Sparks fly on E Street when the boy prophets walk it handsome and hot…
Yeah, sometime a song hits hard because of the meaning. Other times, it’s the vibe and exuberance that’s transmitted. “The E Street Shuffle” is one of those songs that makes my ear parts sing. From the opening busted horn parts to the slippery guitar intro to the group-shout chorus, it’s one of those songs that feels more fun to me as time goes on.
While there are certainly more serious moments on The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, the opening song is a big blast of fun that not only sets a mood but also served to highlight Springsteen’s ambition: the album would bring with it jazz influences, wild improvisation in the live setting, and some relentless rock.
The studio version of “The E Street Shuffle” would have been instructive here, but I just couldn’t resist this live take from the full-album show at Madison Square Garden in 2009. Bruce “conducting” the horn intro? It’s just too much fun.
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