Once again, Daryl D, just tell us how you really feel, ok? Anyhow, I really like the paragraph about Streets of Philadelphia. It was a great song, but yes, it was Bruce jumping on a bandwagon. His speech at the Oscars that year was pathetic. Where was he 10 years ealier on this issue?

I first want to say a huge "thank you" to blogcritics for allowing this article to be published. You know that no other media outlet would ever publish a negative article about Bruce Springcantsing.

I have been on the NYPD for 10 years. For someone like Springcantsing to publicly ridicule us, I think it's pathetic. It was all a publicity stunt. It might have won him some praise from the media, but trust me, he lost a lot of fans.

I lost three friends after 911. If I wasn't late to work that morning, I could have very well been dead too. Bruce did us no favors by making money off of our heroism either and not donating a cent of it.

Warning to Daryl D----you will be attacked by Bruce's legend of brainless fans, who don't understand what real musical talent is! It's really sad that Bruce fans follow Bruce around like "lambs" and defend everything this faggot does. A faggot with no talent, I will add.

I find Bruce Springsteen about as interesting and relevant as Britney Spears. Everybody I know can't stand the guy. So why does he constantly win grammys? Why does he constantly get good reviews? There are some bad reviews of his material, but even those are sugarcoated. Daryl D, you should get an award for the best article on blogcritics in months! Just like your U2 article, thank you for exposing the truth.

I think this article is very unfair. It seems more of a personal attack on Springsteen than an actual criticism of his work.

I will say this though - the 911 thing was a turnoff. If Springsteen hadn't commercialized it so much, that would have been a different thing. It seemed as if he was riding the back of a trajedy in order to score a hit.

Still, despite some setbacks (and everybody has them) Bruce is better than most of the crap that is called "music" today.

this has to be one of the most ignorant, biased, and narrow-minded things i have ever read. maybe second to the comments posted previously. the fact is that bruce springsteen, anyway you slice it, is a musical legend, and that while bruce may not be the best musician, the collective talent of the e-street band far surpasses that of almost any band on the market. you can talk down on streets of philadelphia, the rising, and the seeger sessions, but lest we forget that all of these works won grammys, some winning multiple grammys. obviously there are some in the music industry, whose opinion counts much more than yours, who feel that the boss is truly a great artist. you can call me a brainless bruce fan and i can take it because attacking people who support bruce is much more cowardly than attacking bruce himself. he is a genuine artist, never in it for the money, always in it for the love and the respect. find me one other MAJOR artist who still plays 4 hour shows. bruce was never about the albums; even his best didnt sell very much, but his tours are among the most evergetic in the industry, and as long as e-street is still kicking ass, the legacy of the boss will never go away

So what exactly were your credentials again to write crap like this?

Time to hang it up my friend. You are obviously in the wrong racket. As kind as BC is to publish this tripe of yours, your lack of depth in the musical knowledge department speaks volumes. At least that Bryan Price guy seemed to have some sort of perspective when he wrote his wrote his piece on Born To Run and the question of Bruce Springsteen's continuing "relevance".

You on the other hand take half-truths and second hand factoids and count it as though it were the gospel itself.

There will be no Dancing With Mr. D here, no sir. Time to remove that Ipod with all of the downloaded Clay Aiken songs from your ass and recognize that being a credible music critic requires more than just a witty turn of the phrase.

You have to know what you are actually talking about.

-Glen

"a witty turn of the phrase."

exactly where did that appear?

Daryl: What a load of tosh you've written. Uniformed, uninteresting and unsensored.

thiks rticle is 100 percent accurate. springsteen sucks!

aqnd Mr. Boyd, what actually makes you a credible critic? Is liking Bruce a requirement to being a critic? ADMIT IT...THIS ARTICLE IS EXCELLENT!

These days, I would much rather listen to Clay Aiken than Bruce Springcantsing.

