The land of hope and dreams

I don't normally bother to rave about music here, unless it's a gig I was particularly impressed by. But having lived with Live In New York City, the new Bruce Springsteen album, for five days, I feel I have no option. I've been a Springsteen fan for sixteen years and this album reminds of everything about him, the songs, the lyrics and the mythology that I loved in the first place. I can think of no greater recommendation than that when I listen to these songs they transfix me and grab my complete attention, even after all these years. Especially after all these years, in fact, in view of the extra life and vitality breathed into, say, "Two Hearts" and "Out In The Street", or the scorching rendition of "Ramrod" worth the price of the CD alone. Which is not to mention the two stunning new songs, "Land Of Hope And Dreams" and "American Skin (41 Shots)".

But the song above all that reinforces everything everyone who's ever seen the E Street Band live says about the experience, that explains the mythology of the E Street Band, why a Springsteen concert truly is the land of hope and dreams, is the jaw-dropping performance of "Jungleland". "Jungleland" is from Born To Run, so it was 25 years old when this was recorded. It sounds fresher, more romantic in the grand cinematic sense, and bigger than ever. I'd post an mp3, but it would be entirely inappropriate. You need to go and buy the album.