Extended Play

I've listened to the new Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band CD "Magic" (due in stores Tuesday) several times now. In many ways, it's more immediate than "The Rising." While that album was good, it took me awhile to truly get into all the songs. Early reports said "Magic" was a return to the loose and fun vibe that ran through "The River," but that isn't always the case. Here are some of my impressions:

“Radio Nowhere” - A driving rocker; fortunately, the dense sound Brendan O'Brien used here isn't characteristic of all the songs

“You'll Be Comin' Down” - Midtempo number; classic '80s Bruce & E Street with a great melody and harmonies. There's a majestic Clarence Clemons solo halfway through

“Livin' in the Future” - Opens with Clemons' sax; a good time, put a smile on your face kind of tune that bears a resemblance to “Glory Days.” Prominent Steven Van Zandt backing vocals, a humorous lyric, organ solo; several Clemons solos and a closing "na na na" refrain makes this a standout

"Your Own Worst Enemy" – Enriched by a string section and a relaxed Bruce vocal; he harmonizes with Nils Lofgren here

"Gypsy Biker" – Upbeat, opens with wicked "Nebraska"-styled harp; two scorching, reverb electric guitar solos and Steven backing vocals

"Girls in Their Summer Clothes" – Warm recollection with a violin opening, relaxed Bruce vocal; “Frankie” and “on the edge of town” in the lyrics; subtle sax work

"I'll Work For Your Love" - “Pour me a drink Teresa” lyric and rollicking piano: sure to put a smile on your face; vaguely recalls “Growin' Up”; pictureque lyrics

"Magic" – Simple guitar work with violin; could almost be an outtake from "Tom Joad"

" Last To Die" - Midtempo number with piano; reminded me of "No Surrunder" at first; has a trademark Bruce lyric: “we took the highway ' til the road went black." Steven on backing vocals

"Long Walk Home" – Shuffle guitar with nice piano work; memorable melody, plus electric guitar and sax solos

"Devil's Arcade" – Opens with a lush bed of violin/keyboards; picturesque lyrics; a slow burner, sweeping orchestartion and crashing drums from Max Weinberg at end.

Apparently, Steven, Max and Nils Lofgren came in to do their studio parts on weekends. This time around, there's a noticeable lack of distinctive rhythms on Max's part.