I too, thought it was very good. You could even understand the words. Is it just me or has Bruce developed the "Bob Dylan" syndrome in the last few years? |
I thought it had a "carnival, circus vibe" going on too, but not in a good way. He seemed to be trying way too hard to pull out every cliche move he could think of, and his voice sounded strained right from the start. |
Is it just me or has Bruce developed the "Bob Dylan" syndrome in the last few years? Did you catch any of his Devils & Dust Tour performances? |
I thought he was trying to distill his "shtick" into a very limited time span. Maybe he was trying too hard but I thought it went off pretty well considering.....
I particularly liked the horn work. |
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Pretty good, for a superbowl show. At least it wasn't pre-recorded, as so many have been. |
Is it just me or has Bruce developed the "Bob Dylan" syndrome in the last few years?
I remember back in 1975 in a issue of Playboy, the article referred to him as the next Bob Dylan.
I, too, thought his vocal range was straining He could not hold the notes. I saw him on T-giving night in 1978 in StL at Keil Opera House (Born to Run tour)and it was the most energetic show I have seen to date. 4 straight hours of hard slamming live music. |
Is it just me or has Bruce developed the "Bob Dylan" syndrome in the last few years? Nope, it's not just you. I saw him on Storytellers or one of those types of shows recently and couldn't understand a word he said. Plus he's become way too political for my tastes. |
Still, 34 years since Born to Run, and the dude and his band are still up there layin it down - you got to give him some credit! The whole thing makes me wonder where today's music is, if year after year our the biggest entertainment event showcases the bands we came up with over 30 years ago. Man, we sure had it good! |
Hate to say it, but in so mamy ways, Bruce has "sold out". To even compare him to Bob Dylan, are you kidding?. Bob's last few albums (CDs) have shown that he still in the game. What has Bruce done? His last CD "Majic" pretty much "sucked", and from what I understand his "new one" is even worse. And we sure don't want to get into his "Walmart deal" which he now regrets. In his day, Bruce was great, but those days are "long gone", anymore be's just another "classic rock" act. Go to his show you know exactly what you're gong to get. It's a good show, but nevertheless it's pretty much what everybody expects, no real surprises. Glad I saw him early on, wben he really had something to offer. |
At Least the NFL has got something right. Better acts at halftime of the super bowl. The best so far.
I wish I could say the same for the games, they all seem so-
-lets just say - the officiating- what a joke!!!!!!. |
it was a pretty good show, Bruce could not hit the notes but did enunciate (sp) the words well and Clarence Clemens was fun and spot on.
The songs are so good that they carried the show without the E Street band needing to be perfect, bottom line is that Bruce is so likable and fun loving that the whole thing is hard to resist. |
I'm not a big Bruce fan (saw "Darkness" tour in '78), but enjoyed the halftime show a lot. It's supposed to have broad appeal, not meet the high standards of the BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN LUNATIC FRINGE. I think it met its goals. |
Cleaneduphippy,
I could not disagree with you more. It wasn't Bruce Springsteen selling Coke in the commercials, it was Dylan. Let's make a list, Coke-Dylan, Cadillac-Dylan, Victoria's Secret-Dylan, Apple iPod-Dylan. Springsteen, a big fat zero. Who's the sell-out? I would easily put Springsteen's last 3 albums up against Dylan's last 3 anytime. Bruce is the next Woody Guthrie never mind the next Dylan. Bob hasn't made a valid statement in 30 years. After repeated listenings I can honestly say their is not a bad song on all of the new Springsteen album.
You guys who complain about the strain in his voice, are you serious? Did you see his performance? Go listen to Mel Torme if you want perfection.
Jaybo, well put. |
Let's see: two songs from 1974, one song from 1984, and one song from today. Probably should have called him in 1985, when he was a) vital b) relevant to the music of the day c) at his height.
Yesterday seemed like a bad Las Vegas Review and he was just dialing it in. Same old banter from the 1999 Come Back Tour.
