Music review: Bruce Springsteen – 鈥楢merican Beauty鈥�
Record Store Day celebrates the perseverance and importance of independently owned and operated record stores in the United States and thousands of similar stores internationally.
I can fondly remember spending the majority of my weekly allowance on the latest new releases at the local record store. The excitement of bringing home a new vinyl record from the likes of Angel, Thin Lizzy, Styx, Boston, Foreigner and Cheap Trick was better than a day at Kennywood. I鈥檒l take a vinyl record over a CD or MP3 any day of the year.
The beautiful packaging, double-sided playing area and grooved texture make the vinyl experience like no other. The hisses, crackles and pops add character and authenticity to the listening adventure.
In honor of this year鈥檚 Record Store Day, Bruce Springsteen issued four previously unreleased tracks. The new EP follows the music icon鈥檚 18th studio album released in January. The songs represent a few tasty leftovers not included on any of Springsteen鈥檚 most recent albums.
鈥淎merican Beauty鈥� rushes out of the gate with an invigorating title track filled with driving guitars and Springsteen鈥檚 spirited, country-flavored vocals. 鈥淢ary Mary鈥� is a soft and melodic charmer that comfortably cradles Springsteen鈥檚 gentle voice with soothing violin, cello and acoustic guitar.
鈥淗urry Up Sundown鈥� is yet another blue-collar rocker that could have easily found its way on any of Springsteen鈥檚 previous releases. 鈥淗ey Blue Eyes鈥� closes out the set with an accusing tone directed at the Bush administration. As usual, Springsteen doesn鈥檛 disappoint on this abbreviated offering of pure emotion and beauty.
Only 7,500 copies of this special 12-inch vinyl record were released. If you were lucky enough to grab one, I鈥檓 sure your turntable has been working overtime. If you prefer your music in a more modern format, you can still purchase the songs digitally. 鈥淎merican Beauty鈥� is an unexpected surprise no matter how you choose to listen.