Leap of Faith (469 hits)
Category: Sound & MusicRating: -0.8 on 5 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by John Byrne <highersound.at.gmail.com> (View user info) at 2005-04-28 06:52:46 EDT
I, and several of my close friends, feel that Bruce Springsteen is the greatest artist of our lifetime. Okay, I do realize this is not a bold statement. His resume is impressive: 17 Platinum selling albums; 12 Grammy wards; 1999 Rock& Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. But what if we were to remove these accomplishments, would you feel differently? We wouldn't. The accolades mean little to us. You see, the "greatness" I speak of comes from deep within our hearts and souls. It is here that Bruce Springsteen and the "E" street band are forever entwined together with our fondest memories. These are the unbreakable ties that bind our friendship and brotherhood. In this light, and sorry U2, there is no close second.
These ties began to form in high school when, driven by the spirit in the night, we would unite together in drunken serenades of such classic as "Badlands", "The River" and "Rosalita(Come Out tonite)". With the second coming of the "Born In The USA Tour" we found ourselves camping outside a local Hecht's department store for 5 glorious days. This commitment to the cause earned us the right to participate in a service like no other. On August 5th ,1985,united with 60,000 other students, we graduated from the school of the faithful, Magna Cum Laude. Growing up meant moving on from our local parishes, and, being true disciples, our dedication followed. One friend, upon hearing tickets were to go on sale, hastily left his girlfriend on top of the mountain. We have been tossed out of bars for dancing in the dark. And, most recently, we took our passion overseas, tutoring Paris'ners on what it takes to prove it all night.
Unfortunately, there has been a secession in the rank and file of the faith full. It all began when, in the summer of 2003, Bruce unleashed some rather nasty comments directed at President George W. Bush. However, our collective strength outweighed his indiscretions. We could still find a reason to believe. But, much to our dismay, more rumblings would be heard over the following months. A cloud of concern continued to linger over us. Then, like the shattering of Krakatau, Mt. Bruce finally blew. With his public support of Senator John Kerry, together with the "Concerts For Change", Bruce turned what was once a congregation overflowing with joy and togetherness into an orgy of partisan self interest. A movement driven more by ego and self righteousness, then the exploration of a one man's struggle with the human condition. The result, of little surprise to us, was nothing more then an childish display of political buffoonery. Easily excusable if you're a politician, but what if you're a local hero.........?
In a series of emails serious questions were asked between us. Should artists take on the role of politicians? Is Bruce acting out of character? Can I separate my love from the disgust? Answering these required each individual to search his soul, an exercise which lead to the making of some difficult personal decisions. Sadly, the most dramatic of these resulted in the loss of a few of my comrades. They will no longer be present and accounted among those "that have a notion, a notion deep inside". Thankfully, the darkness did not overcome all, the light still shines upon a chosen few. I speak of the true believers, individuals such as my brother Bill, who, some 20 years ago, baptized me in the river. And, as for me, although I do not agree with Bruce's perspective, I understand that his political activism, along with the desire to voice it, is a critical component of his creative talent. Without it I do not feel Bruce would the instrumental part of my life that he is today. For this the others may say I am blinded by the light, and they may be right, but I prefer to call it a leap of faith.
In a few moments I will remove the plastic cover from the latest chapter from the Book of Bruuuuce. Placing the CD into the tray, pressing the play button, I'll listen to the sermon. With lyrics in hand I will follow along with the written word. But, my mind will not be limited to the here and now, certain will I be to reflect on days past, and of the future, asking myself - "If I call and ask him to go will he really turn me down?" Well, I don't think I'll ever find out. I feel no compulsion to go after those that have strayed from the herd. After all, the smaller the flock, the easier it should be to get to the water, right? On this note should you be blessed enough to have tickets to the May 14th Show at the Patriot Center, please consider making a donation to the cause. It's been well over year since I had a drink, and I am die'n of thirst!
User Reviews
Submitted by Jungle_Jimanee (user info) at 2005-04-28 10:47:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What a bunch of shitty reviews. Here is a +2 to counteract that.
For some time I have been thinking that celebrities should be allowed political weight. They represent the public better than the politicians do.
How to administrate: Everybody would have two votes, one normal and a celebrity vote. The celebrity who signs up for this scheme would be allowed to use this vote for causes that concern him or her.
Certain issues would be put to celeb vote rather than political parties, it would allow for more voting options than just Rebup or Democrat.
Submitted by TheSunGod (user info) at 2005-04-28 09:07:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
i feel suction.
Submitted by funk_boy (user info) at 2005-04-28 08:44:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by knucklesnelson (user info) at 2005-04-28 08:03:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
good luck with all of that.
Submitted by howto (user info) at 2005-04-28 07:44:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
I hate David Byrne so much