5.12.2006

Springsteen - Hammersmith Odeon London '75


On many a night, especially in the 1970's, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band were among the most electrifying, exciting and tightest of any of the truly legendary rock and roll bands. Now comes a living testament to that greatness in the form of a two CD set of a London concert. Live at the Hammersmith Odeon-1975 is a complete Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band performance that captures all the nuances of a band in their prime and, on this night, at their absolute peak. Listen to this loud. From the subtle, understated, tender moments to the exquisitely passion-filled rockers that build powerfully to an exploding crescendo, this is rock and roll as it should be heard. Those who witnessed concerts by the band from this era will know of what I speak. For those who didn't, there's a video testament to this concert (or at least part of it) contained on a DVD with the remastered 30th anniversary "Born To Run" package. I haven't seen it, partly because I want to preserve my personal memories of some of the great Springsteen concert moments that I witnessed. After hearing these CD's however, I now have a sneaky feeling that I'll break down and get the video footage as well. This is one purchase you won't have buyers remorse over. It's filled with great music, great performances and just explodes out of the speakers. It doesn't get any better than this. Do yourself a favor and get this one in your player as soon as possible.