9 posts tagged “bruce springsteen”
The Hold Steady are unique in today's musical stratosphere, they plough a somewhat traditional rock furrow yet can claim mass critical acclaim.
They aren't short in inspiration with their latest forthcoming album "Stay Positive" being their fourth in as many years.
Whilst not being keen to pigeon hole any act if you like your rock with a bit of attitude and drive along the lines of Springsteen or Joe Strummer with a hint of Eddie Vedder on vocals then this is a group for you.
The Hold Steady is a Brooklyn-based rock band. Foupr of its five members have lived in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, and their Twin Cities roots are frequently reflected in the band's lyrics. The band's style has been described as a "riff-heavy mixture of classic rock," notable for its "lyrically dense storytelling."[1]
The band has released four albums: Almost Killed Me (2004), Separation Sunday (2005), Boys and Girls in America (2006), and Stay Positive (2008). Stay Positive will be released on July 14, 2008 on Rough Trade Records and on July 15, 2008 on Vagrant Records.
Lead guitarist Tad Kubler and frontman Craig Finn (both formerly of the band Lifter Puller) first had the idea to form The Hold Steady when sitting at home watching The Last Waltz. Finn asked Kubler, "Dude, why aren't there any bands like this anymore? Let's do this from now on."[2]
The band's 2004 debut album Almost Killed Me, released on Frenchkiss Records, was a sleeper hit among music critics, reaching #31 in the Pazz & Jop critics poll that year, an achievement which Finn described as "like being nominated for an Oscar or something."[3] In May 2005, they were the first rock band to grace the front page of The Village Voice in 15 years. The band was Blender's 2006 Band of the Year.
The band released its second album, Separation Sunday, on May 3, 2005. The album was a loose concept album following the exploits of a character named "Holly" (short for "Hallelujah") and her quest to find a balance between Catholicism and rock and roll through drugs and a metaphorical resurrection. The album was critically lauded, and its religious overtones were picked up by many critics, such as the Village Voice, who dubbed it "the most egregiously American Catholic album since X's Under the Big Black Sun, Springsteen's Tunnel of Love, or that Jewish new waver Billy Joel's The Stranger."[3]
After Separation Sunday, for its third album the band moved from the Frenchkiss Records imprint to Vagrant Records. Released October 3, 2006, Boys and Girls in America was ranked #8 on the Rolling Stone Best Albums of 2006 list, and first by The A.V. Club. Pitchfork Media's Scott Plagenhoff wrote of the album, "[Craig Finn] not only has a commanding, rousing voice but he also says something worth hearing, displaying gifts for both scope and depth that are all too rare in contemporary rock — indie or mainstream."[4]
The band recorded a modified version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" to be played during the seventh-inning stretch at Minnesota Twins home games during the 2007 season.[5]
The band's album Stay Positive will be released on July 14, 2008. The album was recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey, and Wild Arctic studio in Queens, New York, with producer John Agnello. Guests on the sessions included Ben Nichols from Lucero and Doug Gillard, who spent some time playing guitar in Guided By Voices. Finn has said that he believes the album "captures a band hitting their creative peak, as well as enjoying each other's creativity and company."[6] According to Rolling Stone the band's latest album is more expansive than previous releases, including talk-box solos, harpsichord and tuneful vocals (the notoriously gruff-voiced Finn started taking voice lessons). "There are some bands that do five records that all sound similar," says guitarist Tad Kubler. "We've tried to avoid that."[7]
Amazon.co.uk
