September 30, 2016
Welcome to the latest edition of our Reader Digest, where we have curated the pieces we have enjoyed most on the web over the last month.
This September, in honour of The Boss, read Amanda Petrusich on Springsteen’s The River album in the New Yorker,
and join Ruth and Martin’s Album Club at the beginning, with a first listen to Darkness on the Edge of Town;
Journey through Bobby Gillespie’s favourite albums (featuring the Scream frontman’s love of The Clash) for his Baker’s Dozen selection in The Quietus;
One of the 20th Century’s finest writers, Elizabeth Hardwick pens a poetically personal profile of Billie Holiday in the March 4th, 1974 edition of the New York Review of Books;
Lester Bangs vs Lou Reed, Let it Rock, November 1973;
Pitchfork joins the dots of the explosive, astonishing summer of 1976;
and an astonishingly young Janis Ian performs as Leonard Bernstein analyses and waxes lyrical on the strange new pop music of 1966.
READ!
Springsteen’s Most Anxious Album – the New Yorker
““Everything dies, baby, that’s a fact,” Springsteen sings on “Atlantic City,” the album’s spectral, ominous second track. And he means everything: not just our corporeal selves, but our devotions, obsessions, sacred oaths. Somehow, that’s not even the song’s most shattering bit: “I got debts no honest man can pay,” Springsteen concedes in the second verse. It is as pure an admission of spiritual defeat as any other line in American verse.”
Ruth and Martin’s Album Club, Week 1: “Darkness on the Edge of Town”
“For me it is an album that reflects the realities of life, particularly the difference between living life and simply existing. But meaning aside, this is an album of 10 great tracks… So, I love it, all these critics love it. You’re 43, you’ve listened to loads of albums, why have you never listened to this one? WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU???”
Howls From The Soul: Bobby Gillespie’s Favourite Albums – the Quietus
“Punk rock was my portal and pathway to being a creative person. And the first Clash album was everything to set me on my way. Even now, I feel quite emotional talking about this. It’s the most emotional record the Clash made because there’s something really pure about it. I also think there’s a humanism that the Clash have that the Pistols didn’t, as the latter were just pure rage. For those reasons, this record is my life.”
Elizabeth Hardwick: Billie Holiday – The New York Review of Books
““Lady’s a little behind. She’s over-scheduled herself.” Groans and coughs from the bedroom. In the peach-shaded lights, the wan rosiness of a beaten sofa was visible. A shell, still flushed from the birth of some crustacean, was filled with cigarette ends. A stocking on the floor. And the record player, on and on, with the bright clarity of her songs. Smoke and perfume and somewhere a heart pounding.”
Lou Reed vs Lester Bangs
“Both Transformer and the single from it are enormous hits. Lou Reed is not only a legend: he’s a star. In one of the interviews he did last summer, Lou said: “I can create a vibe without saying anything, just by being in the room.”
He was right.”
Punk, Disco, and Silly Love Songs: Revisiting the Explosive Summer of 1976 – Pitchfork
“It’s the summer of 1976, and the American Bicentennial is exploding across the sky. Amid fireworks and the wanton merchandising of patriotism, the United States turns 200. It’s more than a nice, round number. After Watergate, Vietnam, and the 1960s, a decade during which the fabric of the country seemed to unravel, America stands. Just as unbelievably, the 21st century is now in view. We’re becoming aware that the 2000s—the future speculated on in so much science fiction—will soon arrive; Viking 1 lands on Mars, sending back indications of possible life and the iconic photo of a giant face among its mountains. It’s the end of old things, the start of new ones, and a celebration of our own unlikely survival”
WATCH!
“Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution” – 1967 CBS Special, hosted by Leonard Bernstein, featuring Janis Ian
“…This strange and compelling scene called pop music … It’s completely of, by, and for the kids. And by kids I mean anyone from eight years old to twenty-five … It raises lots of questions, but right now, for openers, here are the two that concern me most. One: why do adults resent it so, and two: why do I like it?”

