By Andrew Levengood, Staff Writer
In 1978, Bruce Springsteen released his much anticipated follow-up to Born to Run. After three years of lawsuits and problems with the record company, Darkness on the Edge of Town, reached fifth on the U.S. Billboard, exciting fans all over the world. On November 16, the 25 anniversary of that release, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will release The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story.
This three CD and DVD box set will include an entirely remastered version of the original album, a double album of unreleased songs recorded during the sessions for Darkness on the Edge of Town, the documentary of the making of this iconic album, a performance of the album in its entirety, unseen performances of songs from the album and its recording sessions, and a concert from 1978 in Houston.
The double album of outtakes, also available for separate purchase, entitled The Promise, includes many bootlegged and heralded songs from the Jersey icon. The first song on this unprecedented album of unreleased material is an extended version of Racing in the Street, but this one was recorded in 1978. It features a long piano intro, accompanied by superb harmonica by Springsteen. This version was performed throughout the tour, following the release of Darkness on the Edge of Town in 1978. Also on this album is the original version of Because the Night, which Springsteen gave to Patti Smith who famously recorded the song as her highest charting hit. Also included are other songs Springsteen gave away such as Rendezvous, Fire, and Talk to Me.
Also in this box set is a performance of the album in its entirety from the current band in the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This performance was recorded without any crowd so that each and every piece of music could be heard in all its glory, in an intimate venue.
The main feature of this deluxe release is The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town, directed by Thom Zimmy, who is both Grammy and Emmy nominated. Filmed from 1976 to 1978, this documentary shows Bruce and the E Street Band in the studio writing, performing, and recording Darkness on the Edge of Town. This offers fans a way to see how the genius of this group creates their music and how the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen and the production of Steve Van Zandt and Jon Landau mix to create 20th century masterpieces.
Also on this album is a legendary concert from the famed 1978 tour, supporting Darkness on the Edge of Town from Houston. Included in this concert are songs from Darkness on the Edge of Town, songs that were never released as studio recordings until this box set, and one of the first performances of Independence Day, which would not be released until 1980 on The River.
Overall, this remaster of one of classic rocks most important albums is a must have for not only Bruce Springsteen fans, but all rock fans alike. Never before has any artist released such a complex look at one of their most influential pieces in such an awe-inspiring way.
