Magic Tour Highlights

Even without the tragic backstory of Danny Federici's death, this four-song set would be a strong, powerful little LP. The performances are powerful--Springsteen actually turns the mic over to his guests (Alejandro Escovado, Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, and Roger McGuinn from the Byrds), and lets them do their own thing. The E Street Band, as well, has room to play--this is very much an E Street Band album, not simply a Springsteen record.

It kicks off with Escovado's "Always a Friend To You," then swings into a stellar version of "Ghost of Tom Joad," through a rowdy "Turn, Turn, Turn," and into a powerful "4th of July, Asbury Park." It's hard to listen to this final performance without thinking of Federici (who made a brief return to the band to perform this number); that's unavoidable, I'm afraid. And Springsteen's cry of "Danny!" at the end of the song makes your heart break, knowing what came after. But these four tunes aren't merely hyped up because of a band member's death (as is often the case, let's admit); these are four powerful, engaging performances, that make you wish there was a full-length concert album available. Maybe there will be, one day. For now, we have these four tunes...and some wonderful, bittersweet memories.

Once again, several months after the single "Girls In Their Summer Clothes", once again, it's impossible for me (as a non-american) to download and BUY these recordings. We live in a strange world, Music Industry always tell us to respect the artists, tell us that it's bad to download illegally, and on the other half, it seems that for Sony there is no Springsteen fans outside of America... Just to say that the four shows in Spain last July were sold out, 272000 people in four shows... And a few part of them were americans.

So only 1 star for this item...
JC

The Boss is always great live. The last performance with Danny Federici
is choice. I would prefer the option for better quality files
even at a higher cost. However these files have adequate sound quality.
Definitely worthwhile.

I would have given this an easy 5 stars if Tom Morello would have left out his solo on Tom Joad...song was great until his solo. Not really sure why people get impressed by his style of playing at all...absolute shrill noise.

The other three songs make up for it...can't beat the price.

Good song selection from Magic Tour. Especially like the full band version of "Ghost of Tom Joad" which I think is much better than the regular album version. I don't like the download format though. Would prefer a professional CD and/or vinyl release with color inserts, lyrics, etc. Very unpersonal these downloads. Bass tones are lacking too. Would like to see Bruce and the E Street Band just put out an all covers CD ala Metallica as their covers are often better than the original artist version. Again would like professional CD/LP even if cost was higher.