Bruce Springsteen Releases ‘The Live Series Vol. 2’
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen has released ‘The Live Series: Songs Under Cover, Vol. 2’ – a new collection of live recordings of cover songs performed by Bruce from 1975 to 2017.
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH – PRIMAL SCREAM
With this year marking the 30th anniversary of the epoch-defining ‘Loaded’, our artist of the month for August are the evergreen party starters, Primal Scream.
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E-STREET BAND – ‘YOU NEVER CAN TELL’
Recorded live in Leipzig, Germany in July 2013, this exhilarating video captures the thrill of catching Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band in their natural habitat.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Leonard Cohen’s poetry recital, Eddie Vedder’s sea rescue, Rick Astley’s internet prank – it’s This Week In Rock.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
From charts to shows, record releases to record-setters – it’s This Week In Rock…
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RECORD STORE DAY 2020
It’s that time of year again as we join the annual celebration of independent record stores up and down the country that is Record Store Day, with a whole host of releases exclusively available from your local music emporium on Saturday, June 20.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Landmark releases, fascinating trivia and chart topping hits – it’s This Week In Rock.
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BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – THE LIVE SERIES CONTINUES
Presenting ‘The Live Series: Songs Under Cover’, collecting some of The Boss’ most arresting cover versions.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
The Manics win big, Bruce Springsteen, Hall & Oates and Edison Lighthouse all hit the top spot and Jimi Hendrix has the promoters excited. It’s This Week In Rock!
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: PRIMAL SCREAM – ‘KILL ALL HIPPIES’
With Primal Scream’s 2000 album, ‘XTRMNTR’, about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it’s entirely apposite that we should focus our attention on the record’s lead track and third single, ‘Kill All Hippies’.
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This Week In Rock
History-making meetings, career-defining releases, epoch-engendering live shows and more – it’s This Week In Rock…
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New Springsteen Vinyl Exclusives
On February 1st we’ll be reintroducing your turntable to five classic Bruce Springsteen LPs; ‘The Rising’, ‘Devils & Dust’, ‘Live In New York City’, ‘Live In Dublin’ and ’18 Tracks’.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Landmark albums, live debuts and publishing history – it’s this week in rock…
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Who did MTV declare the Best Act Ever in 2008? The answer may shock you…
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Many happy returns, legendary performances and landmark releases. It’s this week in rock…
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Intriguing collaborations, seminal singles, classic albums and breakthrough hits – it’s this week in rock. https://www.legacyrecordings.co.uk/news/this-week-in-rock-13
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Final shows, landmark shows, epic residencies and more. It’s This Week In Rock, rock history as it happened.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Ozzy in the USSR, The Clash’s live London debut, many happy returns to David Crosby, the legendary Woodstock festival and more. It’s the week in rock as it happened…
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – ‘GLORY DAYS’
Directed by Academy Award-nominee John Sayles, this video – just like the song it’s illustrating – has lost none of its power since its original release.
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‘Blinded By The Light’ Soundtrack Out Now
We’re proud to announce that the blistering, Springsteen-fuelled soundtrack to Gurinder Chadha’s critically acclaimed movie ‘Blinded By The Light’, is out now.
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Landmark chart spots, classic shows and many happy returns – it’s this week in rock as it happened…
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THIS WEEK IN ROCK
Live debuts, awards, classic releases and a revolution in the recording industry. We look back at this week in rock history…
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: PRIMAL SCREAM – ‘ROCKS’
If any one song from their vast back catalogue perfectly encapsulates Primal Scream’s rock’n’roll side then it’s got to be ‘Rocks’.
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‘Born In The USA’ – 35th Anniversary
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s landmark album ‘Born In The U.S.A.’, we’re proud to present this 2013 performance of the album, filmed at the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London.
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Primal Scream – ‘Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Singles’ – Out Now
Ahead of this year’s vibrant festival season, Primal Scream are releasing ‘Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Singles’, collecting one of the most powerful single discographies in rock. Out now.
Plus check out new November/December tour dates…
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – ‘CADILLAC RANCH’
The chances are that we ain’t ever going to agree on what the best Bruce Springsteen album is….
