bruce springsteen

Live Review: Bruce Springsteen, Co-op Live Manchester, 20th May 2025

/ James Fenney

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve stepped into a big arena to see a proper certified legend. There’s a unique buzz that comes from seeing an iconic, beloved, household name in the flesh. It’s the kind of experience that will have you bragging “I’ve actually seen them live!“, whenever the opportunity presents itself, for the rest of your days. It’s a rush that I’ve been craving of late, and I’ll be damned if Bruce Springsteen doesn’t fit the bill perfectly. My appreciation for his work has grown slowly but steadily over the years, as I’ve begun to grasp how foundational his influence is for so many acts I adore, but delving into his prolific back catalogue will only get you so far. For decades now, Bruce and the E Street Band have set the standard for live shows with their marathon 3 hour sets, and finally experiencing that first-hand felt like undertaking some rock and roll rite of passage. I had no clue where that journey would take me, no clue of the scale of the buzz around these shows, all I knew for certain was that I’d sure be getting my money’s worth. Continue reading →

Must Own Albums: American Essentials

/ James Fenney

Elvis_Presley_Album_CoverElvis Presley – Elvis Presley

The debut album of one of the greatest musical icons, the first rock and roll album ever to make it to the top of the charts. Elvis was, and in many ways still is, a cultural phenomenon who forever changed the face of music. It’s Elvis… need I say more?

are you experiencedThe Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are You Experienced

Another debut album, one of the finest in fact, from the greatest guitarist who has ever lived. He would go on to create music unlike anything that had come before and influence generations of people to start playing guitar. The US release featured some of his biggest hits, including “Purple Haze”, “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Foxy Lady”.

ThrillerMichael Jackson – Thriller

Thriller saw the King of Pop continue to expand his music in various directions in an attempt to create an album that would be loved by all. Clearly it was a success as a year after it’s release it became, and still is, the best selling album of all time. The album was one of the first to use music videos to help promote the massive singles “Thriller”, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It”.

bornintheusaBruce Springsteen – Born in the USA

Possibly one of the most American things ever made. Here The Boss brought some lively, upbeat songs with help from The E Street Band which were a stark change from the dark content of his previous album “Nebraska”. The songs still cope with less than cheerful topics, The Vietnam war on the title track and the thoroughly fed-up and self deprecating lyrics of lead single “Dancing in the Dark”, but they are all sung optimistically in search of a silver lining.

bridgeovertroubledwaterSimon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water

One last swan song from one of the best musical duos. The signature harmonies and enchanting vocals are still here, but the once stripped back folk sound has been expanded. Paul Simon would later go on to a successful solo career and Art Garfunkel would… erm, not. But here the two of them give their fans some of their best work as a final parting gift, including the title track, “Cecilia” and “The Boxer”.