The Hold Steady's ascent and eventual breakthrough with 2006's Boys & Girls in America was never pre-ordained. If anything they did it without the tastemakers' consent. Their shtick is old-fashioned through and through, beginning with Thin Lizzy and ending with Bruce Springsteen, performed by men advanced enough to have experienced those touchstones first or second hand. And look at them--not exactly The Strokes, are they? But it was precisely their enthusiastic unoriginality, the fact that the clichés were piled on so thick and so fast, that they triumphed. And placed next to that unapologetically feel good record, that Stay Positive sounds so immediately brighter and more muscular is undoubtedly a great sign. Production is really cranked up--see the horns wedged into "Sequestered in Memphis", the REM mandolin texturing of "Both Crosses" and the surprising harpsichord flagrancy of "One for the Cutters". They're clearly determined to not be so easily pegged this time around, though admittedly they never exactly go that far off-piste. "Our songs are sing-along songs," announced Craig Finn semi-helpfully, and though the spirit is right, with such a conversational lyrical style that is rarely the case. It's more about the rock gestures and knowing when to punch the air. And there are instances aplenty, from the Pete Townsend-esque windmill power-chords in "Constructive Summer", to the overblown solo in "Lord I'm Discouraged" that is so "November Rain" it's practically going through Stephanie Seymour's trash (those not watching MTV in the mid-90s, hit Youtube). --James Berry
Lofgren was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 24, 1951 to Swedish/Italian parents. Moving to the Washington, D.C.(Garret Park, Maryland), area as a teenager, Lofgren's first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school [1], a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
Grin
He used the Neil Young album credits to land his band Grin a record deal in 1971. From 1971 to 1974 the band released four albums of catchy, hard rock, with guitar as his primary instrument. Though Lofgren wrote the majority of the group's songs, he often shared vocal duties with other members of the band. After the second album Nils added brother Tom Lofgren to the fold as a rhythm guitarist. Though Grin was a success with critics they failed to hit the big time.
Solo Career, Part I
In 1974 Grin disbanded. Lofgren's self-titled debut solo album was a success with critics (a 1975 Rolling Stone review by Jon Landau labelled it one of the finest rock albums of the year), and he achieved progressive rock radio hits in the mid-1970s with "Back It Up", "Keith Don't Go" and "I Came to Dance". His song "Bullets Fever", about the 1978 NBA champion Washington Bullets, would become a cult favorite in the Washington area. Throughout the 1970s Lofgren continued to release solo albums and toured extensively with a backing band that again usually included brother Tom on rhythm guitar. Lofgren's concerts displayed his reputation for theatrics, such as playing guitar while doing flips on a trampoline.
In 1971 he appeared on stage on the Roy Buchanan Special, PBS TV with Bill Graham. In 1973 he appeared with Grin on ABC on Midnight Special performing 3 songs live. In 1978 he appeared in "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" (The Movie). In 1987 he contributed the TV Show theme arrangement for Hunter. In 1993 he contributed to The Simpsons, with two Christmas jingles with Bart. In 1995 he appeared on PBS tribute to the Beatles along with Dr. John. From 1991-95 he was the CableAce Awards musical director and composer. In the early 1980s, Lofgren wrote and sang the "Nobody Bothers Me" theme.
In 1984, he joined Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as the replacement for "Miami Steve" Van Zandt on guitar and vocals, in time for their massive Born in the U.S.A. Tour. Following the tour he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, to promote his 1985 solo release Flip. The E Street Band toured again with Springsteen in 1988 on the Tunnel of Love Express. In 1989 Springsteen broke up the E Street Band, and they remained mainly inactive for the decade after 1989, but both he and Van Zandt rejoined when Springsteen revived the band in 1999 for their Reunion Tour, followed by The Rising and another massive tour in 2002 and 2003 then again for the Magic album and world tour of 2007/2008.
![Two Hearts [Live]](http://a2.vox.com/6a00cd972dc0e24cd500fad6985cba0004-200pi)
Solo Career, Part II
Lofgren continues to record and to tour as a solo act, with Patti Scialfa, with Neil Young, and as a two-time member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Many of the people he worked with on those tours appeared on his 1991 album, Silver Lining. During the 2000s he got his own "Nils Lofgren Day" in Montgomery County, Maryland (August 25). In 2006 Lofgren released Sacred Weapon, featuring guest appearances by David Crosby, Graham Nash, Willie Nelson and Martin Sexton. In 2006 he recorded a live DVD "Nils Lofgren & Friends: Acoustic Live". His concerts typically focus on his own material, with an occasional nod to Young or Springsteen ("Because the Night", "Man at the Top").
