Springsteen On Conan
More from the mailbag. Reader Eric (different Eric than last post) writes...
I know Stereogum is an 'indie-first' resource. However, I just got through watching the 6/23 Conan O'Brien show -- and the phenomenal performance by Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Session Band (plus Conan on guitar, Thomas Hayden Church on percussion, and Jimmy Fallon on spoons). Please, please -- give more people a chance to see this once-in-a-lifetime performance! The first song was an absolutely bone-chilling rendition of Seeger's "Bring 'Em Home." But the second - oh, the second! - a horns-and-drums-and-banjo-and-accordian-and-guitar version of "Pay Me My Money Down."Thanks for the heads up Eric. With our Dave Stewart, Arthur Lee, and Art Alexakis posts, the over-40 crowd is getting a lot of love on Stereogum these days! So let's check in with the Boss, who wrapped up his live Seeger Sessions tour last night.Find it on Youtube.com, please. Ah. I'm still recovering.
Here are the Conan superjams on YouTube:
But you know how NBC is ... those links will be dead by Monday.At least the audio stream will stay put. "Bring 'Em Home" can be heard here: WIN | QT | REAL
History lesson via brucespringsteen.net:
Penned by Pete Seeger during the Vietnam War, "Bring 'Em Home" quickly acquired anthemic power in the anti-war movement. Springsteen first recorded the song in January 2006 and added a final lead vocal during his European tour, at a studio in Oslo, Norway. His poignant rendition, performed frequently on the Seeger Sessions tour, adds several new verses and connects the song to a much earlier topical song, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." "Bring 'Em Home" was written in 1965 and originally released on Pete's 1971 Columbia album, Young vs. Old.Finally, watch Bruce discuss "the idiots rambling on cable television" here.
Posted at 3:16 PM in Video
Well, I hate to plug anything AOL-related, but you can currently see and hear these songs and a lot more in considerably better quality at aolmusic.com. There are a total of 18 performances from the tour available. One of the highlights is from the Chicago show that I saw, a 9-minute-plus version of "My Oklahoma Home".
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I really love the live renedition of "bring them home" on conan. Any chance of a High quality mp3 of the performance
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I thought they were playing Bob Seger songs!
http://philcobrothers.blogspot.com/2006/05/seger-sessions.html
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Truth in music. Life-affirming.
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I've got you covered on the mp3s - http://culturebully.blogspot.com/2006/06/bruce-springsteen-seeger-sessions-band.html
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I watched for about a minute in horrified fascination to the Pay Me My Money Down performance and then had to turn away. Awful.
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whoops - new link to mp3s - http://www.culturebully.com/?p=750
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whoops - new link to mp3s - http://www.culturebully.com/archives/750
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Man, I hate Bruce Springsteen. What's his appeal?
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He embodies everything that's wrong with aging musicians. Dude, take a note from Dylan, you have been your whole fuckin' career anyway.
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Will you guys ever get the sticks out of your asses? No? Okay, more for me to enjoy.
Go listen to more Tapes n' Tapes, because you guys are clueless.
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Never been a fan of Springsteen. Don't hate him but don't love him.
http://www.musictimes.com.au
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Interesting to see the many ways that the performance was perfect
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i think its fantastic. thanks for the clips.
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The only thing that's bad about these clips are certain people's perceptions of them. (Well, the sound quality isn't so hot, but that's not the point.) Thanks for sharing. :-) Love, a girl who is most definitely under 40.
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I remember watching Friday night and just being petrafied out of amazement. An amazingly thick and captivating performance.
I'm baffled by the Bruce bashing (no, I'm not old - I'm only 20), he's been making mostly great music for thirty-some years, and remains relevant socially and musically.
I just don't understand how any music fan, especially an "indie" music fan, can claim to not endulge in Springsteen. That's like hating Dylan or Stevie Wonder or Talking Heads - I don't see how people can like great modern music, but despise its influences.
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Dear "Everyone",
First of all accusing Bruce of ripping off Dylan is just stupid. First of all they are friends, and have played together on numerous occasions. I thin it is safe to say that if Dylan HIMSELF doesn't see a problem, neither should you.
Secondly, These songs are important and have been around for many years, and inspired countless people in many different ways. Pay Me My Money Down was a song sung by slaves working in the south, it was later adapted as a "sea shanty" of sorts by men who worked at sea. If Bruce Springsteen has the reach, and scope to get an album with songs like THAT on the top of the charts for a few weeks, how could ANYONE have a problem with that. If you are taking issue with the performance of the song, again traditional songs played on acoustc instuments (with a few exceptions) seems like a pretty organic and commendable experiment.
Thirdly, we are in a fucking war. If (arguably), the most famous singer in the world wants to go on TV and sing a song called Bring 'Em Home, we should ALL be applauding.
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Amen.
When I sent this to Scott, I had no idea some people would respond so negatively. I suggested a post not because of the content or message, but because it was so impessive -- and more importantly -- FUN!