Wow, what a trap paragraph:

"As I mentioned in another article, criticizing Bruce Springsteen (or U2) in an article like this will usually results in the author being censored, fired, or blacklisted among other music critics."

Remind me to use a similar paragraph any time I write something similar in nature:

"Down Syndrome is a result of bad parenting. Of course, saying this will result in me being banned from the Mayo Clinic."

And what are the half truths in this article? Name ONE of them? Why is it that you can only write negative articles about Janet Jackson, Madonna, Michael Jackson, etc. (who are also legends) and nobody seems to give a damn. But what made Bruce immune to criticism. I don't dislike the guy as much as the author, but I think he does make some valid points.

So what exactly were your credentials again to write crap like this?

<>

This statement is far more idiotic than you accuse his article of being.

I actually think this is a witty, well written article. We need more people questioning Bruce Springsteen and his motives. He has lost me has a fan when he let his politics take over music.

the streets of philadelphia section was thought-provoking, but good god, man, i don't know a single soul who saw Springsteen on the recent Seeger Sessions tour and didn't yap at me till my ears were scragglin on the concrete about how it was the most amazing thing they'd ever seen and holy shit you shoulda been there and... I don't doubt it. Forgive the anecdotal evidence, but a good friend of mine has trawled left and right o'er the globe to see Bruce on most every tour since the early 80's, and he assures me, having seen most everything the man has offered live these past couple decades, that the recent tour is without a doubt the finest thing he has ever been involved in. who knows how accurate it is, i wasn't there, but i DID hear the album, and i DID hear Ghost Of Tom Joad and Devil's And Dust and, well, those were AMAZING records. complaining about a lack of hit singles on Tom Joad is just missing the point. direct me to another album by a mainstream artist anywhere near as evocative or haunting or beautiful from that era. You'll have trouble, i feel. complaining that the songs are a touch more challenging than what makes it onto radio (i'm not slighting what gets on radio, just saying, different entities entirely) is like complaining that Picasso's women had noses in the wrong place. it's missing the point.

Radio Airplay was different ten years ago. If someone didn't have a hit, it wasn't because of politics. Bruce Springsteen came off one of his biggest singles ever with "Streets of Philadelphia." "The Ghost of Tom Joad" should have been, at least, a minor hit but it wasn't.

I didn't see Bruce Sprinsteen on his Seeger tour, but know some people who did and said it was good. But Box Office Reports did report a number of empty seats at some shows. That's not a fact that was made up.

The last time I saw Springsteen live was during his reunion tour in LA back in 1999. This was his third show and there were a number of empty seats. Those seats don't always get reported empty in Billboard's Boxscore Report for various reasons, but trust me, there were empty seats.

And even though the show was decent (not as good as his Tunnel of Love Tour), it was a huge turnoff. He kept speaking about how bad Republicans are. What the hell did he have the right to lecture me about politics? Did this guy go insane?

But it was really the "41 Shots" episode that turned me from "former stand" status to "hater" status.

Daryl D, thanks for writing a great article. Don't listen to these other idiots (especially Glen Boyd) because they are only commenting negatively because you stroke a nerve in them.

Bruce Springsteen has always been trash. Now, he's has-been trash. He may be able to play 10 sold out shows in New Jersey, but New Jersey isn't representative of the rest of the world.

While I don't necessarily agree with the tone of this article, there are some things I have to give the writer credit for:

1. The Streets of Philadelphia Section: very thought provoking and true. Where was Bruce during the 80s on this issue? Then again, can you blame him. Speaking about this issue was career suicide then.

2. 41 Shots: How can Bruce and his fans defend this? Obviously, the repeated statement "41 Shots" was used, before Bruce, to accuse the police of brutality and racial profiling. How can Bruce's fans now say that this song was really complimenting the police?

3. The last paragraph: really makes me think. Of course, this article is trashy. However, articles like this are perfectly acceptable these days. Why should Bruce Springsteen and U2 be protected from this?

