Not a huge Bruce fan here, but I think he did an admirable job during tonight's halftime show. Playing it safe and sticking to the classics and the schedule, the Boss and the band belted out a four song medley in just under 12 minutes. It should be noted that three of those songs were at least 25 years old, about how long it's been since Bruce put out a really good record. He did, however tease with a few verses of the gospel groove Working on a Dream, from the forthcoming album of the same name. Even with a full choir backing him up, it paled in comparison to the oldies.
Several years removed from 'Nipplegate', Springsteen was an easy bet to cover the spread, a crowd pleaser sans the drama. The only whiff of controversy was his inking of an exclusive distribution deal for his new LP with Walmart. A move he has since gone on record to regret, allowing him to cling to his working class hero persona while hopefully raking in the bucks. It is well known that the retail giant is a union-busting outfit with a track record of 'unfair' employment practices. Maybe it'll provide him fodder for another lackluster release somewhere down the road. Perhaps Darkness on the Edge of Aisle Nine ?
I have to admit, although I enjoyed the performance, I did not relinquish control of my chicken fingers.
I'm just sayin'.
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Born To Run
Spirit In The Night
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (Hammersmith Odeon, 1975)
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