Badlands

I believe in the love that you gave me.
I believe in the faith that could save me.
I believe in the hope and I pray that some day it
Will raise me above these

Badlands...



I was about to go to bed. I came in from walking Buster in the cold and wanted a little snack. I sat down and turned on my 12" black and white tv. PBS is trying to raise money again. Springsteen concert interrupted by obnoxious sales pitches for overpriced DVDs. Anyway, I can't find the same version on YouTube, but Bruce and the E St. Band gave one of the best live performances ever in their 1999 version of Badlands at Madison Square Garden. 17 years removed and in 12 inches of black and white, I could feel the energy in my living room as they play the same riff repeatedly for several minutes, the crowd humming along while the band simply walks around stage soaking it up and sharing a moment with their fans. Bruce gets caught up and starts yelling "New York City!" about ten times into the mic. At that point he was no longer performing as he is clearly overcome with joy and gratitude. At its best, live music creates and expresses something new rather than vacantly replaying notes and words that meant something once. I love me some Bruce.