If Blogcritics had any sense, the author of this article would be fired. First of all, any person that gives Madonna, Jewel, and Janet Jackson good reviews doesn't know anything about music. But that's not the main point. He deals with misinformation.

1. "We Shall Overcome..The Seeger Sessions" has been certified double platinum. It was one of the biggest selling discs last year.

2. Bruce Springsteen NEVER played to empty seats, NEVER EVER!

3. "The Ghost of Tom Joad" peaked at number 7 on Billboards Hot 100. It was one of the biggest songs of 1995.

Once again, please make sure this author is fired.

"Box Office Reports did report a number of empty seats at some shows."

What does that even mean? maybe they were too expensive. maybe they were bought and the people didn't attend. You take info and then attach meaning to them based solely on your dislike of the man and his politics.

Also a third show in LA is pretty impressive for any act, so it's not surprising that there were some empty seats. How many band play three nights in arenas here?

"But what really stands out about this record is
Bruce's sudden interest in AIDS"

You've previously stated on another web site "even though I don't have a great knowledge of music or movies these days," so you don't need to provide further evidence, but I must respond to this. Bruce didn't take a sudden interest. He was asked by Jonathan Demme to write a song for "Philadelphia". Your lack of research about this and his chart success speaks volumes.

I only have one of the albums you slag, so I'm not a Boss fan, but you have yet to provide any truth just your opinion. There's a difference.

THE GUY WHO WROTE THAT KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MUSIC, rising joed etc are life afirming music with soul.
the guy who wrote that lacks any soul. if you dont like someone or their music fair enough but to dismiss as basically worthless is a sure sign of ignornace, you need to ope your ears and close your mouth.

as far as the 41 shots goes. if your not guilty you got nothing to complain about. cops are over zealous trigger happy mini hitlers with too much power. the song isnt a attack its a story of a event a warning, keep your hands in sight, and to the cops look before you shoot.

Wow, El Bicho, guess the brain cells aren't working. Judging by your work on Blogcritics, I would have to say that your brain cells haven't been working in a while. Aren't you the same one who attacked me for not liking "Dreamgirls?" And you are the one who has been sending me hate mail. Why are you so obsessed with me?

First of all, and maybe you should, you know, actually research: the reunion tour posted empty seats at some of the first shows on the tour. Don't get me wrong; the tour was a major success. But it was really the first time, in a while, that Springsteen played to any empty seats.

Bruce Springsteen was asked by John Demme to record the song for Streets of Philadelphia. But Bruce acted, suddenly, like he was the AIDS expert. His speech at the academy awards that year was very transparent.

Wow! What a site this is. I thought it read, "no personal attacks."

Mr. Boyd: your comments about Daryl D were uncalled for. Absolutely pathetic. I lose respect for you because your articles are good.

Mr. D: your attacks on "El Bicho" were really pathetic as well. He may not be right to question your fact checking (because none of your facts are wrong), but still, you know what I mean.

That said, I am a Springsteen fan and I don't like this article. It's not because of the fact checking because you do that well. It's because of the way you use the facts to formulate your opinion.

Chart success means NOTHING. Bruce still has a huge fan base because he is still RELEVANT! I think you need to look up the word "relevant," my friend.

Bruce Springsteen didn't try and tear down the NYPD with "41 Shots;" he criticized a SITUATION. He has given a lot of money to police organizations before, so I don't think he is anti-cop.

THESE STATEMENTS ARE COMPLETELY FALSE! LOL AT THE RECORD INDUSTRY PEOPLE!!!!!

1. "We Shall Overcome..The Seeger Sessions" has been certified double platinum. It was one of the biggest selling discs last year.
....YEAH RIGHT: THIS ALBUM HAS BARELY BEEN CERTIFIED WOOD!

