Next up on Apple Plus TV - a loose documentary for The Boss' upcoming album "Letter to You". Whilst I'd never claim to be the biggest Springsteen fan in the world, my father might be, so his music has been in my life for as long as I can remember.
Springsteen gathers the E-Street Band together for a recording session for their upcoming album, and to reminisce about the times they've had and friends they've lost along the way. The film cuts between performances of the new songs, rehearsal footage, historical photographs and video whilst Springsteen ruminates on the themes behind the album and specific tracks on it.
In the strictest sense, to describe it as a documentary is a little generous. It's neither a full career retrospective, nor a proper look at the complete creation of this album. It's really very well-made promotional material. There is a bit of a formula to how it works, Bruce talks about the theme of the song, which often is one of death or loss, which over cuts beautiful tracking shots of the snowy New Jersey woodland where the studio was located. The band then play bits of the song as they work out the kinks of it, "why don't we try coming in there instead of here" type stuff - and then there's a master version of the recording of the song. Occasionally video or photographs of Bruce's career is intertwined across the run, when it helps to tell the stories.
Whilst it's not a deep dive documentary, that doesn't mean it isn't touching. Hearing them talk about the times they've had and particularly, given the album themes of death, talking about Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici - members who are no longer with us, is affecting stuff. As is the fact that Clemons nephew Jake has taken his place as the band's saxophonist. Bruce's lyrical monologues between songs can feel heavy but seem genuine and appropriate for the music. I don't think the album is likely to win any new fans, as it's pretty in keeping with older stuff, but they are top quality players and this feels like a strong Springsteen entry.
If I'm honest, I can't see myself watching the documentary again but days later I'm still singing little bits of the songs to myself.
