung on a front porch in wooden rocking chairs. The album closes off with "Vigilante Man" (Woody Guthrie).


Where are they now? - R.E.M. is still making music. As noted earlier they were inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2007. Bill Berry who had left the group was there for the ceremony and played with the band. Warren Zevon passed away on September 7, 2003 after battling cancer.

FDF Personal Comments (aka the Live experience) - I have been unable to confirm or deny if the band even performed outside the studio. Barring a late night jam session in a local bar the band never did a proper tour.

FDF Overall Take - If you can find the cd you will be rewarded. Its been out of print, or a cut out bin special for a few years now. Although its a little uneven musically at times its a fun listen. That being sad a late night jam session, or sessions that maybe were never meant to be released could be that reason.

Curious? Check out some MUSIC!

****mp3's have been removed****
Battleship Chains

Raspberry Beret *trust me..at least listen once*

>Wang Dang Doodle

Disclaimer - For the most part songs listed you can find on iTunes or your local cd shop. The idea is to give you a little taste of the music. Please support the artist buy purchasing some of their work. Songs are posted for about 1 week but can and will be removed at the request of the artist, band, band management etc. If you are one of those persons contact me via the email link in the profile and they will be removed as soon as we are made aware of the request.

Friday, March 16, 2007

FDF Volume 1: Issue 49: Deftones - Around the Fur



Album - Around the Fur
Artist - Deftones
Key Players - Chino Moreno -vocals, Abe Cunningham - drums, Chi Cheng - bass, Frank Delgado - turntable, keyboards, samplers. became member after this album, Stephen Carpenter - guitar
Produced By - Terry Date and Deftones


Release Date - October 28, 1997

What caused me to blow off the dust? - Recently while having a shuffle session on the iPod an older Deftones track popped up. At that point I realized it was time to go back and give something some attention.

Overview - This is the second release (major label) from Sacramento California band Deftones. Even with the internal struggles the last few years that have almost had the band break up the band still releases quality records for those willing to drop the dough and give them a listen. Many consider them a "metal" band but upon further listening you'll agree its "heavy" but not necessarily "metal".

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - The album opens up with "My Own Summer (Shove It)", which was also a single released to radio. The guitars are heavy under the "whispering" opening vocals from Chino. By the chorus the band explodes around him. A shriek for the ages announces "Shhhhhhhove it". The verses are repeated in the same quiet version until each chorus. Shove it hardly fades when "Lhabia" comes with heavily distorted guitars. The drums, although somewhat 'basic' in the terms of complexity hold this machine in line. The chorus soars over the buzz saw guitar work. As "Mascara" begins its easy to see how its hard to label this band as being "metal". Sure the music is heavy but the vocals are often very clear, something not common to heavier metal. "Around the Fur" continues that same mentality. "Rickets" opens with heavily distorted guitars and a chugging bass line. The vocals during the verse at totally buried but it being one of the shorter tracks the band wastes no time. This track contains all the "signature" moves of Deftones at this time. Grinding guitar, pounding drums and heavily processed screeching vocals. "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" was also released as a radio single for this album. Its a heavy track for sure but also a little "tighter" and if you will "more radio friendly" than what you'd hear elsewhere on the record. Still one of the best 'tones songs outright. "Lotion" adds a perfect 1-2 punch. These two tracks flow perfectly together and your neck will hurt from bobbing along. Listening to the record in full you get the barrage of music as the tracks continue to flow. "Dai The Flu" follows suit. Sweet lord..find the pause button and get a drink. "Headup" - the story behind this track is Max Cavalera of Soulfly. The song was written by Max and Chino as a way of venting some of their pain over the loss of Max's step son. The album closes with "MX" clocking in at over 37 minutes its got a lot of "silence' and hidden stuff. You ever see the movie Creepshow? In one of the stories
Ted Danson is murdered by drowning. He exacts his revenge on none other than Leslie Nielsen. Well when Danson talks to his killer Chino used the same vocal effect..a gurgling semi decipherable line of words. The "song" clocks in at about 5 minutes then if you so desire hold down the "search" button on your player to about 19 minutes in. If you care there is a "bong hit" answering machine recording..hardly worth the time. 32:36 in a true "hidden track" surfaces. "Damone" is the title and it actually is a decent track. Almost worth the hassle of fast forwarding (or waiting if you so desire).


