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Artist |
Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band |
| Title |
Live in NYC |
| Label |
Columbia Records |
| Reviewer |
Vinnie Apicella |
| Rating |
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This one starts out like a house of fire. In fact, for the throngs of
supporters who turned out in NY's Madison Square Garden for this year
ago performance, that's probably a good analogy of what it must have
been like. I've never seen Springsteen live, with renowned band or
solo, nor have I been an avid follower of his music but I respect what
he's accomplished and support him as one of the true American
originals. On the performance level, as evidenced on this brand new
double-live rendition, there are few who can match the passion and
absolute power delivered by Bruce and the band. Climbing back in the
saddle with the long awaited reunion, the band roar through their many
golden moments spanning countless albums and twenty-plus years worth of
Rock and Roll magic.
"My Love Will Not Let You Down," like many that've
risen from his pen, preaches of hope and optimism in the face of despair
and one that could easily become a future staple for its highly anthemic
and uptempo quality that leaves you bracing for more before having even
had a moment to settle into your seat. And anyone left still sitting
after that one most certainly found the ambition to rise in unison for
another unexpected classic "Prove It All Night," one of my early
favorites and here, a rousing rendition that climaxes to a deafening
roar of approval.
Cruising through the set, Bruce and the band
revisited many familiar stomping grounds-an extended version of "The
River," "Badlands," "Out in the Street," and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"
much to the delight of the listeners who by this point basically obscure
the "Boss" himself -- while making a few new stops along the way for the
bluesy "Youngstown," the seriously themed "Murder Incorporated," and
"American Skin (41 Shots)."
Disc two features six tracks culled from
additional performances along the way and features long time classic
"Jungleland," and a booming rendition of "Born in the U.S.A!" While it
may be said and fairly obvious that the sum is greater than the whole of
its parts, in taking nothing away from this band as individual
performers, there's just an inestimable degree of magic that happens
when they perform together. Captured on one memorable occasion at no
more famous place in the world, hear Bruce and the E Streeters prove it
all over again.
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© 2001 AMZ/music-reviewer.com Robert R. Lewis
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