#53 Bruce Springsteen

#53 Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska

Columbia, 1982

Americana

I have a special relationship with Springsteen. I had to grow into his music, but once I did, we connected. Every now and then, I have a dream where he gives me advice. It's pretty cool.

I don't listen to this record a lot, because it's a mood, but I appreciate that it's there when I need it. I put it on a couple weeks ago, after learning of the death of one of my best friend's fathers, Joe - a literal and figurative giant of a man. He was a presence throughout most of my life (he and Connie took us all to Woodstock '99!), and I cared for him very much, so it was hard not to be able to say goodbye. I put on this record, which is itself very much about mourning, and I thought about Joe, and cried a little, laughed a little, and really just sat with my feelings and said goodbye my own way. It was the right record for that.

This one is for Joe and Connie ❤️

Comments

#75 Bob Dylan - Slow Train Coming

Columbia, 1979 Folk Rock/Blues This one Stu brought to the collection. While I listened to a lot of Dylan in my younger days, it was mostly from his acoustic and early electric period, so this album was not familiar to me. It's great! That probably doesn't come as a surprise to you, readers, but that was my thought when I played it, so true to form I record it here. This album is a mood; it has a hard spirit and an attitude, and a feeling of reflection. Like all Dylan's stuff, it has great lyrics that pull you in, and an excellent sound profile. I will definitely be returning to this album in the near future.

#73 Tyrannosaurus Rex - Unicorn

Blue Thumb Records, 1969 Psychedelic Acoustic Folk This album is very important to me. Those who know me, know I am fond of T Rex, but this pre T recording is extra special. I first remember hearing it in grade 8, and I fell in love with it entirely. It resonated with me a on strangley personal level, considering how far out the lyrics are. Warlord of the Royal Crocodiles was my jam. My friends were forced to listen to poorly dubbed cassettes every weekend, because that was the easiest way to copy and share music on the North Mountain in 1998. I had always listened to my dad's record (from whence came the cassette) and didn't have my own copy when I moved out, so I was very excited when I found it at Taz---the old spot on, what was it, Grafton? Two locations ago. It was like finding treasure, though I spose that's always what second-hand vinyl shopping feels like to me. Maybe it was more like finding the Arkenstone. I remember being super excited, and Bob telli...

#87 XTC - Black Sea

Virgin, 1980 New Wave Pop Rock I have waxed nostalgic about XTC before, so I won't go too in depth with this one, but I will mention a few details. Black Sea is the first XTC record I ever heard. Andrew G played it for me when I was hanging at he and Brad Luk's apartment in Quinpool Court on Monastery Lane circa 2004. Megan and I lived upstairs in the same building, and there was much coming and going. I was immediately hooked by the whistling and the tempo of "Generals and Majors" in particular, and it would remain a party staple for me. This album is super fun and really solid, and I always enjoy spinning it.

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