And now we have Greetings‘ cast of characters — Wild Billy, Killer Joe, Hazy Davy, G-Man, and Crazy Janey — heading out for a Saturday night of wild abandon up at Greasy Lake. There’s partying, hurt, and romance goin’ on, with Bruce spinning out some of his most memorable early-career lines and images, my favorites being “she kissed me just right like only a lonely angel can,” and “Me and Crazy Janey was makin’ love in the dirt singin’ our birthday songs.”
On record, the song has a tight R&B shuffle. When played live, “Spirit In The Night” has more of a rave-up kind of feel, especially later on when the longer piano/sax/organ intro was added. I’ve seen Bruce play this one several times and it always felt like you were going back and taking that trip with him.
Man, it’s been a long time since I’ve been up to Greasy Lake, and this version from from 1978 really takes me back.
Next up: It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City
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