March 13, 2013

R.I.P. Clive Burr, formerly with Iron Maiden

THE ALBUM OF THE DAY
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN...Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.  (1973)
Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. was released 40 years ago in 1973 and it reached number 60 on the U.S. Billboard album charts.  This is the debut album from 'The Boss.'  The album begins with "Blinded By The Light"written by Bruce, which was a number 1 hit single for Manfred Mann's Earth Band in 1976.  Perhaps because I'm more familiar with the Earth Band's version I am not to keen on Springsteen's version.  It seems to just ramble on.  Next is "Growin' Up," which made me immediately think "Ah, this is the Springsteen from the 70's I know." "Mary Queen Of Arkansas" is a folk song which reminded me of Bob Dylan's early albums, but in this case with some good vocals, with an acoustic guitar and harmonica. "Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street" is a short number describing a bus ride in NYC.  "Lost In the Flood' kinda drags a bit, I was hoping for the ending to come quick.  "The Angel" is an enjoyable track, however the story from the lyrics made me very confused as I couldn't figure out what the story actually is.  "For You" is a cool track, maybe the best on the record, about a girl who tries to commit suicide.  "Spirit In The Night" is another cool track which was also covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band.  Springsteen's version is definitely better with some great sax from the big man Clarence Clemons.  The final track is "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City." A fast-paced story about street life for a boy who wants to be good but temptation gets the best of him.  I recommend it with 3 out of 5 stars.  Springsteen had arrived!!
 (CD, vinyl, Allmusic review)

ROCK BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 13
Adam Clayton from U2 is 53; Matt McDonough from Mudvayne is 44; David Michael Draiman of Disturbed is 40;

ON THIS DATE
1965 Eric Clapton leaves the Yardbirds
1972 The Eagles began recording sessions in London for their first album
2006 Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blondie are inducted into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame
2007 At a concert that I attended in Tampa, Florida Roger Daltrey of the Who walked off the stage after singing only one verse in the opening song. Pete Townshend then came on stage a few minutes later saying the Roger was very ill and the concert would be rescheduled for a few weeks later
2007 Live at Massey Hall by Neil Young is released

Do you think that U2 is as important or as good as The Beatles? The Rolling Stones? Led Zeppelin?