September 23, 2017

Bruce Springsteen presents a real conundrum for lyrics obsessives. He’s not quite the poet like Dylan, Van or Costello nor the wry workingman and arch character builder like Randy Newman or Mose Allison. He rocks hard but is basically an earnest soul revue live act. Perhaps as much as anyone though he’s carved his own space, filled by virtuoso guitar, taskmaster band leading and a work ethic which sustains rather than drains pure artistry. Happy birthday Boss. The Brown Brothers love you.