Nebraska is really good, IMO. Sparse and bleak. And I do like his earlier albumns, but then I was born in Jersey so I have to (don't know yet, whether it is a legal requirement or just biological. Or the toxic chemicals.)

I never was 'into' him either. The song "I'm On Fire" always creeped me out.

Always sounded like a child predator to me.

At most, he's good for driving music. Except he's never on the radio except on stations I otherwise would never be able to listen to, and a cd is out of the question because every song sounds like a bad version of the moderately good one I might be interested in listening to. In other words, absolutely not worth the trouble.

People who are fanatical about him only confuse me.

The politics and post-Nebraska stuff, agreed, sloppy and trading on his brand. But take "Born To Run" in the context of rock, 1975.
That remains a powerful, poetic, very American work--listen to the whole thing.

....I'm not saying it's the O.C. or anything, though.

Just like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan, I've never understood why Bruce Springsteen is so popular as a performer. I suppose he's written some good stuff (like Dylan), but I think he sucks as a singer.

And his politics? Well, I don't really need to get into the "celebrities as political guidance counselors" thing, do I?

I mean, I suppose I'm glad that Ted Nugent and I tend to agree on many things politically, but he doesn't inspire me to go out and vote for Bush or against Kerry. I can figure that part out on my own, thankyouverymuch.

a springsteen cover on the o.c. would be so surprising it actually would be cool. they've had at least two oasis covers already. oasis!? that's classic rock to the o.c., i guess.

I am a fan of the Boss, but I wouldn’t describe myself as fanatical. I think Metcalf goes too far in painting things so black and white.

I despise Bruce’s political bent, but I would still pay good money to see him perform. Depending on my state of mind, I might actually boo him if he ventured into some sort of political rant while he was on stage. Or I might just rise an eyebrow and say “Whatever…”.

I also don’t think its Bruce’s political bent that has “killed him in everything else”. Part of it is that just about everything he has done in the last 10-15 years just plain sucks.

I would never follow someone’s political advice just because I like their music. And I’m also not going to dis someone’s music just because I disagree with their political leanings.

"Music-wise, Springsteen's overaffected, raspy gasping never moved me (too self-conscious, too sloppy and simple, too dense), and his cliched foray into politics moves me even less."

OR

As my 17 year old son says of Springsteen, "Dad, that guy's so overrated it's unbelievable."

The kid's right, and we're from NJ.

I'm originally from NJ too and I've always hated the big phony.

I saw Sting (when he used to be good) at the Garden in '87. He had Bruce come on stage and do a song with him (don't remember which one). Everyone started yelling "Bruuuce!". I started yelling "Dooouche!". The two people in front of me turned back to give me a dirty look. I was satisfied.

I fired up the ole iPod, and listened to some Bruce. Upon further reflection (and after several gin and tonics) I predict that in 50 years, people will still be listening to some of his songs. I’d guess this order of popularity: Thunder Road, Born to Run, Badlands, Pink Cadillac, I’m Going Down.

I’m willing to wager $20 on this prediction. Anyone who wants to take me on with this wager, just check back here at Bill’s blog in 2055, and we’ll work it out.

I used to like Springsteen a lot, until he came out with "The River". He's sucked ever since.
He got mad at John Cougar Mellencamp stealing his schtick and doing better so he went pop.
The River was his lame-ass, first attempt, Born in the USA was where he got it 'right'.

I still listen to the old stuff but I'll never go see him because I would have to sit through two hours of crap to hear something I like.

I liked Born to Run. He doesn't sound good even in that, though. The song itself is snazzy, but the Boss himself leaves much to be desired.