Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live in New York City 3LP

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band: Live In New York City, a collection of music recorded during Springsteen's electrifying 10-show reunion concert at New York's Madison Square Garden, part of an extensive world tour which wrapped up in the summer of 2000. The music is once again available on 3LP set.

Chock full of the American anthems that earned the Boss his moniker, Live In New York City is both a reminder that a rock legend lives among us, and a testimony to the fact that this New Jersey native hasn't lost his touch. Nor has The E Street ensemble lost theirs. The current lineup includes Roy Bittan and Danny Federici on keyboards, bassist Garry W. Tallent, the animated Clarence Clemons on sax and drummer Max Weinberg, whom you may also know from "The Conan O'Brien Show" where he moonlights with The Max Weinberg 7. Hammering it out on guitar is, of course, Mr. Springsteen himself, along with Nils Lofgren and Steven Van Zandt. Even the Boss' wife, Patti Scialfa, joins in, standing by her man via acoustic guitar and vocals.

The collection includes classic cuts like "Youngstown" off the highly coveted Ghost of Tom Joad along with pre-Born in the U.S.A. gems like "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and "Jungleland," from his 1975 release, Born to Run. While the majority of the collection retains its original integrity, Live contains a few surprises as well, like a ballad version of -- you guessed it -- "Born in the U.S.A." Preceded by mystical guitar work that is worthy of its stadium setting, the softer rendition of the classic cut provides a great opportunity to actually learn the lyrics -- a requirement for every red-blooded American.

Two new tracks were introduced on tour and will be immortalized forever on the Live In New York City CD. The first is the lively sonics of "American Skin" which made a controversial splash throughout the concert series. The tune was inspired by an event back in 1999 where an unarmed immigrant named Amadou Diallo was shot and killed by New York City cops. The song sparked criticism from police organizations that called for a boycott of Springsteen's performances. Despite the hoopla, the cut was voted one of the best singles of 2000 by Rolling Stone magazine.

On a more positive note comes the second 'then-new' track, "Land of Hope and Dreams." The old-school rocker is a folk-style look at friendship and loyalty. A train-travelin' theme provides a cinematic aspect of the benefits of having a good companion when the chips are down. The feel-good tune was performed as an encore in the tour lineup and usually closed out the show.

Known for his energetic showmanship and intimacy, this concert collection captures all the emotion that has gained him a die-hard following, not to mention the respect and camaraderie that is shared among The E Street Band. On the love tune, "If I Should Fall Behind," a cut off 1992's Lucky Town, Springsteen selflessly shares the mic with his fellow band members. The audience is also asked to get in on the action on several occasions. But then again, Springsteen did vow to "spread the ministry of rock 'n' roll" one way or another.