Where are they now? - The band is still active both as a studio group and touring band. The most recent release "Saturday Night Wrist" came out in October of 2006 and the band continues to tour in support. Some European dates are listed on the bands official site.


I think this band is going to behuge



FDF Personal Comments (aka the Live experience) - I have only caught the band live one time. It was actually on tour for the first album "Adrenalin". It was at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge. The band was supported by
downset and Orange 9mm. It was a hell of a show..i mean one hell of a show. After the show I was having some small talk with the sound man and he said "I think this band is gonna be pretty huge". Some could argue now either way.

FDF Overall Take - Per the norm this is very much a niche record. If you don't like grinding guitars and screaming vocals you'll hate it from the outset. At the time this was released it was "different" and could challenge a listener on some levels. The follow up to this record "White Pony" is considered to be the watershed release from the band, really establishing them as a premiere act within the genre. Recent albums have shown growth in the band but album sales are down for them.


Curious? Check out some MUSIC!


All mp3's have been removed March 22, 2007 12:50 PM ET

Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
Lotion
Rickets


Please note that most/all these tracks contain explicit lyrics.


These three tracks taken from "Around the Fur" which you can buy here if you so desire.

**Bonus Stuff **
Deftones live in Amsterdam 13, October 1997 which you can also buy here

Root
Nosebleed
Lifer
Lotion
Fireal/Swords
Bored


Please note that most/all these tracks contain explicit lyrics.


Disclaimer - For the most part songs listed you can find on iTunes or your local cd shop. The idea is to give you a little taste of the music. Please support the artist buy purchasing some of their work. Songs are posted for about 1 week but can and will be removed at the request of the artist, band, band management etc. If you are one of those persons contact me via the email link in the profile and they will be removed as soon as we are made aware of the request.

Friday, March 09, 2007

FDF Volume 1: Issue 48: Clem Snide - The Ghost of Fashion



Album - The Ghost of Fashion
Artist - Clem Snide
Key Players - Eef Barzelay - guitar and vocals, Jason Glasser - bass/chelo/keyboard, Jeff Marshall - double bass, Eric Paull - drums/percussion, Pete Fitzpatrick - lead guitar/banjo/euphonium, Andrew Innes - saxophones, David Knowles - trumpet, Jeff Newell - saxophones/flute, Erin Elstner - vibraphone, John Roach - roachaphonic bandophones, Margaret McCartney - backing vocals.
Produced By - Jason Glasser


Release Date - June 19, 2001


What caused me to blow off the dust? Clem Snide is a band I actually stumbled upon and after just one listen to this very record I became a fan. Its not for everyone but there are moments of absolute beauty. It was time for this one to be spun again and talked about.

