I remember listening to the Bruce Springsteen album, 'Born in the USA' when it came out. I thought that the video for 'Dancing in the Dark' was a 'real' concert, with an excited fan being plucked from the crowd- not actress Courtney Cox. Oh, sweet naivete!
Now, living in a different country, and being about two decades older, the songs, videos and context of the album have a totally different meaning. I listen to "Glory Days" and feel like I have turned into that narrator, posing and contemplating moments long gone. I showed my students the 'Born in the USA' video in class the other week. I felt strangely patriotic, as well as horrified at the images that are put out as being what is American. Before, I only saw THE BOSS in his hobo chic of natty hanky around his neck, and lovely head band. Clarence Clemens, the fab sax player, has some hot clap along moves in the 'Dancing in the Dark' video- he was the definition of '80s cool. Now, 20 years on, he has passed away- just like the 'Glory Days.'
I know this album so well, it is hard to discern at this point what was a 'hit' and what is an album track, but a jam none the less. The amazing song 'I'm Going Down' has been on repeat in my ipod- the desperation, hope and longing. These themes never grow old.
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