"Bridge & Tunnel Boys"
It's been a number of years since we have watched the Grammys with any anticipation. I assume it's a question of preferring particular artists and styles, rather than the current state of contemporary music. I've read that some studies show that our musical tastes are locked in during teenage years.
Despite the studies, I've always considered myself to be eclectic with music. Wide-ranging, interested in many styles. I realize that music is very personal and subjective, to each his own. I feature myself somewhat a musical snob. I use Spotify, and as I review my bookmarked artists, albums and playlists, I'm not so sure this is true.
I like to think my tastes have evolved over the years. Not just music, but with books, food, etc. And to a degree, I feel this is true. Reasonably open to the new. And then the Streaming AI Mega-Verse weighed-in, revealing my predictable data points
called "Your Top Songs 2023". Spotify confirmed the reality. What struck me was not the list of musicians, but more the musical styles that were reflected, specifically folk, blues, New Orleans, and rock. Which kind of confirms the studies that one's musical tastes are determined in ur formative years. I love a good cover song, so that this list included an eclectic group of artists who recorded a song, from among others, Springsteen, Petty, Simon, The Band and Talking Heads. I suppose we are what we eat.
Not sure how this book relates, but I found that my Spotify 2023 list had more Springsteen, whether original or cover, than any other musician. I suppose that is the Jersey in me. And growing up in Jersey, we were bridge & tunnel boys, the GW Bridge and the Lincoln Tunnel. Bridge & Tunnel, a derogatory reference to those from Metropolitan New York, but who do not come from New York City, specifically Manhattan. Like Billy & Bruce. There is a couple of interesting quotes in the author's introduction:
"There's a little bit of an inferiority complex, which I find charming"
Billy Joel, on Long Island life, 2010
"We, who bear the coolness of the forever uncool"
Bruce Springsteen, NJ Hall of Fame induction speech, 2008
The book analyzes the parallels in the careers of Joel and Springsteen. Born within months of each other, struggling for music industry acceptance, both becoming major artists in the early 80's, both difficult bandleaders, and both struggling with personal issues and success. Though there is no lack of writing about Joel and Springsteen, "Bridge & Tunnel Boys" offers a different slant. A good read.
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