Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 275 - MoMA Collection-Style Timeless Live Albums - Part 3: American Rock Edition

BOSS’s Classic Album LIVE/1975–1985

The definitive live album for the ages, American Rock Series Part 3, finally features the BOSS—Bruce Springsteen.

When it comes to live albums, there are often concerns that the sound isn’t quite enough. By “not quite enough,” I mean (1) the sound feels muffled, (2) poor separation between instruments, (3) an unbalanced ensemble where it’s hard to tell who is doing what or what is being played, (4) cymbals that don’t sound clear, or (5) a bass drum that sounds muddy, among countless other issues. In addition to technical audio factors, the result is also influenced by the condition and motivation of the performing musicians. Live performances are created by people, and only when all the conditions are met at a high level can a live album truly be a good one.

I have listened to some incredible live performances over the years, and on the other hand, I have also experienced a few that were beyond help. For example, the Pat Metheny Group concert I heard at the Fuji Culture Center was even more amazing than the actual studio recording.

Live performances like these are truly a mixed bag, but there is also an excitement that can only be experienced in a live setting. When the performance itself is superb and the band and the venue become one, capturing an atmosphere that exists only in that moment is a form of expression possible only through a live recording. I am surely not the only one who wants to listen to live albums that package such wonderful moments.

At the time, Bruce Springsteen was just about to release the album Born in the U.S.A. His songs from that album were being played repeatedly on MTV. What struck me as fresh was the snare sound—it was exceptionally clear and with a presence equal to that of the vocals. I purchased Born in the U.S.A., which was mixed by Bob Clearmountain just for the snare sound. It was a somewhat odd motivation: I was more interested in the snare sound than in Bruce Springsteen himself.

■ Recommended Album: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - LIVE/1975–85 (1985)

A live album released with great anticipation by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band. It is a culmination of live performances spanning a full decade from 1975 to 1985. It also strongly carries the character of a best-of album for Bruce Springsteen. The mixing engineer is Bob Clearmountain. His technique, which allows listeners to experience ten years of recordings seamlessly and without any sense of inconsistency, is truly remarkable, and his spatial processing is nothing short of astonishing. My first encounter with Bruce’s music was on April 13, 1985, at Yoyogi Olympic Pool, on a still-chilly day. It was Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. tour. My somewhat condescending impression of him as being “just another American band” instantly vanished the moment the first note sounded and Bruce began to sing.

This band’s live performance was on a level beyond discussions of skill, shortcomings, or even sound quality. It wasn’t about that at all. It was a live experience where I directly felt the stoic single-mindedness of Bruce Springsteen as a musician. This monumental work fully packages the passion and emotion of such live performances without omission. I came away thinking that this is probably why Bruce is so strongly supported in America. It is, above all, a live performance where a musician’s straightforward passion comes crashing in like a bulldozer. There is not the slightest hint of cutting corners—an overwhelming, torrential live performance. I watched Bruce through binoculars, and even now I cannot forget the sight of him performing while being doused with water at the side of the stage.

Recommended Track: “Born in the U.S.A.”

Bruce Springsteen is regarded in the United States as a voice for the working class. This song sharply reflects Bruce’s perspective on society, and the album containing this song as the title track recorded sales of over 30 million copies. A simple melody carried by a simple phrase—this straightforward message to America underpins the strength of the song. Bruce also won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the track “Dancing in the Dark” from this album.

Recommended Track: “The River”

This song features over five minutes of spoken narration in the live track, which can be a tough listen for Japanese audiences. Folk-oriented songs like this are also one of Bruce’s strengths. When it comes to expressing the feelings and melancholy of less affluent working-class boys in America, there may be no one who surpasses him. Here again, Roy Bittan’s lyrical acoustic piano, closely accompanying Bruce’s vocals, is just beautiful. In the outro, the layering of acoustic piano with a Hammond organ solo and harmonica is a highlight unique to a live performance.

Recommended Track: “Born to Run”

This was the song with which Bruce Springsteen first broke through, and it is a familiar number performed in the final chapter of his live shows. The mood of this song is supported by the relentlessly driving acoustic piano of Professor Roy Bittan. Clarence Clemons’s saxophone in the instrumental break pushes the energy even further. Even after singing for long hours, Bruce’s voice showed no sign of fading. The live show I attended lasted over three hours, and I was right up against the final Shinkansen departure time. As the venue lights came fully on, “Born to Run” began. I still regret having to leave the hall while listening to that song.

Musicians, Album, and Recommended Tracks Featured This Time

• Artist: Bruce Springsteen, Professor Roy Bittan, Danny Federici, Max Weinberg, Nils Lofgren, Garry Tallent, and others
• Album: LIVE/1975–85
• Recommended Tracks: “Born in the U.S.A.”, “The River”, “Born to Run”

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