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BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S MUSIC TAKES STARRING ROLE IN NEW FILM
The music of Bruce Springsteen takes a starring role in new film Blinded By The Light.
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Artist of the Month: Primal Scream
With one of the most powerful, diverse single catalogues in the history of rock – ‘Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Singles’ due out this month – our Artist of the Month for May is the unutterably incomparable Primal Scream.
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PRIMAL SCREAM’S VELOCITY GIRL TO BE REISSUED ON 7″ VINYL WITH BRAND NEW TRACK
Primal Scream’s landmark 1986 single ‘Velocity Girl’ will be reissued on limited edition 7″ vinyl on May 24, alongside the release of ‘Maximum Rock n Roll: The Singles’.
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SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY – ALBUM & NETFLIX SHOW
As Bruce Springsteen’s sold-out one man show, ‘Springsteen On Broadway’ comes to a close in New York, we’re excited to announce the release of the accompanying soundtrack set and Netflix show.
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Xmas Gift Guide
Still short a few gifts? Don’t panic. We’ve got some great Xmas box set suggestions for you…
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‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up – The Original Memphis Recordings’. Out Now
Unheard and never before released, the Original Memphis Recordings from Primal Scream’s first ‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up’ sessions, are out now.
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Primal Scream: A Love Story
Since their formation in 1982, Bobby Gillespie and co. have soundtracked innumerable lives, from the gleeful hedonism of ‘Rocks’ to the plaintive ‘Cry Myself Blind’, there’s a ‘Scream tune for every mood and every moment.
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: PRIMAL SCREAM
As we prepare to release the never-heard-before original Memphis recordings of ‘Give Out But Don’t Give Up’, Primal Scream our are Artist of the Month for October.
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: LOU REED – ‘NO MONEY DOWN’
Watching this video from 1986, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Lou Reed was less a product of the Golden Age of Rock’n’Roll and more a creation of Skynet.
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FIVE JANIS IAN CLASSICS – OUT NOW
We’re proud to present five carefully curated and lovingly remastered vinyl & CD reissues from Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Janis Ian, out now
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‘BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: THE ALBUM COLLECTION Vol. 2, 1987-1996’ – OUT NOW
Presenting a new limited edition box set of some of The Boss’ finest work, long out of print, on remastered vinyl for the first time and available now.
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Artist of the Month: Bruce Springsteen
As we revisit one of The Boss’ most urgent, powerful eras, our artist of the month for May is the one and only Bruce Springsteen.
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Win Classic Lou Reed Vinyl
Want to win six classic Lou Reed LPs?
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Bruce Springsteen – ‘Dancing In The Dark’
This week we turn to our attention to a watershed moment from The Boss (and not just because of Courtney Cox’s Dad dancing…)
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’
Well, what else could it be this week?
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JANIS IAN: THE ESSENTIAL 2.0 – OUT NOW
‘Janis Ian: The Essential 2.0’ – the first ever career-spanning two disc set celebrating the acclaimed singer-songwriter – is out now.
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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Lou Reed – ‘I Love You, Suzanne’
The 1980s proved to be a cruel and unforgiving time for many artists of a 1960s vintage but Lou Reed had always been cut from a different cloth….
Read more80 smash hits

Win Signed Screamadelica Swagnificnce
Fancy winning some exclusive ‘Screamadelica’ swag signed by Bobby Gillespie himself?
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2016 BOX SET ROUND-UP
Over the last 12 months, we at Sony Legacy have been proud to assemble some truly comprehensive compendiums of the most innovative and influential artists of all time. Here’s a look back at some of the greatest.
Read The Rundown...
New York Rawk, From Lou Reed to The Strokes
Julian Marszalek reflects on Gotham’s impressive musical legacy…
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‘Lou Reed: The RCA and Arista Album Collection’ – Out Now
Just a reminder that this incredible box set is now available on both CD and Vinyl…
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Explore ‘Lou Reed: The RCA and Arista Album Collection’
Get to grips with one of the most comprehensive collections of Lou Reed’s solo work, available now.
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: LOU REED
Our Artist of the Month is the late, great Lou Reed. Explore his legacy here.
