Bruce Springsteen - Hammersmith Odeon '75 Album Review

Artist - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Album - Hammersmith Odeon '75

Label - Columbia

Album Review

Following the success of the 30th anniversary re-release/ remaster of Born To Run, Columbia have had the presence of mind to release a recording of the infamous concert in the UK, where Springsteen started to promote himself outside the US. And what a great record it is of a key period in Springsteen's career, a period that is so well documented by bootleg recordings of radio shows and small venue barnstormers - when the live show WAS the way people experienced this music. This was a time when the E Street Band was just forming in its current make-up, and they play beautifully, full of soulful funk, backing a Springsteen many may not have heard before - one with sass, swing and a real R&B vibe. Songs like For You solo are heart-stopping in their raw emotion; the energy is almost tangible on songs like Kitty's Back. This is an essential disc from an essential musician.

Rating 10/10

Mike Rea

Adult Contemporary Essentials