Overview - The third release from indie/alt country group Clem Snide began to solidify them as talents within the genre. TV Executives used "Moment in the Sun" for the TV Series "ED". The Foo Fighters "Next Year" was used during the first and third season but the single (and subsequent ep) helped Clem Snide become a smidge more of a recognizable band. The band gets their name from a series of William S. Burroughs novels in which a Clem Snide appears as a character.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - The album opens with "Let's Explode". Eef asks to "Wait..as I fix my makeup!". The song has a wonderful country feel to it and the sound is full. Production through the record is well done. Strings to horns nothing is buried in the mix.. "Long Lost Twin" opens with with an almost spoken lyric in that Eef feels like Elvis' Long lost twin. The guitar line runs clean and the drums are very simple. After a verse the horns and strings swirl around and the guitar gets that "50's guitar sound" ie: light reverb. "Ice Cube" still has the sound we are used to but there is more a stop/start feel to this track. Horns are used more in the breaks and the drums feed from the breaks. The lyrics ask "Does anyone really get what they want?" and "What do you mean when you talk about love?". "Chinese Baby" starts of very slow and quiet the bass swoops across the bottom. "Don't Be Afraid of Your Anger" opens with a slow build up of horns and guitar chords for a few bars. Once the lyrics get going its one of the more catchy Clem songs on this, or any other record. The twang of the guitars and vocals you'll imagine a vast landscape filled with fields and cows. Close your eyes..there you go..see it?! "Evil vs. Good" follows with a simple keyboard intro and guitars clanging in the background. It builds and builds and builds and until the vocals begin, then its slows way down once more and gets darker. "Moment in the Sun" is just a fantastic tune..just check it in the down load portion. (for the ending alone..and no..not because its over!)..all all fades in wonderfully to "The Curse of Great Beauty". Lightly in the background it sounds like an album crackling..its almost a full on acapella track. The segue is virtually flawless in to "Joan Jett of Arc". Again a beautifully sung song with quiet accompaniment. "The Junky Jews" is a little more up tempo than the previous tracks and it name checks "Corey Feldman". Towards the end of the track there is a heavy instrumental breakdown with some hard hitting drums and guitar work (well hard for Clem Snide that is). "Ancient Chinese Secret Blues" has the quietest intro of any track on the album. The tempo and mood set make a rare "skippable" track in this reviewers eye. You need to give them credit for using the line "Calgon take me away". "The Ballad of Unzer Charlie" is another throw away track of really nothing. The record closes with "No One's More Happy Than You". A more "triumphant" closer with horns and booming vocals it closes the record out on a high note.


Where are they now?
- As a band Clem Snide are still active. The band was primarily an outlet for Eef Barzelay and has had a revolving door of members. The biggest names are Eef, who released a solo album called "Bitter Honey" in 2006. Eef is currently on tour supporting Ben Folds. Jason Glasser left the band in mid 2006. Jeff Marshall left after this album was released due to the touring schedule.

Rumor has it a new Clem Snide will surface in 2007 but a label has yet to be selected. During this time it was reported the band broke up and then re-formed. The album was completed in 2006 but was never released.


FDF Personal Comments
(aka the Live experience) - Clem Snide I have not seen live. They are on a short personal list of "must sees".


FDF Overall Take
- Okay I'll admit two things. First Eef has a very unique vocal style and sound. Its not for everyone, but what he adds is what makes the band so original. Second, this is not a record you'd put on to get a party going. It is a record you'd put on after all the hangers on leave and you want to chill out.

Curious? Check out some MUSIC!

mp3's have been removed 3/15/07 11:20am ET

Lets Explode From the Ghost of Fashion
Moment In the Sun From the Ghost of Fashion

A second special down load. If you don't listen to anything else at least check this out. Yes its the Christina Aguilera song. Great great stuff...
Beautiful Taken from The Beautiful EP

The Ghost of Fashion you can buy it
here

The Beautiful Ep you can buy here

Even MORE download(s) **LIVE**
A Very short but very nice FM Broadcast
Clem Snide
November 13, 2001.
Le Mouv' Studios, Toulouse, France

Don't Be Afraid of Your Anger
I'm Like a Bird This is about an 18 second snippet of the Nelly Furtado song.
I Love the Unknown
Nick Drake Tape

Disclaimer - For the most part songs listed you can find on iTunes or your local cd shop. The idea is to give you a little taste of the music. Please support the artist buy purchasing some of their work. Songs are posted for about 1 week but can and will be removed at the request of the artist, band, band management etc. If you are one of those persons contact me via the email link in the profile and they will be removed as soon as we are made aware of the request.