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Bruce Springsteen – ‘Born To Run’
Some fantastic reviews for Bruce Springsteen’s genre-defining autobiography, ‘Born To Run’.
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Win Lou Reed – ‘The RCA & Arista Album Collection’
We’re very proud to offer you the chance to win the most comprehensive anthology to date of the work of the quintessential New York rocker; Lou Reed.
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Lou Reed – RCA & Arista Album Collection – Out Now
The definitive Lou Reed collection, out now…
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LEGACY READER DIGEST
A round up of the best from to read and watch on the web from September
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Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run
Learn about Bruce Springsteen’s new book ‘Born To Run’!
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Win a copy of Bruce Springsteen’s new book!
Enter our prize draw for your chance to win a copy of the new book ‘Born To Run’…
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NYC Legacy Locations
Iconic artists photographed and mapped around New York City!
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LEGACY READER DIGEST: AUGUST
What to read and watch on the web this month!
Every month, we’ll gather up essential online pieces for you to enjoy!
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Bruce Springsteen – ‘Chapter and Verse’
Bruce is back with a new book and a new album!
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LEGACY READER DIGEST: JULY EDITION
What to read and watch on the web this month!
Every month, we’ll gather up essential online pieces for you to enjoy!
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Legacy Reader Digest: June edition
What to read and watch on the web this month!
Every month, we’ll gather up essential online pieces for you to enjoy!
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Legacy Proudly Presents Janis Ian
We are thrilled to welcome Janis Ian back to the Sony Music family!
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50 Legendary British Albums
Legendary albums are available for a special price on iTunes…
Read moreBruce Springsteen – Top tracks
- Meet me in the cityBruce Springsteen
- The man who got awayBruce Springsteen
- Little white liesBruce Springsteen
- The time that never wasBruce Springsteen
- NIght fireBruce Springsteen
- and lots more!...

10 Facts About Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions
It’s the 10th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Seeger Sessions’! Here are 10 facts about the album…
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Iconic photographs mapped around London
Take a different look at classic album covers and iconic pix from the likes of Hendrix, Dylan, The Clash etc.
Read moreLou Reed – Top tracks playlist
- Walk on the wide sideLou Reed
- Sweet JaneThe Velvet Underground
- Perfect dayLou Reed
- Street HassleLou Reed
- Dirty blvdLou Reed
- and lots more!...
Primal Scream – Top tracks
- Movin' on upPrimal Scream
- Country girlPrimal Scream
- RocksPrimal Scream
- LoadedPrimal Scream
- Come togetherPrimal Scream
- and lots more!!...

THIS WEEK IN CHART HISTORY – March 1972
In our new feature we look back at what was happening in the Official UK Albums Chart, just about 44 years ago
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THIS WEEK IN CHART HISTORY – 26th February, 1984
In our new feature we look back at what was happening in the Official UK Albums Chart, exactly 32 years ago…
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Phil Spector, 1960s Pop and A Christmas Gift for You
“There’s nothing as fervent, pure or huge as the teenage imagination. It deserved a soundtrack to match.”
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Primal Scream: Screamadelica Reissue
“‘Screamadelica’ is one of this era’s most beautiful, far-reaching pieces of musical adventure…pretty much a perfect album”
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Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Ties That Bind: The River Collection’
A comprehensive collection from ‘The River’ era.
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Happy Birthday Bruce!
It’s Bruce Springsteen’s birthday, and we’re taking a look back through his musical timeline…
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IN 1977 I HOPE I GO TO HEAVEN
THE CLASH, PUNK ROCK, AND BRITAIN IN THE 1970S
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40 Years of Born To Run
Today we celebrate the spectacular album that is ‘Born To Run’ by Bruce Springsteen…
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Video of the week: Bruce Springsteen
Happy belated 4th of July y’all
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Bruce Springsteen On Vinyl
You can now get Bruce Springsteen’s first 7 albums on vinyl with re-mastered audio.
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Win a bunch of our favourite box sets!
We’re celebrating the launch of our website with a very nice competition for you guys…
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Record Store Day 2015
Take a look at what we released this Record Store Day.
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