In June, 2006, Lofgren performed at the Benefit For Arthur Lee concert at New York's Beacon Theater, along with Robert Plant, Ian Hunter, Yo La Tengo and Garland Jeffreys, performing Love's classic song "Alone Again Or" plus two others. And in 2007, he appeared playing guitar as part of Jerry Lee Lewis' backing band for Lewis' Last Man Standing concert. Nils celebrated his long time collaboration with Neil Young by releasing "The Loner - Nils Sings Neil" an album of acoustic covers of Young songs in 2008.
It was the above release that brought Nils back into my radar again, so here is his solo version of Neil Young's "Mr Soul"
The Boss, currently on tour with the E Street Band for the first time in nearly five years, sang 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' to end 24-track mammoth show, including several from their latest acclaimed album 'Magic'.
The album which includes anti-Iraq war lyrics saw Springsteen introduce the title track, by saying: "In my country today the truth has become lies and the lies have become the truth and that's the magic."
The singer's set also included hits such as 'Born To Run' and 'Dancing In The Dark'.
Springsteen is due to play his only other UK date in 2007 at London's O2 Arena this Wednesday (December 19), although the star has also recently announced further stadium dates to take place next year- including the first ever concert at Arsenal Football Club's home ground, the Emirates.
He will play:
Manchester, Old Trafford (May 28)
London, Emirates Stadium (30)
Cadiff, Millenium Stadium (June 14)
Pic credit: PA Photos
The new Bruce Springsteen video for his new record Magic entitled "Long Walk Home," is out in the ether now.
The mood is understandably down as Bruce performs in a diner, at a carnival, a recording studio, a warehouse and at your local Safeway.
It has the same feel as most of his songs about America do, not necessarily painting a kind picture.
Another strong track off the album which comes out on next week.
LAST TO DIE©(Album’s version)
by Bruce Springsteen
We took the highway till the road went black
We’d marked, Truth Or Consequences on our map*
A voice drifted up from the radio
And I thought of a voice from long agoWho’ll be the last to die for a mistake
The last to die for a mistake
Whose blood will spill, whose heart will break
Who’ll be the last to die for a mistakeThe kids asleep in the backseat
We’re just counting the miles, you and me
We don’t measure the blood we’ve drawn anymore
We just stack the bodies outside the doorWho’ll be the last to die for a mistake
The last to die for a mistake
Whose blood will spill, whose heart will break
Who’ll be the last to die for a mistakeThe wise men were all fools, what to do
The sun sets in flames as the city burns
Another day gone down as the night turns
And I hold you here in my heart
As things fall apartA downtown window flushed with light
“Faces of the dead at five” (faces of the dead at five)
Our martyr’s silent eyes
Petition the drivers as we pass byWho’ll be the last to die for a mistake
The last to die for a mistake
Whose blood will spill, whose heart will break
Who’ll be the last to dieWho’ll be the last to die for a mistake
The last to die for a mistake
Darlin’ your tyrants and kings fall to the same fate
Strung up at your city gates
And you’re the last to die for a mistake
The gig at Asbury Park’s Convention Hall (September 24) saw The Boss reunited with the E Street Band for the first time in three years.
Taking to the stage, Springsteen promised the audience “a few new ones, a few old ones, maybe a few mistakes, but I doubt it”, before launching into “Magic”’s first single “Radio Nowhere”.
Throughout the course of the gig, which also featured staples like “Born To Run” and “The Rising”, Springsteen performed several new tracks, including
“Gypsy Biker”, “Girls In Their Summer Clothes” and “Last To Die”.
Springsteen and the E Street Band are set to begin their full US tour on October 2 at Hartford Civic Center.