Friday, March 02, 2007

FDF Volume 1: Issue 47:Bruce Springsteen: The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle



Album - The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle
Artist - Bruce Springsteen
Key Players:
Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez - Drums, Background Vocals, Coronet on "The E Street Shuffle"
Garry Tallent - Bass, Tuba, Background Vocals
Danny Federici - Accordion, Background Vocals, 2nd Piano on "Incident On 57th Street" and organ on "Kitty's Back
Clarence Clemons - All saxes and background vocals
David Sancious - Piano, organ, electric piano, clavinet, Soprano sax on "Kitty's Back", background vocals and string arrangement on "New York City Serenade"
Bruce Springsteen - All Guitars, harmonica, mandolin, recorder and lead vocals

Cameo Appearences:
Richard Blackwell: Congas and percussion
Albany Tellone: Baritone Sax on "The E Street Shuffle"

Produced By - Mike Appel and Jim Cretecos


Release Date - September 11th, 1973.

What caused me to blow off the dust? - Truthfully, this one never gets dusty! One of Bruce's best albums and certainly his most ambitious.

Overview - Bruce Springsteen's second album for Columbia records found him at a crossroads early in his career. While his first album, "Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey" was a critical success it didn't sell very well and left the young songwriter searching for a hit record. This of course, wasn't it. While again a critical success the album failed to find the huge audience the executives at Columbia were expecting when they signed "the next Bob Dylan."
In fact, Bruce was in very real danger of being dropped from the label entirely until a concert at Brown University. After the show, Bruce gave an interview to a student journalist and mentioned the problems at the label, blaming them on the new head of the label, Irwin Segelstein. As it turned out, Segelstein's son attended the University and after reading Bruce's comments called his father and complained. Segelstein decided to give Bruce another shot and a year later the album "Born to Run" was released. Needless to say, Bruce was never dropped from Columbia Records. A relationship he still enjoys to this day. "In 2003, the album was ranked number 132 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time."

FDF Comments (aka the songs) While Greetings was more of a personal album lyrically, it did hint of things to come here. Songs like "Lost in the Flood" and "Spirit in the Night" were character pieces while tunes like "Growin Up" and "For You" screamed personal experience. On this album, however, Bruce decided to paint a much broader picture full of nothing but characters. In fact, every song on this album plays as a mini-movie of sorts. If they ever put a Springsteen show up on Broadway every song here should make the cut
"The E Street Shuffle" - From the opening notes of this song the listener realizes their in for something different from whatever they were expecting. The sounds of a horn section ring out followed by a funky guitar riff. The entire song lays the foundation for what's to come from this heavily jazz influenced album. Lyrically, it's a strut. We meet "Little Angel" and "Power" and are introduced to the setting for the entire album. Imagine a late 50's shore town. "American Graffiti" meets "The Outsiders".

Musically, the band it tight. Much less cluttered than present day E Street. Vini Lopez's drumming is smooth and busy. While Bruce's guitar is clear in the mix.

"4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) - Simply known as "Sandy" to fans. If you close your eyes and listen you can actually see this one in your mind. Danny Federici's organ gives the feel of the boardwalk in the background as these young summer lovers see their romance fade with the season.
While it's great here it's worth seeking out the version contained on the live box set from 1986. That's my favorite version and contains the reworked final verse....
"Sandy, the angels have lost our desire for us
I spoke to 'em just last night and they said they won't set themselves on fire for us anymore
Every summer when the weather gets hot they ride that road down from heaven on their Harleys they come and they go
And you can see 'em dressed like stars in all the cheap little seashore bars parked making love with their babies out on the Kokomo
Well the cops finally busted Madame Marie for tellin' fortunes better than they do
This boardwalk life for me is through
You know you ought to quit this scene too"

"Kitty's Back" - Not many of the "Next Dylans" have ever gone as far to write a jazz piece but that's what we have here. Lyrically it's very tongue in cheek....

