This really has nothing to do with The Stooges sadly.
Over the summer break I read the new Springsteen bio by Peter A Carlin. It was a nice (but by no means thrilling) stroll through the history of The Boss and, as such, it prompted me to go back and listen to all his albums in chronological order.
Because I have oodles of time to spare.
The musical journey did allow me to finally appreciate albums that I had previously given short shrift (Tunnel of Love and The Ghost of Tom Joad) whilst confirming my utter dislike of others. It also made me realise that, deep down, the double release turkey of Human Touch and Lucky Town would have made a passable single album if Bruce had only called in an editor.
One of the songs that would make that mythical track list is a bitter sweet tune called 'I Wish I Were Blind'.
It's a classic tale of jealousy as a man pines over a girl who is unfortunately with someone else. In this case sung to the tune of 'Under The Boardwalk' slowed down just a fraction.
But there are others that would also be willing to lose their sight over the same situation.
Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly released a great little ditty a few years later called 'I'd Rather Go Blind'.
Paul gets extra credit for referencing both Dr Dre and You Am I as well as hoping that his ex-lover has become a lesbian: "You know I can't compete with that all"
Not to be outdone, Paul nicked the title from the Etta James classic.
It is refreshing to know that women can feel the same way when it comes to this subject.