They played:
“Radio Nowhere”
“No Surrender”
“Gypsy Biker”
“Empty Sky”
“Something In The Night”
“Girls In Their Summer Clothes”
“Night”
“The Promised Land”
“Livin' In The Future”
“Devil's Arcade”
“Candy's Room”
“She's The One”
“Lonesome Day”
“My Hometown”
“The Rising”
“Last To Die”
“Long Walk Home”
“Thundercrack”
“Born To Run”
“Darlington County”
“American Land”
Some classic live Springsteen below:-
Below you can listen to one of the under appreciated voices of R&B take on Bruce Springsteen's classic "Streets of Philadelphia".
The track is taken from an american 3 CD box set as noted below:-
On paper, this project appears as improbable as the partnership that conceived it: former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and veteran Nashville indie-punk troubadour Ed Pettersen (who happens to be married to Reno's niece). The history of America through 50 songs, encapsulated on three discs? The first disc alone spanning 1492 to 1860, from the landing of Columbus to the Civil War? An idiosyncratic selection that includes songs familiar to almost all Americans and others familiar to practically none? Rather than a dry, dusty museum piece, the results are compulsively listenable, as producer Pettersen invites a wide range of artists to do what they do best--interpret the material and make it their own. Highlights are many, as the early days of the republic find Harper Simon (Paul's son) rendering "Yankee Doodle" as if it were an indie-rock Viagra commercial; the advent of the Civil War shows Marah, like an American Pogues, bringing a punk ferocity to "John Brown's Body"; and Del McCoury's bluegrass rendition of "The Times They Are A-Changin'" finds an older man renewing a young Bob Dylan's anthem. The sonorous dignity that jazz vocalist Andy Bey brings to the Depression-era panhandler's plea, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," is particularly moving, as is Bettye LaVette's gospel rendition of Bruce Springsteen's AIDS ballad, "Streets of Philadelphia." Revolution, immigration, war, atomic power, civil rights, feminism, faith, depression, and despair--it's all here, in song. --Don McLeese
Product Description
Artists as diverse as John Mellencamp, Blind Boys of Alabama, Martha Wainwright, The Black Crowes and Andrew Bird contribute tracks to SONG OF AMERICA, a unique 50-song, three-CD set envisioned by former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and artist/producer Ed Pettersen, and co-produced by Pettersen, Bob Olhsson and Grammy-winning producer David Macias. Due out September 18 as a joint venture between Split Rock Records and 31 Tigers (via RED Distribution), the collection tells the history of our country through song, from 1492 through modern times. These new versions of beloved songs interpreted by contemporary artists who span the folk, blues, rock, R&B, country, classical and hip-hop genres offer listeners a way to connect or reconnect with America’s vast musical and cultural heritage. Janet Reno explains, "I thought that music would be a great way to engage listeners, especially young listeners, and spark their interest so they could gain a greater understanding and appreciation for our history. I am very proud to be associated with this collection of inspired performances." Reno originally conceived of SONG OF AMERICA with Pettersen, who is also her niece’s husband. After Pettersen further developed the idea, they met with David Macias--who earned a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk Album category for his co-production work on the critically acclaimed 2004 release Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster--and things began to move forward. "The seed for the SONG OF AMERICA was planted," explains Reno, "when Ed entertained me with some of his beautiful folk songs, ‘Nowhere to Roam’ describing the fencing in of the ranges and ‘La Tragedia de Heraclio Bernal’ which recast an old Mexican folk tale." Key tracks include John Mellencamp’s version of Woody Guthrie’s "This Land Is Your Land," Blind Boys of Alabama’s "Let Us Break Bread Together," Bettye LaVette’s transcendent take on Bruce Springsteen’s "Streets Of Philadelphia," the first recording of The Black Crowes’ Robinson brothers singing with their father Stan ("Reuben James"), Martha Wainwright’s updated rendition of "I Am Woman," Andrew Bird’s wistful account of "How You Gonna Keep ‘Em Down On The Farm," Harper Simon’s "Yankee Doodle," and The Del McCoury Band’s soon-to-be-classic take on Bob Dylan’s "The Times, They Are A Changin’."