"Jack Knife cries 'cause baby's in a bundle
She goes running nightly, lightly through the jungle
And them tin cans are explodin' out in the ninety-degree heat
Cat somehow lost his baby down on Bleecker Street
It's sad but it sure is true
Cat shrugs his shoulders, sits back and sighs
OOh, what can I do, ooh, what can I do?"

Musically it's different from anything else in Bruce's entire catalog. The middle part is a musical break where each member of the band is allowed to stretch out and jam. Anyone that questions the greatness of The E Street Band has never heard this one live circa 1978.

They played it back in 2002 on Late Night. While not as wonderful as the late 70's versions it still ranks as one of the greatest one off performances in the history of television in my opinion.


"Wild Billy's Circus Story" - How many rock bands bring a tuba into the mix? Thankfully not many! Truthfully, this is the only song from this album not loaded into my Ipod. It misses the mark here. One of my least favorite Bruce tunes. Lyrically it paints the picture of traveling circus on Acid....

"The runway lies ahead like a great false dawn
Fat lady, big mama, Missy Bimbo sits in her chair and yawns
And the man-beast lies in his cage sniffin' popcorn
As the midget licks his fingers and suffers Missy Bimbo's scorn
Circus town's been born"
Musically it too simplistic for this album. It sticks out like a sore thumb. It's the definition of filler and leaves the listener more than a little hungry for what's next.

"Incident on 57th Street" - Thankfully we return to form in a big way with the next track. "Incident" is one of most loved tunes Bruce has ever written. It's a rarity live after 1975 though does make an appearance now and again.
The story of "Spanish Johnny" and "Puerto Rican Jane", "Incident" is a modern day "West Side Story." Told from a third person point of view it's all at once simplistic and grand. A true masterpiece..
"Johnny was sittin' on the fire escape watchin' the kids playin' down the street
He called down "Hey little heroes, summer's long but I guess it ain't very sweet around here anymore"
Janey sleeps in sheets damp with sweat, Johnny sits up alone and watches her dream on, dream on
And the sister prays for lost souls, then breaks down in the chapel after everyone's gone

Jane moves over to share her pillow but opens her eyes to see Johnny up and putting his clothes on
She says "Those romantic young boys
All they ever want to do is fight"
Those romantic young boys
They're callin' through the window
"Hey Spanish Johnny, you want to make a little easy money tonight?"
And Johnny whispered:
Good night, it's all right Jane
I'll meet you tomorrow night on Lover's Lane"

The type of song that you get lost in and after you listen immediately want to hear again.... Strictly out of fear you missed something

"Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" - The most well known track on the album. Chances are this is the one track you've heard played on your local Classic Rock station. The word "sweeping" is the first that comes to mind when looking to describe this one. While the other songs on here play with tempo and pace for effect, "Rosalita" fires out at 100 Mph and doesn't take it's foot off the gas. Clocking in at slightly over seven minutes it feels like three.

Bruce has said he wrote this one looking ahead to the live show. To have a song to end the show with that leaves the audience drained. Having caught this one live I can attest to a job well done! The story contains upwards of twelve different characters spread across it's cohesive whole. The song also plays as the most personal on the record. A young musician trying to steal his love and take off to California to run down their dreams. Against the obvious objections of her parents.

"Now I know your mama she don't like me 'cause I play in a rock and roll band
And I know your daddy he don't dig me but he never did understand
Papa lowered the boom, he locked you in your room
I'm comin' to lend a hand
I'm comin' to liberate you, confiscate you, I want to be your man
Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny
But now you're sad, your mama's mad
And your papa says he knows that I don't have any money
Tell him this is last chance to get his daughter in a fine romance
Because a record company, Rosie, just gave me a big advance"

I've always believed these characters are the ones that show up later in "Thunder Road" She didn't get in that car and he didn't leave without her. Now, the only thing they have left is the open road and once last shot to take.... The desperation of "Thunder Road" is the end result of the optimistic dreams of "Rosalita" not coming true.

