"The Promise" delivers new light on Springsteen

HBO has been showing a 90-minute documentary on the making of Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" that puts Bruce, at least for me, in a new light. 

I've always been a passing but not passionate fan of Springsteen. I own a half-dozen Springsteen albums, including "Darkness," but I haven't listened to any in more than a decade. 

However, after watching "The Promise: The Making of 'Darkness on the Edge of Town," I've come away with a new appreciation for the persistence and passion that fueled an arduous recording process from 1976-78. Springsteen comes across as an egotistical control freak, but in a good way as he chases the perfect phrase, the ideal snare sound, the right mix of songs. It's his name on the brand -- it's interesting to see that he already knows he's building a brand way back in 1978 --  so he goes over the top in chasing down the details, often to the disgust/respect of The E Street Band. 

Hardcore Boss fans no doubt have already seen this show, but I encourage casual fans to give it a watch. The story behind the story often seems straight out of Bruce's own lyrics celebrating hard work, heartache and the American Dream.