Frank "Terry" Magovern, of Rumson, passed away Monday, July 30. Terry grew up in Belmar, where he attended St. Rose High School. He was a four-year Navy veteran, completing special warfare training and specializing in underwater demolition work (UDT) before being assigned to work with the Mercury Space Program and the original seven Mercury astronauts. For the past 23 years, Terry was the personal assistant to Bruce Springsteen and was a cherished friend to people worldwide whose names are too numerous to list. Terry was active in many aspects of the local community through business and charitable work, such as Holiday Express and Light of Day supporting Parkinson's Disease and research. In 2006 he founded the Joan Dancy and Pals ALS Support Group at Riverview Medical Center, in memory of his former fiancée, who lost her battle to the disease. In addition, Terry was involved with the Apple Jack Canine Kennels in Maryland, a dog-training facility specializing in bomb-sniffing dogs for the military. He later developed a program that trains dogs that work in women's shelters for victims of domestic violence as companion dogs for protection.
Terry was predeceased by his parents Frank and Rosalie Magovern, and is survived by his loving children Laurie Guinan and son-in-law Michael Guinan of Eatontown, and Sean Magovern and daughter-in-law Andrea of Avon; his five adored grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Guinan, and Michael, Kyle and Maggie Magovern; and his eight beloved brothers and sisters, Dennis Magovern, Richard Magovern, Robert Magovern, Lee Boydman, James Magovern, Brian Magovern, Mary Magovern and Patrick Magovern. After traveling the world for years together, Terry also leaves behind a treasured group of friends whom he considered family.
Terry was a treasured icon whose extraordinary personality and gravely voice have left their mark on all who knew him. The world will be a profoundly different place without his presence.
From Asbury Park Press
August 1, 2007
 |
I first met Terry in 1972. I'd just returned from California after an unsuccessful attempt to live as a musician in the Bay Area. Steve's band, the Sundance Blues Band, were booked at the Captain's Garter in Neptune, New Jersey. I sat in with Steve and we played to a packed and cheering crowd. This was a job we needed, bad. I was broke. After the show, sweaty and triumphant, Steve and I went back to meet the manager of the place, figuring we were this guy's dream come true. There behind the desk, windbreaker on, stood a large and not very friendly light-haired man. He explained slowly and carefully, that yes, while the crowd was large and loud, that no one was drinking. They were too busy listening to the music, and if we hadn't noticed this was a bar, therefore, our services in the future would not be necessary. This was my first introduction to the clear, hard headed thinking of Terry Magovern. He fired me! It was the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship. Terry stood as a strange New Jersey version of "the catcher in the rye," out on the edge of some windswept cliff keeping children from rushing over the edge. He was always busy saving something or somebody. It was his blessing and his tragedy. It's no wonder some savvy commander spotted this in him and chose him for the Mercury Program, a frogman to pull astronauts out of the water after their lonely trip through space. It's no wonder that Terry's occupation of choice here on the Jersey Shore was lifeguard. His theme song should have been "You Gotta Serve Somebody." For "T" this idea seemed to include most of the human race with the exception of one...Terry Magovern. That was one rescue mission he was always underprepared for. Terry and my 23 years together were marked by the quiet, slow, methodical rituals of two men comfortably alone together, doing a job. Over time that methodicalness evolved into something deeply personal. The small things: Terry's door open next to mine in every hotel of the past two decades, Terry in his best Ed McMahon voice as I stepped into the van at the end of each show saying "you have conquered another city, Oh Great One", me answering, "yes, we have" then silence for the rest of the ride home, the emptying of everything from my pockets into Terry's hands as I was about to go onstage, these are the things I'm going to miss. Out of all of Terry's unusual qualities the one that was least noticed but most deeply felt was his permanence. Everything about Terry spoke of