August 23, 2018 - Bruce Springsteen - Out in the Street (1980)

When I listen to Out in the Street, I imagine Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as a gang in the West Side Story universe, banging on garbage cans, leaping for joy on the sidewalks, brimming with passionate youthful energy just a few parallel blocks away from the Jets. Or, alternately, as the one gang in The Warriors that has no interest in fighting or protecting their turf...they just want to dance in the street and play music. "Sure, your gang can pass through here, go ahead! Your colors? Aw man, like we told the Baseball Furies, we don't care about that, now come on, let's get the music going guys!"

In the opening verse, Bruce sings baby, darlin', and honey, getting his girl all worked up about going out that evening. She deserves a night out after all day...working that hard line. And so does the Boss. He works five days a week loading crates down on the dock, a young guy who lives for the weekend, getting out of my work clothes, and having a good time. He sings about himself, but it's also for the enjoyment of his girl, who is certainly just as excited.

The song bursts with energy. Bruce sings with unbridled enthusiasm and freedom; every word delivered is a celebration of rock n roll. The E Street Band are primed, Bittan's happy piano octaves, Federici's light glockenspiel taps, Clarence Clemons blowing out one of his classic sax solos at 2:20, Bruce and Little Steven banging out guitar chords, Weinberg and Tallent working the groove.