AMERICAN AQUARIUM, BORN TO RUN

What do you do most every review of your music compares you to a Southern Springsteen? Give the people what they want, complete the dock-worker uniform.

The people of New Jersey selected “Born to Run” as their official state song, which really sums up the beauty and the spirit of New Jersey: they picked a song about leaving the state, as their state song. That’s beautiful. Of course some assholes in the legislature screwed the whole thing up, but hey, the people have spoken.

THE AVETT BROTHERS, GLORY DAYS

Who knew the only thing the E-Street band was missing was a banjo? And a cello? And a couple of brothers from North Carolina going “wooooo?” Plus, the Avett’s sparse use of that kick drum really makes Max Weinberg sound like dead weight.

I found a video of Bon Jovi covering this song too, but whatever, those nancy guidos can fuck themselves. And I’m pretty sure Jon pissed off the guy that’s supposed to tune his guitar… and vocals. If you want a good laugh, you can watch it here.

ARCADE FIRE, BORN IN THE USA

Arcade Fire has actually played with Springsteen a good bit. I hope the Boss showed some fucking some skinny-legged hipsters how a real man’s blue jeans are supposed to fit. But don’t let pretentious Arcade Fire fans with ridiculous haircuts and thrift store clothes paid for with a trust fund ruin a good band for you. This video of them playing Neon Bible in a freight elevator is amazing.

This video was shot at the Obama Staff Ball at the inauguration. When the light hits the sign just right behind them, it’s looks like it says “America’s Prom,” which seems hilariously appropriate to me. I really wish the Obama staffers had been able to recognize the first verse of this song before it hit the chorus and had started taping it then. Dildos.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, 10TH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT

Yeah, this is actually Springsteen, but hey, I had to hear 10^th Avenue Freeze Out and no one does is like the Boss, at least not on youtube. (I’ve heard Brother Sal kill it  live with the Waco Tragedies).