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These people are too "cool" to have fun.
Take a note from Dylan...what a douche.
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fuck the pope, that was beautiful
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I saw this show at The Greek and it was BY FAR the most impressive and fun show I've ever had the privelage of experiencing. The whole night was like a southern revival service or something. Impossibly good.
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Fantastic performance, except for Jimmy Fallon : Why is this douchebag still allowed on TV ?
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Scott and Eric, you made my morning. Thank you.
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jibber jabber,
I think you misunderstood me, as I was referencing an earlier comment.
I loved the performance!
:-)
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Dear Daniel,
Sea shanty eh? Wow. That's like, so meaningful, right?
And what's with the all the asssumptions that I'm an "indie" music fan? I'm sure you fruits are more familiar with TapesnTapes than I'll ever be. I just don't like Springsteen. That's it. If you do, then congratulations, continue listening to his updated verions of slave songs and jungle hymns, or whatever. Maybe it's just because I'm not American and all his fist pumping and flag waving is lost on me. I don't know. I can't, nor do i want to, relate to the brilliance of "Born in the USA". But whatever, it's not important.
I was hoping to hear someone respond with reasons why they love him - why he is so idolized - what niche he holds that nobody has ever held or can hold. But istead all I get is people dismissing me as an "indie" music fan, the most convenient argument for music snobs to make against someone who disagrees with their taste (though im sure you all listen to your fair share of this "indie" music you claim to detest so much).
And Daniel, since when is the amount of records someone sells an indication of how good the record is? If that's the way you think, then enjoy your American Idol vol.7 disc.
Watch Lennon in NYC, The Last Watlz, and The Concert For Bangladesh if you want inspired performances. Shit, you people are too easily impressed. For real.
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Dear Everyone,
The number of records is impressive because of the
KIND OF RECORD IT IS! Folk albums don't usually burn up the charts, ya know. It is an impressive feat to get a million people to buy an album with the song We Shall Overcome on it.
But maybe you just consider that some dumb song those stupid negros sang back in the 50's.
Also, yeah man...look at all the "flag-waving" in Born in the USA.
Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much
'Til you spend half your life just covering up
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I got in a little hometown jam
And so they put a rifle in my hands
Sent me off to Vietnam
To go and kill the yellow man
[chorus]
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me"
I go down to see the V.A. man
He said "Son don't you understand"
[chorus]
I had a buddy at Khe Sahn
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone
He had a little girl in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I'm ten years down the road
Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go
You want to accuse me of being some sort of American Idol watching Jingoist? What the fuck do you do for a living? I work for my community putting a roof over the head of people who can't afford to. In my spare time I put on shows in a non-profit community center.
Go fuck yourself.
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can you feel the love? i can.
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The fact of the matter is that Springsteen could release a record full of hip-hop and it would sell. That doesn't impress me, nor does it mean it would be good. He sells records because he has a large and loyal fanbase that he's built up for 30years or so. They'll buy pretty much anything aslong as it doesn't suck beyond life.
Thanks for the lyrics. But it is just plain wrong to believe that Springsteen's uniqely American sensibility and perspective has nothing to do with his success in your country. He undoubtebly makes you people feel proud to be American, as evident from previous repsonses on this topic.
And as commendable as your non-profit shows and house-roofing exploits are, i have absolutely no idea how they are at all relevant to Bruce and music. I was just sarcastically mocking your attempt to use record sales as a gauge for talent. But if you feel you need to pat yourself on the back on an internet message board for the work you do then knock yourself out. But you seem pretty violatile. Calm down man, I wasn't making this personal.
Look, i don't mean to disrespect B.S., because i respect what he's done, it's just that i don't understand why so much hyperbole and praise is given to him. I mean, he's no Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen. Let's not even mention Dylan and Young.
I love the Beatles and cut my neighbours grass for a small fee therefore my opinion is of greater value than yours. douche.
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fed ex -
i apologize for singling out your papacy amidst all the, well, jibber jabber. i don't love bruce, but i like him and more than that (the real topic here) RESPECT him for putting his actions where his mouth is. and the conan performance appears to be an honest, moving moment, and how often can you say that about fucking network tv?
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Arrested D reference!
Seriously though, Mr. Everyone, do you honestly believe that Bruce could put out a platinum rap album?
Also, I think you're investing too much into this Springsteen = American argument. He's a liberal, always has been a liberal (unlike the newly converted Neil Young) and is singing protest songs of Pete Seeger, an open communist - which, unfortunately still has misguided negative connotations here in the United States. Throughout Bruce's career I don't see any distinguishable connection to the vague American ethos that you elude to beyond anything Dylan, Young, or Cohen ever did. So if you could clarify what this whole States v. The World thing is all about that would be great.
And, if you would, I'd like to know what removes him from the echelon of songwriters (Cohen, Waits, Dylan, and Young) you distance him from?
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States v. The World? WTF are yu talking about?
Look, I don't care anymore, I don't like him. I don't think he's a great songwriter and i don't think he's done much in the way of creating interesting music.
