Bruuuuce

Thanks to a tip from my favorite reader, I heard one of the new songs of the upcoming Springsteen release on KBCO tonight. Admittedly, I felt lukewarm about the upcoming release of "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" prior to this radio tease.

Now, I am legitimately excited.

Originally, I wasn't sure. No one warrants more praise than Bruce for constantly pushing his boundaries and producing meaningful, compelling work. An album paying tribute to his American folk roots is worthy of much respect. But I wondered if it would be notable only for the subject matter and not the music. That's kind of how I felt about segments of Devils and Dust.

But after listening to the one track played by KBCO, a New Orleans jazz romp of "Jacob's Ladder," I have little doubt that Springsteen's ambition will pay off. Can't wait until April 25.

***

In honor of his latest album, I was thinking about Bruce's best lyrics of all-time. Most artists seem to have a signature line -- like Neil Young's "It's better to burn out than fade away." I'm not sure Big Scooter has something that memorable, but off the top of my head, here are some of Bruce's best. Feel free to add to this list:

"For the ones who had a notion
A notion deep inside.
That it ain't no sin
To be glad your alive"
(Badlands)

"It's a town full of losers
And I'm pullin' out of here to win"
(Thunder Road)

This one I always love:
"Tom said, "Mom, wherever there's a cop beating a guy
Whenever a hungry newborn baby cries
Where there's a fight against the blood and hatred in the air
Look for me Mom, I'll be there."
(GOTJ)

One more for the road...
"We're going out where the sand's turning to gold
So put on your stocking's baby,
'Cuz the night's gettin' cold."
(Atlantic City)