permanence. This is why his death is so difficult to fathom. His size, his face, his gait, the tempo at which he met the world, all spoke of mastery over time, control of space, and permanence. I never saw Terry rush, though I'm sure I gave him occasion to. I never saw Terry panic, though one night we were in a very small plane in a very big wind and for 30 or 40 long seconds it appeared like the pilots were really not going to keep us in the air. My agent Barry Bell was there and I watched as he renewed his faith in Judaism. A New York Times reporter was with us his eyes rolled back into his head as if imagining tomorrow's headlines: "Bruce Springsteen and others..." Whatever I was doing, I'm sure it wasn't pretty. I turned to Terry and he was sitting extremely still, the mask of Irish fatalism fixed firmly to his face. We survived. Encountering Terry was like coming across a huge rock formation in the desert: you could go around it, ignore it, climb over it, though that would be ill-advised, but you had to deal with its presence, its permanence. One evening I was concerned about a security issue. Terry assured me he was "the baddest man on the planet...for sixty seconds". Over the last few years watching Terry battle cancer, heart problems, the death of his fiancée Joan Dancy, you couldn't help but observe that those seconds had wound down to probably a very vicious "10." Then they ran out. Some people when they die take whole worlds with them. That's Terry Magovern. Terry was the last great symbol of the raging honky tonk Jersey Shore scene of the 60's and 70's. Bar manager, bouncer, lifeguard, father, grandfather, loyal friend, faithful working companion, Terry covered it all. From Asbury Park to Timbuktu there are people weeping and wondering... "HOW AM I GONNA GET IN?!!!" So here on E Street we say goodbye to our good friend, our New Jersey "catcher in the rye", and to the rest of you we say don't go rushing too hard towards the edge of that cliff. There's going to be two strong arms that aren't going to be there to catch you. Terry, when they built you, brother, they broke the mold. Bruce Springsteen August 20, 2007 |
Below you can listen to "Terry's Song" from the forthcoming Springsteen album.
We spent an enjoyable and exhausting weekend looking after our two nieces, this included much walking with the dogs and many DVD films the highlight being 102 Dalmatians.
Once safely returned to their parents we sat down last night to chill with some brain numbing television, despite having sky we could find nothing of interest, all of which gives me a good excuse to give you the opportunity to listen to this Springsteen classic:-
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band entered the studio earlier this year and resulting effort will see the light of day on October 2. Magic offers eleven new Springsteen original compsitons, with titles such as "Radio Nowhere," "Gypsy Biker," "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," "Long Walk Home" and "Devil's Arcade." Brendan O'Brien, who produced Springsteen's Devils & Dust as well as The Rising, both mixed and produced the new release.
The first song leaked is "Radio Nowhere" touted as the first single, you can listen to it below and sing along with the lyrics.
I hope the album is better!
"Radio Nowhere" Lyrics
by Bruce Springsteen
i was staring in a big time
just another lost number in a file
dancin down a dark road
it's just searching for a world to fool
this is radio nowhere
is there anybody alive out there
this is radio nowhere
is there anybody alive out there
is there anybody alive out there
i just wanna hear some rhythym
i just wanna hear some rhythym
i just wanna hear some rhythym
i just wanna hear some rhythym
i want girls and guitars
i want pounding big drums
i wanna million voices to hear the tunes
this is radio nowhere
is there anybody alive out there
this is radio nowhere
is there anybody alive out there
is there anybody alive out there
do it
-sax solo-
i was driving through the misty rain
it's just a searching for a mystery dream
romping through the wild blue
turn on the radio came dancin' with you
this is radio nowhere
is there anybody alive out there
this is radio nowhere
is there anybody alive out there
is there anybody alive out there
i just wanna hear some rhythym
i just wanna feel some rhythym
i just wanna hear your rhythym
i just wanna feel your rhythym
i just wanna hear that rhythym
i just wanna hear that rhythym
i just wanna hear that rhythym
.....fade out......