2. Bruce Springsteen NEVER played to empty seats, NEVER EVER!
UM, OK, RIGHT....THE GUY HAS PROBABLY PLAYED TO BIGGER AUDIENCES THAN ANYONE ELSE, BUT HAS DEFINITELY PLAYED TO EMPTY SEATS

3. "The Ghost of Tom Joad" peaked at number 7 on Billboards Hot 100. It was one of the biggest songs of 1995.
WRONG AGAIN! THIS TRACK DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE TOP 40. THE ALBUM BARELY WENT GOLD.

See, this is the record industry b.s. I am talking about.

As much as I don't like this article (it's the article, not you Daryl D--I have liked some of your other articles), the person posing from Sony Records is creating chart information. "The Ghost of Tom Joad" was a huge flop for Springsteen. It was a good album, but certainly a commercial flop.

2. Yes, Bruce Springsteen has played to empty seats post 1988. As much as I hate to say it, New Jersey isn't representative to everywhere. Still, he is one of the biggest concert draws even today.

3. "The Seeger Sessions" certified double platinum? Not on this planet!!

The Seeger Session Concert in Belfast was the most beautiful experience in my entire life!!!

The author should have assisted to one of these shows before writing such crp things!!!

facts
PHILADELPHIA HELPED AIDS AWARENESS

TOM JOED WAS CERTIFIED GOLD IT DONE VERY WELL FOR A NON COMMERCIAL ALBUM ( REMEMBER NEBRASKA? )

THE RISING HELPED MANY PEOPLE AFTER 9/11 AND WAS A BIG SELLER NOT BECAUSE OF THE 9/11 BECAUSE OF THE SONGS IF THEY WERE NO GOOD IT WOULD OF FAILED BADLY

41 SHOTS YOU NEED TO READ THE LYRICS

WE SHALL OVERCOME
IS A FUN ALBUM WITH SOME INBEDDED SERIOS ISSUES

EMPTY SEATS. MOST SHOWS WERE SOLD OUT IN SECONDS IN EUROPE BRUCE CONTINUES TO BEAT SHOW RECORDS WITH EACH TOUR, THEY ARE LIKE GOLD DUST IN MANY COUNTRIES AND CITIES.
EMPTY SEATS DOES NOT MEAN SOLD OUT

FACT IS D TRY AND DO BETTER IF YOU CAN OR FIND ANOTHER ARTIST OF SPRINGSTEENS AGE WHO STILL CAN MAINTAIN SUCH AHIGH STATUS FOR SO LONG,
FACT THERE IS NO ONE TODAY OF THAT ERA WHO CAN /

HIT SINGLES MEAN NOTHING ITS BEEN A ALBUM/TOUR MARKET NOW FOR YEARS, ALL ACTS KNOW THAT

I strongly and totally disagree with your comments on Springsteen`s music. Over the past three decades he has produced some brilliant and awsome lyrics including fantastic live acts over these decades. Have you been in a coma or are you just not switched on enough to appreciate the depth of this music. The new kids on the block whether The Hold STeady, The Killers or The Fray would be here if it was not for his influences!!!

Thank God this article was published. It is very well written and thought provoking.

Now, don't kill me Springsteen fans: if you enjoy Bruce, that's good for you. But you do have to understand that people have different opinions.

I just never thought he had any talent. Watching him sing is like watching someone about to take a crap!

Daryl, considering the source, your opinion of my writing is of no concern. I have no plans to go into real estate or write novels no one has heard of.

I haven't seen Dreamgirls, so I wouldn't have an opinion about your liking it. I haven't emailed you so go easy on the paranoia.

Yes, I have commented on other articles, and considering your "style," please don't now pretend that's not your purpose.

I did point out inaccuracies and fallacies in your piece comparing United 93 and World Trade Center because you failed to take budgets into account.

I also commented on how irrelevant your "South Park Makes The Simpsons Irrelevant" article was considering it was written in 2007.

Then there was your belief that Prince was simulating masturbation at the Super Bowl. Considering the word appears in your first sentence, I am even more certain that you saw it because you appear to be, shall we say, obsessed with it.

