A Powerful Moment in Half Time History

I Promise This Blog is Not Turning into 100% Bruce....

...but, you have to admit the guy is all over the place these days. I will do my best to make this post and the Half-Time Review post the final ones about Springsteen for at least, a week :)

I just have to point out that when I dissed Bruce about the Walmart deal back in December, I felt pretty bad about it, I felt disloyal.  Yet, I had to speak my mind. Turns our that I was not the only fan that felt that way and today he issued a statement which said:

"Mr. Springsteen said the decision was made too hastily. “We were in the middle of doing a lot of things, it kind of came down and, really, we didn’t vet it the way we usually do,” he said. “We just dropped the ball on it … It was a mistake. Our batting average is usually very good, but we missed that one. Fans will call you on that stuff, as it should be.”


No worries, Bruce! You're allowed to make mistakes and I love that you're man enough to own 'em when you do.

Sad News: Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynryd Died Today

I just saw this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was only 56 years old. I don't know the cause of death. The official band website has asked for "respect and understanding during this difficult time". I am sure they will release info when they are ready. :(

Powell first joined Skynyrd in 1973 after serving as the band’s roadie for a year. His keyboard work features prominently on the band’s debut (pronounced ‘leh-’nerd ’skin-’nerd), with Powell credited for crafting the intro for their epic anthem “Free Bird” (Number 191 on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Songs of All Time). After impressing Ronnie Van Zant with his work on the song, Powell was officially invited to join the band, and remained a member from their debut album until 1977’s Street Survivors.

Related articles by Zemanta

• RIP Keyboardist Billy Powell (beatcrave.com)
• Rest in Peace - Billy Powell (1952 - 2009) (hardrockhideout.com)
• Billy Powell, Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist, Dies (VIDEO) (inquisitr.com)
• Remembering Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd (inquisitr.com)
• Lynyrd Skynyrd: Sweet Home Alabama (popsyndicate.com)

To finish off my review from last night:

I love the new songs, I’ll just elaborate on a few that stick out to me (today)

In the song “Good Eye” I see and hear Reverend Bruce, the Minister of Rock and Roll in his preacher style that he does so well. After all he sometimes tells his audience ''I'm gonna regenerate you! I'm gonna re-liberate you with the power and the promise, the power and the promise, the POWER and the PROMISE — the majesty, the mystery, the ministry of rock & roll!''

“Life Itself” is my favorite because it pulls at my heart. Sad love songs are the soundtrack to my life and Bruce finds a way to make even a tragic longing for a love of a lost and ruined lover seem beautiful.

As Jeff pointed out in a comment below, “Queen of the Supermarket” is a fun song. It got mixed reviews. It’s a cute, fun song of irony. It’s the first time Bruce has ever used the “F” word in a song. He says “it blows this whole f*cking world apart”. I was a bit surprised, but not disappointed.

“The Wrestler”. Okay, I love this song. I love it for the same reason I loved “Streets of Philadelphia”. The feeling of the movie comes across so perfectly – without effort. You feel it…you feel the despair, the challenge, the surrender and acceptance of being “less than”, the feeling of giving it all for the game and the audience….

My Review of Working on a Dream

First I want to than Arbell for sending me a pre-release copy (I didn't get it till today, but am I complaining - no, I'm not).

Second, I'd like to refer you all to Pete's, Blogness on the Edge of Town, because he's done a post on how the reviews are causing Springsteen fan's brains to explode. Its a good read.

My personal thoughts:

Wow.

For some reason I wasn't expecting much. Ya'all know how much I love Bruce and think he can do no wrong, I admit that. But I also have to admit that a part of me was wondering if he was having a late mid-life crisis and trying to crank out another record so soon after "Magic". I was thinking "No, Bruce, don't produce something mediocre and ruin your reputation....what if this is not good enough???? What if its too soon?"

Silly me to doubt my man. Almost all the songs are superb.

I will finish this later - mother duty calls

Related articles by Zemanta

• Is "Queen of the Supermarket" The Worst Springsteen Song Ever?
• Review: Springsteen's 'Dream' is 'sigh of relief'

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AT LOS ANGELES SPORTS ARENA ON APRIL 15, 2009

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeI can't find this anywhere online but just heard it on KLOS, so its got to be true!

I needed some good news and something to look forward to. I just saw him in April 08 and October 07 so this will be three years in a row of Bruce live - I think that's a first.

It will also be my 19th Springsteen concert.

I shall repeat:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AT LOS ANGELES SPORTS ARENA ON APRIL 15, 2009

Happy Birthday to Eddie Van Halen!

and to Jon Van B.

Image via Wikipedia1/26/55 is Ed's birthday!

Eddie Van Halen is one of my favorite guitarist of all time. I can't help but smile and feel good when I hear his distinctive sound. How do you describe his style? I am not good at describing it but I'd recognize it anywhere and am in awe of not only his talent but the joy he displays on stage when playing. How many lead guitarists SMILE throughout a show? Not many that I can think of. They are too busy looking cool :)

I wish Eddie a very happy 54th birthday.

ALSO....

I'd like to wish a happy birthday to my high school sweetheart who shares not only a birthday with Eddie, but also hails from The Netherlands.