IMO, I thought Prince did a better job at setting the bar, throwing in some unexpected covers (Foo Fighters) with the expected Purple Rain hits.
I agree with the comments on the last two albums. I think both albums seem bloated, weighted down by too many layers, dynamically compressed, and a mere shadow of his incredible 1970 talent. The new song did not stand up well against his legacy hits yesterday--very flat and brought the tempo down a notch.
I actually like the quiet albums by Bruce the best. The last great sounding album, IMHO, was Tom Joad from 1996. |
I hope it was his last. I was there. |
Let's see: two songs from 1974, one song from 1984, and one song from today. Probably should have called him in 1985, when he was a) vital b) relevant to the music of the day c) at his height.
Yesterday seemed like a bad Las Vegas Review and he was just dialing it in. Same old banter from the 1999 Come Back Tour.
IMO, I thought Prince did a better job at setting the bar, throwing in some unexpected covers (Foo Fighters) with the expected Purple Rain hits.
I agree with the comments on the last two albums. I think both albums seem bloated, weighted down by too many layers, dynamically compressed, and a mere shadow of his incredible 1970 talent. The new song did not stand up well against his legacy hits yesterday--very flat and brought the tempo down a notch.
I actually like the quiet albums by Bruce the best. The last great sounding album, IMHO, was Tom Joad from 1996. Hate to say it, but you are spot on. Bruce hasn't put out a good album in three decades. And he should stop trying because each attempt is more pathetic than the last. |
Dreadhead,
What has Springsteen done in the last twenty years that can measure up to Dylan's last three?
Time Out of Mind
Love and Theft
Modern Times
Truth is, one is still an artist, and one has become a "politically correct" rock star, very much attuned to public opinion.
One more thing, are you going to hurry down to get Saint Bruce's "Greatest Hits" at Wally World?
Talk about being a "sell out", Bruce cuts an exclusive deal with Walmart for his "Greatest Hits", but then regrets the deal when some of fans give him a "hard time" about it. You know it's hard to be the "hero of the working class", when quite a number of people (including many or Bruce's fan) think of Walmart has a company that treats it's employees poorly.
Make you wonder why Bruce would do an "exclusive" deal with them, as Walmart doesn't seem to be a "pro-union, pro-labor" company the likes of which Bruce would be chanpioning.
To me tbat goes beyond merely "selling out", it goes to the point of being a "hypocrite". How can you be an artist that "supposely" stands up for the "working man", and cut a deal with a company that has one of the worst labor practices in America?
Guess if the "purse if fat, there's were it's at".
As for Bruce's regrets, I guarantee he's not going to "regret" taking his Walmart royality check to the bank.
What a "fraud". |
Let's face it - regardless of who is a still relevant and who is not, playing at the SB halftime show isn't a format that will allow anybody to show their relevance. I thought the performance came off alright - it looked like everybody was having a good time, he played all the expected songs. No costume malfunctions - it's all good.
I've never been the biggest Bruce fan, but I'm definitely not a detractor. I thought his voice was weak, his energy high, the fans into it. I also thought Bruce looked stiff - like he needed to stretch out a bit. |
Well at least he didn't expose a breast.........8^) |
Sorry. He should have retired on top. Use to be the real thing. Loved him when he was coming up. I was working in NYC + living NJ then. Saw him at local bars in Hoboken and Jersy City. Now it's all showmanship. And quite poor showmanship at that. Rock 'n Roll and B.S. had parted ways some time ago. That's my belief. You're entitled to yours.
I just couldn't watch too much of him at the S.B. He's too far gone from rock 'n roll... . |
I hope his new album is mixed better than Magic; Magic is the worst sounding vinyl LP I have ever purchased! Be warned! |
Always give Bruce credit. He saved what was left of Rock when disco and the Stones could only shake a booty.