You really shouldn't bring up research considering this piece was held up because of factually inaccurate material you had in it. Also, I never said there wasn't any empty seats. I said you don't know why, which implicitly suggest there were empty seats.

Feel free to provide links to Bruce acting like an AIDS expert and your resume in helping with the cause.

I disagree.

El Bicho, if that wasn't you sending me the threat emails about my not liking Dreamgirls, then I am very sorry.

I also commented on how irrelevant your "South Park Makes The Simpsons Irrelevant" article was considering it was written in 2007.

That article makes it quite clear why I didn't write the article until 2007.

Then there was your belief that Prince was simulating masturbation at the Super Bowl. Considering the word appears in your first sentence, I am even more certain that you saw it because you appear to be, shall we say, obsessed with it.

I was not the only one who thought that. And the point of my article, if you actually read it, wasn't to condemn Prince, a performer, unlike Springsteen or U2, who is still relevant.

And yes, this piece was held back because there was factually incorrect information about chart positions. They were correct to hold this back. So what, mistakes happen. But that was cleared.

By the way, you seem really OBSESSED with Brokeback Mountain. Yeah, it was pretty good and all that, but why the obsession with it?

I do not consider myself to be brainless, possessing a Master's Degree. I do consider myself to be a fan of both Mr. Springsteen and Bono and I wonder, did you not have anything else to write about on this day? Can't you attack the families of Britney Spears or poor departed Anna Nicole Smith? Really, we who possess psychology degrees know that lashing out at someone as you so blatantly have against these two artists usually means you suffer from inadequacies of your own and perhaps even jealousy. I hope you do get fired for the barrage of comments you are receiving as you no doubt have alot of psychological issues to work out.

Very good article. I can just see other music critics going in circles now that they have been exposed.

Your point about Springsteen's sudden involvement with Aids is SPOT-ON! He is NO HERO to the gay community. HE IGNORED US UNTIL IT WAS OK TO DO SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree completely with this article and I think that more critics should display this author's honesty.

First of all, Bruce Springsteen has not had a hit single since 1994. How is he still relevant?

When Bruce played last year in Chicago, there were tons of empty seats and this was a 13,000 seating arena. He's toast!

hit singles lol rarely a artist has hit singles beyond a certain age . singles are for teens.
hiding under another name and replying to yourself huh lol.
some people sure are musically challenged as well as mentally,

great article. thanks for the read

El Bicho:

Thanks for your comments on my knowledge of Aids. My uncle died of Aids, in the late 1980s. Trust me, that opened up my mind and made me volunteer in places which I never thought I would ever hang out.

I'm glad that Springsteen and many other people "jumped on the bandwagon" in 1990. But it was WAY too late. It just didn't seem sincere that they would take up the "cause of the moment" when the cause should have been explored one decade ago.

Excuse me, but I cannot image america WITHOUT springsteen. At least, he is what is good about america and there ain't much of that these days

Daryl d and El Bicho, I like most of your articles but your comments towards each other in this thread are really immature.
El Bicho:
Perhaps, Daryl should have said "unsold" tickets instead of empty seats. Bruce has had a lot of unsold tickets in the past few tours. I remember, at Boston's Fenway Park, they had to try and give them away like crazy because tickets weren't selling well.

j. arroyo said: "These days, I would much rather listen to Clay Aiken than Bruce Springcantsing."

Same here.

It seems that Bruce have more success in Europe. I had a very hard time to get tickets for both The Rising Tour and the Seeger Sessions. And the tickets sold in Ebay were at least twice more expensive than the face value....

I don't know who Daryl is but please next time don't think America is everything, be more open minded!!!

Seriously, Clay Aiken is a much better singer that Bruce Springsteen will ever be. And if Bruce Springsteen represents what is good about America, then I'm in the wrong country. The guy is a big fraud, period! He is no working man's hero. If he was, why are his kids being sent to private schools? Why does he constantly campaign against police officers when they protect the "working class" people.

