In memory of Donald Stephen Rosen (December 23, 1942 – August 12, 2021)
Tag:
Nebraska (23)
Bruce’s existential, soul-searching, Rorschach Test of a song ranks among is either one of his most haunting or uplifting–it just depends on the arrangement.
The only electric rocker on Nebraska, “Open All Night” was destined for greater heights than its original arrangement.
The tale of “Johnny 99” is an ironic one: on vinyl, it’s one of Bruce’s finest songwriting achievements, but on stage it loses power as it gains relevance.
Finally: a rock arrangement of “Nebraska,” courtesy of Italian rockers Diego Mercuri and the Wrecking Band.
“State Trooper” is unrivaled as Bruce Springsteen’s most harrowing and terrifying song, but it can’t match the song that inspired it. Backstory and rare performances inside.
“Used Cars” is one of Bruce’s most honestly autobiographical songs. Beneath its vignette veneer lies powerful, nuanced themes of shame and alienation. Let’s explore and listen to rare performances inside.
“The Big Payback” is a Nebraska-era B-side obscurity, as tight, taut, and sinister as anything on the album it didn’t make but a whole lot more fun to sing.
“Atlantic City” ranks high among Bruce’s best songwriting accomplishments. Rooted deeply in time and place, it tells of the hope of resurrection that never quite pans out.
In which I learn the downside of a celebrity encounter at a show.