3 replies to this topic

[Kipp]

One of the new books coming out in the world of Springsteen is Bruce Springsteen and The Promise of Rock 'n' Roll by Marc Dolan. (978-0-393-08135-0) I believe it has an official June release date.

I could not put it down. I believe it is one of the best combinations of scholar and fan books to be found. I did not find it going to the extent of hagiography that Marsh's books tend to go, making it much more engrossing. It does contain a lot of insight and thought-provoking material like the kind that makes Sawyers books so mind-expanding and interesting. I found it to be very even-handed in discussing all the different aspects of Bruce's life and career (the various band members are discussed very well and in a way I haven't found in the other books).

If you are interested in reading and learning about the phenomena that is Springsteen I would strongly urge you to read this book. I think it will benefit fans of all levels. If you have not read many of the books available on the subject I would like to recommend this as one to make a point to read. (I have no ties to any author or publisher)

[Growin' Up]

Thanks for the review. I did notice this a while back, but was put off by the author's academic background and lack of other material.

I find academics writing about music to be a bit too self-important and focusing on minutiae at the expense of the bigger picture.

How is the book structured? I may look again at pre-ordering it if the price comes down.

[Kipp]

Thanks for the review. I did notice this a while back, but was put off by the author's academic background and lack of other material.

I find academics writing about music to be a bit too self-important and focusing on minutiae at the expense of the bigger picture.

How is the book structured? I may look again at pre-ordering it if the price comes down.

I have to admit that I do have a preference for academics, that is the nature of my job. BUT, he is a loooongtime Springsteen fanatic. I think that may be why the book seemed so balanced to me.
The book is chronological with each chapter covering about 3 years.(3 years is by no means a hard and fast rule, 1997-2005 is one chapter.
Going back to the balance, there were parts where I was thinking-How did he possibly come up with that?-and that is where the academic part comes in. The book is heavily annotated with previous books by others,interviews, and recordings. He gives credit where it is due. I guess that is part of the appeal to me, it brought many different parts together-the casual fan, the fanatic, the critic,the social scientist.
I looked at it very skeptically at the beginning. The first few chapters, 1964-1968,1968-1971,1971-1972,had so much information about early performances,the set lists,the musicians,the details, the influences not only on Bruce but the songs played at shows and auditions. It seemed impossible but again with the annotations it made sense. I think anybody who has read much about Bruce knows that the early period is not as solidly documented as the later parts of the career but a lot of holes are filled in and makes sense. I am sure people will quibble about fine points.
It may not be the ultimate hard and fast biography but it pulls a lot together and reads very well.

[Barney McRubble]

Amazon UK is showing 28 July as the publishing date. I've just pre-ordered it. I've got to admit that I tend to prefer the academic approach so I'm looking forward to getting this - if its as good as you say.