On this Springsteen fellow

My lingering thought is that Baltimore might be a better place if the E Street Band would visit here more often.

Last night's show at 1st Mariner Arena was as uplifting a cultural experience as I've had, and it was no less so for being the thousand-and-somethingth time through these songs for the band. In fact, that worn-in quality was far more an asset than a liability.

I'll admit that it feels a little indulgent to post my thoughts on the show, as if my review might somehow make or break Springsteen's reputation. But I'll get over that.

In terms of shear bang-for-your-buck, this show was an amazing value. My nosebleed seat cost 29 bucks before fees, and Bruce played for about 3 and a half hours -- 30 songs. That's less than a dollar a song. If someone offers you a chance to see this group play a song for a dollar (that's less than your morning latte!) take them up on it. Does a jukebox cost that little these days?

I've always admired Springsteen, but I've not been a fanatic -- while half of the crowd last night sang along with every word, I was in the half that merely joined in on the whoa-o-o-o parts. Listening to a career-spanning set list, a couple of themes emerged for me.

First, I was struck that even though I did know most of the songs, he's written so damn much music that there were a gaggle of songs I know that he didn't play. He's got so much material that there are some "must-play" songs that he simply can't get to on any given night.

Second, it struck me just how important performance is to these songs. As I'm a would-be songwriter myself, I usually focus on the material more than how it's actually performed -- even when I'm at a show. I'm more a fan of albums, songs, even just a great line, than I am of any particular performer/artist. That perspective got really satisfyingly flipped at last night's show. Sure, I can admire how surprisingly perfect a pop song Bruce can write -- "Dancing in the Dark", or how rich and cohesive a song cycle he can keep strung together (Born to Run was played in its entirety). But it's still somehow more about the playing than about what's played. The band, and Bruce in particular, appears to have such a wonderful time playing. I cannot think of anyone else as famous as Bruce willingly crowd-surfing. Clarence Clemons is the exception to my general rule about sax solos in post-1950s rock songs. What other band could get thousands of mostly middle-aged people thrilled to hear a Christmas song (and if you say Transsiberian Orchestra, then you're not my friend anymore). Boisterous as the crowd was, it was telling that Bruce was asking for an encore (coaxing a little extra applause) at least as obviously as the fans were.

So...highlights? If I have to choose, I'll go with "Prove It All Night", "Backstreets", and a stripped down "For You."

I justified buying tickets to the show (that even, while quite a steal, were probably more than I can afford right now) by telling myself that I should see Bruce once in my lifetime. But then that's how he gets you, I guess. Can't wait for the next tour.

Fixings and Corrections

Fixed: The tomcat in our alley (and possibly the father of the sundry infestations of kittens occupying our back porch for the last many months). The wife trapped him and took him up the hill to the Maryland SPCA for a good, old-fashioned neuterin' just the other day. He is doing well.

Corrected: My earlier post on the Egg Babies Orchestra. This was a completely unique set of songs, contrary to my earlier publicly broadcast ignorance. Just shows you what I'm good for after I've had one too many fountain Coca-Colas.