Long live THE BOSS! |
Next stop...your local county fairs. Just kidding, but not Bruce at his best. He is starting to remind me of an ex-Packer QB who should just fade away. Where is the shame of going out on top? |
I thought it was a good show. He gave the people what they wanted to see. Sorry the rest of you didn't like it.
It didn't matter if he couldn't hit the high notes anymore. I can't hear them anyway! :) |
Tough crowd! No, it wasn't perfect (what is?), but Bruce at the SB was still the best in years. Yes, some of his latest albums have had some weak spots, just like some of
Dylan's middle years, but his early albums (like Dylan's),
were really great. He's in my Top 20, and if you have ever
seen him live, you know why they call him the "Boss". |
I thought is was OK. It served it's purpose and didn't completely suck.
I saw Bruce when I was 17 on the darkness tour and to this day it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen.
But...
Bruce lost me with "Born in the USA." I can't stand the way it sounds and the lyricks had nothing for me. I have seen him since and frankly listening to a 55 year old sing Rosalita is a joke as well as watching him jump off pianos. It makes me cringe to see those old knees make that landing.
Bruce just enjoys being a celebrity way too much.
Here's a list of senior super stars that I think are still putting out dignified and meaningful work:
Mark Knopfler
Neil Young
Robert Plant
Eric Clapton
Emmylou Harris
BB King
James Taylor
You may not like their music but it would be hard to argue that they are making a joke of themselves. |
That whole crotch into the camera was a metaphor for his entire political being, he has become an in your face dick! |
Bongo has it right.
I like Springsteen. "Nebraska", "Tom Joad", and "The River" are all excellent but........
It's ridiculous to mention Bruce in any sentence with Bob Dylan. |
Cleaneduphippy said:
"What has Springsteen done in the last twenty years that can measure up to Dylan's last three?
Time Out of Mind
Love and Theft
Modern Times
Truth is, one is still an artist, and one has become a "politically correct" rock star, very much attuned to public opinion."
My response:
The Ghost of Tom Joad
The Rising
Working on a Dream
The *truth* is that what you've said and what I'm saying are simply personal *opinions*.
Re the Walmart thing: did you actually hear the full explanation Springsteen gave for how that happened? I ask because it doesn't sound like it. In any case, as far as I know he makes mistakes just like everyone else I've even encountered in life.
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What a bunch of wankers!
Bruce did the first public performance with the Seeger Sessions Band at the New Orleans JazzFest the year after Katrina. It was extraordinary -- like a revival meeting for a community that really needed it. His songwriting may not be what it once was, but his power as a performer remains undeniable, and he knows how to use it for the benefit of us all.
By the way, Dylan also played that day and was quite forgettable. And I'm a huge Dylan fan.
Funny how quick many people are to declare that rockers should quit while they're on top, but do you hold jazz greats or classical performers to that same standard? Sonny Rollins is hardly at the top of his game. Should he stop performing? |
Do you know how long I have been hearing that Bruce Springsteen is not Bob Dylan? Almost as long as some people have been saying that Bob Dylan is not Bob Dylan. And Cisco Houston is not Woody Guthrie (at least they were friends so people didn't paint them as rivals, which is probably what would happen today). That's OK with me. I wouldn't have it any other way! |
I thought Silvio was in a coma and not expected to survive. I was gratified to see him. |
>>02-03-09: 2muse
Almost as long as some people have been saying that Bob Dylan is not Bob Dylan.<<
Are you saying Bob Dylan isn't Bob Dylan?
Hokie smokes Bullwinkle. |
The Superbowl is one fat slice of Americana. This is an event where the world is watching and allows an opportunity to display our American spirit. I thought it was an exceptionally well done event. The opening was quite moving with great performances by Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson. The salute to our troops and the introduction onto the the field of US Airways Flight 1549 flight crew evoked a tremendous sense of pride in my fellow Americans.
