Farewell to "The Big Man"

I've never been what you would describe as a "die hard" Springsteen fan. Like many music fans, I was familiar with the hits: "Born to Run", "Hungry Heart", and so on.I'd seen Bruce live twice in my whole life - the first time, at the Nassau Mausoleum (not a spelling error) during his solo run in 1992 for "Lucky Town/Human Touch" - with no E Street Band backing him. It wouldn't be for another 10 years that I would see Bruce again - this time to support "The Rising" at the Meadowlands. The difference: he was joined by the full E Street Band - and to say it was night and day compared to that '92 show would be a gross understatement.

While the material from "The Rising" was both inspirational and sad (as Springsteen's response to the 9/11 attacks), the show itself was no less than spectacular, due solely to the musicianship and sheer entertainment of seeing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band perform together - running through their entire catalog of hits and some non-hits - but all in all, making for a memorable concert experience.

Regretfully, it would be the last time I ever saw them play live together, and I wish I had paid better attention to be honest. How could I have known that it would be both the first and last time I'd see Clarence Clemons perform with Bruce? I always thought that Bruce and Clarence would be around forever, and I'll just catch them when they come around again the next time. Shame on me.

Many of you reading this may only know Clarence Clemons as that saxophone player on Lady Gaga's new song "Edge of Glory". While this is barely a fraction of a scintilla of Clarence's achievements, it's evidence that he was still considered one of the greatest sax players ever - to be able to remain musically relevant to a whole other generation of music fans is not an easy task. If that is how you best know him, I beg you to borrow your parents' copies of "Born to Run", "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "The River" - and listen to how instrumental Clarence was to that eerily dark and haunting sound that accompanied Springsteen's poetic lyrics. Below are some examples of that genius, which sadly will never be repeated and will likely mean an end to the E Street Band. If you had a chance to ever witness them live, consider yourself extremely lucky. If you didn't, the music will always be there, but it just won't be the same.

"Jungleland" (Filmed at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. 19-9-1978)

"Thunder Road" (live from 1976)

"Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" (Filmed at Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. 19-9-1978)

"Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" (Old Grey Whistle Test 1979)

There are few times in life when you realize that an event truly means the end of something - an era, a special time - and it will never be the same. Imagining Bruce without Clarence, is one of them.

25 Years Later, The Queen is Still Dead, Yet Alive

Twenty-five years ago this week, The Smiths released their third —and, in many people's opinion (including my own), best — album, The Queen is Dead, described as "a note-perfect marriage of Johnny Marr’s peerless pop songcraft and Morrissey’s pointed political commentary, lovesick laments and wicked humor." The album spawned a pair of the band's biggest hits: "The Boy With the Thorn In His Side” and “Bigmouth  Strikes Again,” as well as one of their most beloved songs: “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.”

To mark this important milestone anniversary of what many consider to be one of the most important albums of the 1980's, our good friends, The Sons and Heirs will be performing the album in its entirety this Saturday, June 18th, at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC (as well as an array of other Smiths/Morrissey classics)- featuring special guest DJ - former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke (further details and ticket info can be found here: Eventbrite).

To get you psyched for the show - or to further convince/educate you about The Smiths - please to enjoy: 

Look for a review of the show next Monday, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts, songs, highlights and feedback. Have a great weekend!
--Matt

This Week, I've Discovered...The Postelles

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was/am still kind of a fan of The Strokes. One of my biggest complaints about their most recent effort, Angles,was their growing lack of enthusiasm, not to mention how disjointed they've become as a band since their debut, "Is This It" in 2001. The first album showed promise and was a much-needed return to good ol' rock n roll, but with each new disc they released, the band began to veer into uncharted waters and eventually lost that old school, peppy rock feel that drew me to them in the first place.

Luckily, a new band has emerged, featuring a cheerier sound and who actually have a very similar history to The Strokes. In fact, their self-titled debut album was co-produced by Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond, Jr., and features a refreshing return to old school, dance-able rock, reminiscent of the Strokes' hits "Last Nite" and "Someday", but showcasing a perkier, more fun sounding beat, with a less cynical lyrical approach.

I'm happy to introduce The Postelles - with influences that range from Buddy Holly to the early Rolling Stones to the aforementioned Strokes, as well as classic punk bands like the Ramones and the Clash. They formed in 2007 while attending high school in NYC and released a four-song EP in 2009. The success of that EP led to their first full-length CD, released just last week, which you can listen to below.

Without too much hyperbole, The Postelles make good music, pure and simple. It's guitars, drums, melodies and kitschy lyrics all mixed to create a sound that's new and fresh, but oddly familiar. They're currently touring the US, having just completed two nights at NY's Mercury Lounge. Be sure to keep an eye (and an ear) out for them this summer.

As usual, let me know your thoughts about the music, and if you know of any new bands you'd like to see featured here, be sure to drop me an email at mattdebes@gmail.com.

Sh*t on My iPod Right Now: Early Summer 2011 Edition

Yes, yet another idea I'm "borrowing" from my good friend and fellow blogger, DJ AJ - here's what I've been listening to on repeat lately. As you'll see, I've got a big dance music thing happening right now, which is typical for me around this time of year, as I dream of myself attending several BBQ's, beach parties and jams reminscent of Corona commercials and MTV Spring Breaks that require my music skillz (note the z)...none of which I am ACTUALLY attending and/or DJ'ing, but these songs make for great running music and walking from the train to my office.

In any event, enjoy and let me know if these are your favorites too or feel free to add some of your own!