Bruce Springsteen: Blinded by the Light

In stunning tribute to Springsteen's extraordinary career, the authors of Blinded By The Light have created a phenomenally well documented retrospective that brings together all the diverse influences that characterize his style. This book is not just another Springsteen biography but rather a comprehensive history and catalog of all his recorded material and concert performances. "The Bruce Files," a section comprising more than half the book, contains exhaustive international discographical information (listing every recording, legitimate or otherwise), every concert appearance (as well as radio and television appearances), every song written or performed, plus interviews, album cover versions, and posters. In addition, there is a list of other artists' songs performed by Springsteen, which contains invaluable historical notes, and a discography for the E Street Band. The book is also illustrated throughout with over 250 exciting photographs, many never before published.

British journalist Humphries and collector Hunt have compiled arguably "the ultimate Springsteen manual." In the first section, Humphries, who writes that Springsteen "conjures up the American dream," captures the performer's appeal in a nicely etched biographical portrait. The book's second half, "The Bruce Files," by Hunt, exhaustively catalogues Springsteen's radio/TV/concert and rock-video appearances. The extensive discography alphabetically lists all Springsteen songs and recordings (including bootlegs). Remarkably, Hunt also attempts to document every song Springsteen has ever sung written by other artistseven if Springsteen sung it only once. Including more than 275 illustrations of posters, torn tickets, record labels, magazine covers, Japanese record jackets, newspaper clips, etc., this career compendium is calculated to dazzle any Springsteen fan. (June
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This two-part tribute to Bruce Springsteen is full of old and new information and insights. Humphries's Part 1 describes Springsteen's rise to pop stardom in the context of the world of rock'n'roll. His insights into Bruce's lyrics are more interesting because of his British perspective. Hunt's Part 2 is a chronology from 1965 to 1985 that covers appearances and other "career milestones," along with some trivia. Several annotated lists follow, among them an alphabetical listing of each of Springsteen's compositions; other songs he has performed; and bootleg singles, EPs, and albums. The black-and-white photos cover everything from the usual concert pics to rare old posters and tickets. A thorough compilation of Springsteen facts and comments, for most popular music collections. Susan Avallone, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.