"New York City Serenade" - The final song on the record is another that sounds like nothing else Bruce ever recorded. Starting out with a stark acoustic guitar then a solo haunting piano it builds swiftly and effectively into a another story about two lovers torn between romance and the reality of the streets they walk.

"Jackie's heels are stacked
Billy's got cleats on his boots
Together they're gonna boogaloo down Broadway and come back home with the loot
It's midnight in Manhattan, this is no time to get cute
It's a mad dog's promenade
So walk tall or baby don't walk at all"

The big difference here is that role reversal in this one. The guy is trying to save the girl in this one. Of course, like all the other songs here, there's no happy ending or at least an easy one.

And that the point of the entire album. Characters torn between love and violence. Reality and their dreams. Optimistic hopes and stark reminders of the way the world actually works. It's a challenging album from the first note to the final one. When your finished your not quite sure what you just heard but you know it's unlike anything you've heard before and that you can't wait to listen again.

Where are they now? - Bruce still continues to record and tour solo and with is latest side project "The Seeger session band." The E Street Band has been on hiatus for the past few years but rumor has them recording a new album in the coming months with a world tour to follow.
The band no longer has Vini Lopez on drums who was asked to leave the band after this album because of his style not meshing with the direction Bruce wanted to take his music. He continues to record and tour with "Steel Mill Retro" one of the bands he was originally in with Bruce back in the late 60s/ early 70s.
David Sancious left the band after the recording of the title track of 1975's "Born to Run." Feeling the E Street Band wasn't heading in a worthwhile direction he went on the form his own band "tone." He still works and tours as a successful session musician with such acts as Seal, Eric Clapton and Sting.

FDF Personal Comments (aka The Live Experience) - I've seen Bruce Springsteen about 25 times now. Solo, with the Seeger Sessions Band, sitting in at a bar gig, with his '92-'93 band and of course with the E Street Band. While he's ALWAYS worth the price of admission, nothing can capture the force and magic of an E Street show.
While this is one of my favorite albums I've only caught three of these songs live. "Rosalita," "Sandy," and most recently "Kitty's Back." They have all become rarities live with the exception of "Rosalita" which returned to the regular rotation last tour. Because of their length, many of these songs will never make the cut every night. It's all at once frustrating and rewarding depending on the night your lucky enough to be in attendance.

FDF Overall Take - All the angst and hunger of a 23 year old Bruce Springsteen pours over every inch of these stories and their characters. And yes, I said 23! A fact that makes this work even more impressive and lends validity to the "genius" tags that fly when Springsteen is mentioned in social circles. Between this, 1975's "Born to Run" and 1978's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" you'd be hard pressed to find a string of three more impressive albums from one artist so early in their careers. Easily found in the "nice price" section of any record store or on the internet this is one worth seeking out for repeated listens.

Some MUSIC!

MP3s are no longer available

Rosalita taken from The Wild, The Innocent....

Incident on 57th Street taken from The Wild, The innocent...

Like it? Place to buy it
here

This weeks live show download

Bruce Springsteen: The Saint, The Incident & The Main Point Shuffle
Recorded at the Main Point, Bryn Mawr, PA
February 5, 1975


Highlights included:

Mountain Love
Born To Run
Thunder Road->Wings for Wheels
I Want you
Spirit in the Night
She's The One
Growin Up
Its Hard to Be a Saint in the City
4th of July, Asbury Park
For You
Back in the USA

Roy Bittan - piano
Clarence Clemons - sax, backing vocals
Danny Federici - organ, accordion
Suki Lahav - Violin
Bruce Springsteen - vocals, guitar, harmonica
Garry W. Tallent - bass, backing vocals
Steve Van Zandt - guitar, background vocals
Max Weinberg - drums

This weeks post was written by this blogger. Check out his blog if you would please.

Regarding the mp3's please leave a comment if there is an issue (one will do) and March will correct them.