Gelukkige Verjaardag, Jon, Ik houd van u nog!

A Very Good Commentary on Music Awards:

Image via WikipediaJeff @ Imagine Echoes wrote an excellent post today inspired by the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awardrs.  Here is a quote from his post, click on it to read the entire entry:

I find it hard to believe that rock stars sit at home weeping because they weren't inducted, in fact I would find it hard to believe that they would actually be the slightest bit disappointed. A bands music will never go away, it is forever transferred to every new media outlet for everyone to hear. This isn't a sports player who's will only be known by future generations by numbers and early morning sessions of NFL Films on ESPN, music lasts forever!

(PS  I would still like to SEE the R&R museum, I love looking at Rock memorabilia, but the awards, are a joke).

New Music from David Bowie?

I just heard the "rumor" over at Classic Rock. I hope its true, David is one of my all time favorites.

Life Itself

"Life Itself" is becoming a favorite of mine from the new "Working on a Dream" CD. In case you didn't know you can hear all the new songs on NPR.

I miss talking about music.

Here's a personal question for any of you who care to answer:

Is it important to you that your spouse/partner/significant other share your passion for music?

My answer: My last serious boyfriend liked music. Period. End of story. He liked music. That's sort of like saying "I like sex". There's not a whole lot of passion behind the statement. So when I would hear a song come on the radio and point out a guitar solo or something special that, MOVED ME, got me EXCITED, etc. - he would say "yeah that's nice".

It drove me nuts. Luckily I had others in my life to discuss music with, but oh how wonderful it would be to have a man in my life that LOVED music, that was PASSIONATE about it.

I mean can you imagine listening to Pink Floyd and having someone say "that was nice"? NICE!??

Sorry, I just had to express this today.

The Oscars Left Out "The Wrestler"

Once again it is proved that award shows, like most things, are more apt to base their decisions on what's "politically correct" or "socially acceptable" or maybe even on their own jealousy and prejudices than on TALENT.

Bruce's song was NOT nominated for an Oscar. Hello? The song was written for the movie and just hearing the song makes me want to see the damn movie. If it weren't for the song the movie would never have caught my interest. I guess I have my prejudices too :)

Apparently the article in this months Rolling Stone is a good read. You can read Pete's Blog, Blogness on the Edge for more details if interested.

Get On Your Boots !!!

So, its out - U2's new single, "Get On Your Boots".

I've heard it once and need to listen at least three or four more times to see if I like it. The first time through I was thinking "where's the unique newness here? this seems like the same old stuff...." But I need to give it a better chance.

One lyric that jumped out at me:

you don't know

you don't get it do

you don't know

how beautiful you are

Have you heard it yet? What do you think?

Music News?

I haven't been able to keep up with music lately.  I know the basics:  U2's single comes out next week, I get Bruce's new one in the mail any day now.

Other than that my life is focused on family issues.  I miss reading your blogs.  I miss writing here.

congrats, Bruce!

As predicted by many (including me) it seems that Bruce Springsteen won a Golden Globe for his song, The Wrestler.

The show hasn't even aired yet (in my time zone) but the best source for Bruce news, Backstreets, has his acceptance speech posted:

“All right! This is, uh, the only time I’m gonna be in competition with Clint Eastwood, I know that for sure. Felt pretty good, too. *giggles* Anyway, Mickey called me in Ireland and he asked me for, uh, some music, he told me a little bit about the character, he said some people invest themselves in their pain and they turn away from love and the things that strengthen and nurture their lives. He said this was a guy that didn’t figure, hadn’t figured that out. So I said well, I know a couple of those guys. And so, the song. So uh, first and foremost I’d like to thank Mickey. Without the call I wouldn’t have written the song. Without his inspiration. Thank you brother, for a beautiful performance, thank you. Thanks for thinking of me. Um, like to thank Darren and all the folks involved with the film for letting me be a small part of their picture, thank you. Uh, love to my strong and lovely wife Patti, and hello to Evan, Jess, and Sam at home. Happy birthday Big Man, Clarence Clemons!”

Led Zeppelin - Officially Non Existent

I'm a bit behind on the news, just heard that Jimmy Page announced that their search for a replacement vocalist to go on tour with them is finis - done - over. There will never be another Led Zeppelin concert. Ever. (of course, never say never....)

Well finally these babies may be worth something:

You Will Understand

No matter what your personal taste in music is, if you are truly PASSIONATE about it, you will get this:

The last six days of my life have been hellish. I wondered at times if I would ever feel "normal" again, if life could ever have a glimmer of joy or if I would spend the rest of my days drowning in the worry that inflicts parents of drug addicts.

But then...

I watched this, and I felt good. I got lost in SRV's unparalleled talent and suddenly had hope. It may not make sense, but it is what it is.

God bless you, Stevie.

(HAPPY?) New Year

If you read my personal blog you'll know that I am in the middle of a serious situation with my son. I am hoping that this year will be a new beginning for him.

I have a few CDs to review and will get around to it soon, but blogging is kind of the last thing on my mind these days.

I do want to THANK each and every one of you who read here for your contribution to the ongoing discussion of ROCK and ROLL !!