I thought that Bruce's appearance was just the icing on the cake. Criticism aside, he's supplied the sound track to many American moments in my life. I missed the opening song due to entertaining duties, however I had just sat down with a fresh beer at the beginning of 'Born to Run' when I saw that the camera man had zoomed in on an exceptional rack bouncing in the front row - Yooooh! The room exploded! Bruuuuuce! Say what you will folks, but living in a country where my friends and I are free to enjoy a moment like this together in the comfort of my home - this was indeed a great day to be an American! |
Speaking of fat slices of Americana did you notice that it's "big Steve" instead of "Little Steven"? |
I will apologize for the sarcasm. Everybody is different from everybody else and even the same person is different from who they used to be (at least creatively). I mostly appreciate the differences, but I also understand people being influenced by those that came before them. I won't give up my Dylan favorites, but I also like "Lucky Town"... |
Slothman,
It was indeed pride that I too had felt. Watching Jennifer Hudson give such an exceptional performance after such a horrible personal tragedy was more than just uplifting, it was quite moving as well.
Moving to Freehold NJ in 1967 from the Bronx introduced me to the music of Springsteen at a very early age and to see him come so far and do it with such Class and humor was nothing short of incredible. The fireworks, the laughter, the hometown hero. It was inspirational for me.
Not to mention that interception where the guy ran for 100 yards. It was a fun night of TV. |
I agree.
Jennifer Hudson gave one of the finest fake singing performances in the history or pre-recorded music. |
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I thought the performance was pitiful all around and sounded like ****. What was up with the the guitar swinging, throwing (the guy almost dropped it) and the stage slide. It looked to me Bruce tied a good buzz on before the show. I have to think he might be a little embarrassed after viewing the act he put on. |
Both Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill had to submit a tape of their performances (for lip synching) 1 week before the super bowl as does everyone who performs there every year. I guess it is up to us to determine if they used it as this person on TV did not say, I could not tell. |
Why did they not book the 'new look' Jessica Simpson?
Same quality of music, but a million times better to look at.
Actually they should have just canceled the super bowl and let Bruce just do one of his concerts, they would last about the same. Early Bruce is much better than late Bruce especially 'the river', Early Bob is a 1000 times better than the late stuff, his voice is now shot, sounds more like a cat being strangled. |
>>02-04-09: Philjolet
I could not tell<<
It was quite obvious they were fake performances.
Speaking of which, sing the national anthem and stop making a 5 minute production out of it.
It's painful hearing some of these wannabe entertainers scream, moan, wail, and butcher the song in what seems like an eternity. |
Bg1968:
If it sounded like ****, then there is something wrong with your audio/video system - seriously. |
@Audiofeil: It's ridiculous to mention Bruce in any sentence with Bob Dylan. LOL, and John Hammond was an idiot for discovering them both! I suppose the image of Bob Dylan singing about Pepsi alongside hip-op artist Will.I.Am appeared less ridiculous than else seen that day. |
>>LOL, and John Hammond was an idiot for discovering them both!<<
Irrelevant.
Bruce is just another rock and roll "super"star.
Dylan is the single most prolific songwriter in the history of rock. Bruce couldn't carry his guitar and/or harmonica.
It's an apples and oranges comparison.
Hope that helps you to understand better. |
He was good and a good original All-American/Joisey fit for the event. |
John Hammond discovered Bob Dylan like Columbus discovered America.From all reports his "Production" on the first LP consisted of reading the newspaper in the booth.Robert Zimmerman discovered Bob Dylan and made him what he is.As far as Columbus he was a pirate.People were living here when he discovered America.As for Bruce,could anyone possibly be more boring? |
Audiofeil: How is Slothman's comment about John Hammond (who also worked with or discovered Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, Robert Johnson, etc) irrelevant when what you said was "it's ridiculous to mention Bruce in *any* sentence with Bob Dylan"? (my emphasis).
This whole thread is **opinion**; who we like and dislike, etc., including John Hammond's opinion (who happened to love Springsteen's music). Would you really think it fair if someone simply called one of your opinions irrelevant? I respect your right to disagree; but irrelevant? |
