This post is strictly my opinion and certainly open for debate. But be nice.
I’m about as disappointed in Bruce Springsteen’s behavior and actions lately as a mother would be if she caught her daughter having unprotected sex, smoking weed, drinking beer and cutting class- but discovering those things all on separate occasions.
First it was the Super Bowl. Which, on it’s own, could be understandable and excusable. Sure, it’s the Super Bowl. You earned it, Bruce. Step into that spotlight and cash that big ole’ check for us blue collar suckers who’ve been believing you for most of our lives. Go for it.
But then, it was the exclusive release of a Greatest Hits at Wal Mart. “CTRL-I” Wal Mart. Which, even on it’s own, is a head-scratcher for all of us. I simply do not get it. Why (the fuck) would Springsteen release anything exclusively at Wal Mart? It just does not make any sense. And his camp has been mum about the whole thing.
On the three-count, it’s the Outlaw Pete Was Made For Loving You, Baby thing. The first track on his forthcoming release sounds incredibly similar to Kiss’ late-seventies disco hit. Didn’t anyone have the balls to, oh, I don’t know…TELL HIM?
“Um, yeah, hey…Boss? Uh, you know that first track we’re supposed to release? Yeah, well, it sort of- um, just a little, kinda sounds like a Kiss song. You sure you wanna put this one on the record?”
And the “Four!” in Springsteen’s signature “A-one, two, a one, two three FOUR” has got to be the use of Born To Run in a commercial for the Super Bowl. And this is a gleaming example of my argument that, once a song gets placed into a commercial of any kind, it’s put into a completely different and unintended context. In this example- it’s “baby we were bo-ooorn to ruuuun” behind a pack of football players, um, running down the field.
Gee.
Even a fair-weather Springsteen fan knows that “Born To Run” has as much to do with professional football and scoring touchdowns as The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” has to do with the FBI and crime scene investigations.
Look, Springsteen has reached a level of world-domination that he doesn’t need new fans. So the argument that the Super Bowl is great exposure is moot.
And the argument that bands only make money from licensing and touring is inapplicable as well. He just did his deal with Wal Mart.
So? What the heck, Boss? Any one of these things- on their own- would get you a pass. You’re the Boss.
But the four combined? That makes me think it may be time for you to answer to your shareholders…but wait..maybe you already are.
Do people honestly still buy into his whole blue-collar working-man schtick? The whole thing is a gimmick that I can not believe lasted this long.
I don’t like anyone doing a Wal-Mart exclusive (A-hem AC/DC), but I don’t understand how people could possibly think that he is just now selling out.
Two words:
Shit bird.
Unless of course Ace, Peter and the other two douches are his new E-street backing in to the ass band.
A sell-out by any other name, would still smell like shit.
~BP
I have been wondering about this for awhile…he is almost sixty and putting out AlOT of PRODUCT …I have to say that the product is of high quality. For instance, his concerts are, if not as good as ever, at least far superior from what you’d expect at age 59. BUT .. it is right to point out the walmart release as absurd. One of the best Bruce posts I have read …from a diehard fan who has to admit the truth.
1. Super Bowl — Initially, i wasn’t all that crazy about the notion, but I guess after 25 years of saying “no,” years in which he was at his “commercial” peek, I can’t question the man’s integrity. Considering the Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson’s of the past, I’ll take 15 minutes of Bruce no questions asked.
2. Walmart — Bruces’ CD’s have always been available at Walmart — nothing new here. Besides, this CD has very little new to offer — I won’t buy it, but I suppose some casual or new fans may pick it up — honestly, we all know Bruce is a mega-millionaire; it’s ridiculous to think he’s selling out for “money.” He has more than he or any of his family and friends could spend in a lifetime.
3. If you listen closely, there are many, many songs by many, many artists that are derivative of other music. That’s the way it works. Heck, after Shakespeare, how many new stories are there really to tell. Also, I don’t think Springsteen needs to borrow ideas from Kiss of all bands. Maybe he and the E Streeters will come out in full make-up in Tampa.
4. BTR is his most iconic song. The NFL did with it what they thought was best/necessary. It’s about the song and performance — not the images they placed around it. In case you haven’t noticed, Bruce never was a big fan of music videos — to him, it’s always been about the live performance. He does that well, really well, better than most and for longer than anyone.
Finally got to listen to the song. I bet Gene Simmons is having a field day on this! Creepy! Funny! As for “Born to Run” themed for the Super Bowl. 1. The network might as well push the half-time show and the commercials, since the game will be a waste. 2. If we hear “THunder Road” shilling for –I don’t know–Preperation H—then the man has sold out. 3. Mike, your right, these four combined, as Arte Johnson said many years ago “very interesting, But!”
Bryce Jordan Center University Park, PA
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Friday 05/08/2009 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band