srm@packard.UUCP (SR Marcovici) (05/24/84)
O.K. I've held back too long. I can't believe the consistency with
which netters have been putting down "Dancing in the Dark"!
Here's the opinion of a long-time Springsteen follower (me):
Although being a fairly simple tune, I believe "Dancing..." boasts
several very strong points:
+ The message conveyed in the lyrics is one of the more
haunting and mature messages BS has ever attempted to convey; the
storyline, I feel, is well supported by the mood of the music.
+ The instrumentation and production represent a new move for
BS. He has NEVER used synthesizers to the extent used here; guitars
are played down. This indicates to me a desire to remain current (not
necessarily commercial) and not go stale like some other artists.
I was VERY glad NOT to hear the same E Street instrumentation again.
+ The record features an excellent example of BS's unique,
and gripping, vocal style. Plus, the laid back Sax instrumental which
comes at the end of the song is nothing short of wonderful.
+ I believe that this is one record which will tend to grow on
the listener; it's a subtle record, and not an instant attention
grabber. Suggestion: If you really care, go out and buy the single and
listen to it on a good system a few times.
I welcome any mail re. this and would like to see some
articles posted by others who don't hate the record as much as others
seem to.
Steve Marcovici
AT&T Bell Laboratories
{pyuxnn, packard} ! srm