Comments on: No Retreat, No Surrender: The Ultimate Springsteen Countdown (#195-191)

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:20:06 +0000

Since we’re only looking at album cuts, I agree with “Long Time Coming”. I have a bootleg from the GOTJ tour that features him performing it solo, and it’s a gorgeous tune. I was really thrilled to see it on the D&D track list. And a bit disappointed when I saw it there.

And Human Touch, where half the list so far has come from, is definitely his weakest album. I can’t quibble too much.

By: Hozza 16

Hozza 16 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:15:43 +0000

I admire you for your effort here and I am aware that subjectivity is strange beast. But for this part of the list it feels as though you have just finished listening to D&D, and as such have stuck your least favourite tracks from this album right into the list without holistic consideration of the final list.

To me all the way home and long time coming are truly beautiful songs, lyrically they are wonderful with rich imagery and meaning e.g.

Crashing like a drunk on the barroom floor
Get birth naked and bury my old soul and dance on its grave

Moreover long time coming on the live in Dublin CD is amazing.

Again subjectivity is a funny ol’ fruit but…….. Dry Lightening, Its one of my favourite Springsteen tracks!! Lyrically its a gem and sung with fantastic western drawl.

By: Jbev

Jbev — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:13:09 +0000

To Paddy: Thanks for the kind words. I honestly tried not to take into account the album when rating each song. For me, “Long Time Comin” doesn’t quite get off the ground, and “All The Way Home” is a tad forgettable. But, whenever I get knowledgeable responses from fans like you, it makes me think twice about it. I’m probably too stubborn to change my mind, but I still think twice. Thanks for writing.
Jbev

By: Paddy

Paddy — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 07:29:31 +0000

Enjoying your commentary so far, but am disappointed to see “Long Time Comin’” buried so deep on your list. Your review acknowledges the poignant nature of the lyrics, but you punish it for what it could have been rather than praising it for what it is. It is easily one of the best songs on one of his most underrated albums.

I found the review of “All the Way Home” very entertaining, but could think of a half dozen weaker songs on “Devils and Dust.” Judging from your incisive bottom 10, you like to peel off the weakest albums in chunks. I am surprised not to find more selections from “Ghost of Tom Joad”, “Working on a Dream” or “Mary Queen of Arkansas” in the bottom 10.

Nonetheless, I dig what you’re doing here.

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:21:46 +0000

Well Jim, I knew it wouldnt take you long to screw it up. Long Time Coming is a vwery underrated song off of the Devils and Dust – which in itself is very underrated. Just cause the Boss makes an album that is different from his mainstream stuff doesnt make it bad. Long Time Coming was great in the intimate live setting of D&D. Stop going to the movies and get to a concert!!! Rick