I don't understand how anyone can fail to recognize how his strong Americanism makes him much more attractive to patriotic Americans. Shit, that's not a judgement or anything, just an observation. So, to avoid writing a fuckin' essay i'm gonna stop.
From Wikipedia: -Springsteen is most widely known for his brand of heartland rock infused with pop hooks, poetic lyrics, and Americana sentiments centered around his native New Jersey-
i don't respond to these "American sentinments" and something like his Born In The USA cover art just comes off as cheese to me. So fuck off, i'm done.
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My States v. The World comment was in reference to your observation that Bruce is received differently in the United States than he is elsewhere (the world).
I'm confused by your reprimanding Daniel for flipping out and taking things personal followed by your flipping out and taking things personal. I was just attempting to have a productive conversation; just trying to find out exactly why you - someone with the fine taste of Cohen, Dylan, Waits, and Young - don't also enjoy Springsteen, as many fans of the above artists love all five.
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Thanks Jibber Jabber,
Bruce's performance on Friday is what music is supposed to be. It reminded me why I love music so much, because you can clearly see why he loves it. I might not love most of his catalogue either, but I respect him.
Here's a sample reaction from google blog search:
"I am the kind of girl who stas up till 3 AM every night listening to music. Tonight, it is Bruce Springsteen. I've found a new love, i think. His performance on Conan tonight was incredible. I was blown away. I love discovering that I love new artists.
I stood on the couch and danced. I felt free!!!"
-And another, albiet negative:
"ok, well, im kinda pissed off right now....cuz i wuz just watchin conan o'brian..... that dude is funny....... and that shit-head bruce springsteen was on, and he sung..... "bring em' home, bring em' home" ....... well, if that was the best thing for the nation..... then i would be all "hellz yea"..... but its not..... and i seem to remember that his presidential candidate (kerry, hahaha.....loser) lost the election...... so just because ure guy didn't win, doesn't mean you have to be sooo against everything the winner does, like soo many ppl seem to be."
-Uh yeah, I think I like the first one.
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PS- Don't trust wiki as gospel.
Listen to the pope, he's unfallable.
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What's so jingoistic about the Born In The USA album cover art?
He's pissing on the damn flag! That's pretty punk rock, in my book.
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"Listen to the pope, he's unfallable."
That totally reminded of Ralph Wiggum.
"Me fail English, that's unpossible." :)
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Glad you got it.
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The performance on Conan was true, sincere, and captivating. It is what makes music great, it can inspire.
I am/was not a Bruce fan, but "Pay me my money down" rocked. Max's 7 where blowin!
I have Tivo & fully intended to fastforward (only wanted to see if there was Bruce/Max banter), but couldnt.
Thanks for links, this is going on my iPOD.
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The performance on Conan was sincere, and captivating. It is what makes music great, it can inspire. that doesnt mean it has to change your life or the world, but move you in that moment.
I am/was not a Bruce fan, but "Pay me my money down" rocked. Max's 7 were blowin!
I have Tivo & fully intended to fastforward (only wanted to see if there was Bruce/Max banter), but couldnt.
Thanks for links, this is going on my iPOD.
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Poor sound quality = Thank you Captain Missthepoint. Also, how can anyone actually dislike Bruce Springsteen? I could understand not being a fan or caring for his music or what he stands for, but actively disliking him? That's like hating Santa Claus. Flag waving? "Born in the USA" is about an unemployed Vietnam vet who kills himself. Yea man, that's some flag-waving right there. If you're going to accuse people of ripping of Dylan, you might as well go after every person who's written a song since 1965.
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I find it hard to deal with those that write negative comments about Bruce, I've been hangin' wit him for the last 30 years, those that haven't ever gone to a Springsteen concert or have Ozzy Osborne shoved up their butts don't know real Rock n Roll like the Boss gives 'em.
"I've seen the future of Rock and Roll and it's name is Bruce Springsteen" ..quote from John Landau.
Funny how people have to put their louzy negative two cents into an EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE which got HUGE REVIEWS.
Now, go play with your crayons, losers!
Streetz
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Hey, everybody should just back-off from poor Everyone! It's obvious he's from the 51st state (Canada), and you know how envious those folks are of the superpower that is American culture. And then to point out that he made the same mistake doddering old Reagan did DECADES ago -- y'know, that Born In The USA was an endorsement of a dysfunctional America -- well, anybody might get their panties in a bunch over that! Well, maybe not anyone would, but obviously Everyone did.....
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Hey i dont know if anyone will even look at this, i know im late in the game by about a year. I really would like to see these performances. The links do not work anymore to watch or dload the mp3s. if anybody still has the mp3 and/or the videos and would be willing to send them to my email that would be amazing. jakevigg@yahoo.com, thanks
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same as the guy above, i've been searching for hours after i found out about this performance. if anybody out there still has the audio or video files, my email is matthewbrandeburg@gmail.com, thank you so much for the help!
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