All this vitriol toward Bruce Springsteen and Bono. Doesn't anybody hate me?

Yeah!! Sting u stink!!!!!!!

police are corrupt, they only protect themselves, call 911 see how fast they come running.
he came from nothing and made it the american dream, school gave him nothing why would he let he's kids suffer that same fate, public schools only offer factory jobs at the end unless your smart.
if every american liked bruce id be worried , glad the likes of you dont.

I have nothing against Bruce Springsteen, the person. But I always thought he was really overrated. His music doesn't have any substance to it. It belongs in a "Music for Dummies" collection.

Bruce never did anything for me. I did like his 'Philadelphia', though. My husband loved(s) him and I alway said to hubby-I don't get it-he doesn't sing that well and he seems boring as a live entertainer!!! Clay, on the other hand, has an incredible voice that can sing any genre of music, incredible stage presence (seen him live more than 10 times), incredible quick wit(watch his Kimmel performances and/or his performances during his last Xmas tour this past Nov/Dec '06 on youtube.com- he had the audiences "rolling in the aisles"!!), and is a pleasure to watch and listen to his performances.

ok, daryl. admit it: your problem with springsteen is political. that's fine. you don't like his politics. the fact is, he is relevant enough for you to write some big diatribe against him. name another artist who pisses you off so much.

also, he still sells oodles of records and his concerts are huge events. it's not many artists who fill stadiums in this day and age; there aren't even that many artists that would try.

i think you a secretly just pissed off at the direction of his politics, and you want to try and claim that some small slip in his sales figures (like anyone could be as popular as he was in the early 80's...) is evidence of some loss in cultural relevance. he's always been who he is, even in 1984... republicans who saw "born in the usa" as some anthem to america were just foolish.

now that he's made his position (more) apparent, it just pisses you off. that's ALL that is going on here. it's blatantly obvious and kind of pathetic.

Extremists, rather liberal or conservative, do piss me off. I think that extremists at both ends are tearing this country apart. And yes, I am upset that Springsteen has chosen to push his extremist policies on his us, just like Ted Nugent, The Dixie Chicks, Ted Nugent, and many others.

But that's not all that's going on here. It's the quality of his music that has been in great decline since 1988 as well.

Ah, I need to learn how to calm down when I write, I'll give you all that!!

I meant to say that extremists, WHETHER liberal or conservative, piss me off.

Daryl, have you ever read "A Brave New World" from Aldous Huxley?
Your comment just remind me about the One-World Gouvernment well described in this novel.....

He's still relevant, not much else to be said. As someone else pointed out, he was filling stadiums only a few years ago..not many artists or bands can do that these days. BTW hit singles don't matter these days so don't give us that "hasn't had a hit single bullshit"..only teen pop sells these days.

well, then i think you place to much power in his hands, and how does that figure into your contention that he has "lost relevance?" clearly, he hasn't for you.

it's just music. god forbid you should listen to anything from the 60's... you might have a heart attack.

zingzing, I think the political music from the 1960s felt a lot more "real" than Springsteen's recent political attempts, which seem like publicity stunts. I'm sure a lot of people disagree with me, which is evident from the comments on this thread. But we're here to discuss and no opinion is wrong; it's just an opinion.

Daryl D, pimp from Los Angeles, you are seriously lacking in the logic department. Not that I would expect someone who profits from the exploitation of women posing as a music critic to be logical, however. "The Rising" exploiting 9-11? As someone who actually LOST someone in 9-11, I find your comments immature, offensive, and most importantly, totally inaccurate. Of course, while you were safe and sound tending to your girls in California, the rest of us here in NYC had a lot of pain, grief, anger, and rebuilding to do. The Ghost of Tom Joad aweful because of no hit singles? As someone living in California, where the story of most of these songs is set, one would think you would have the intelligence to be somewhat more sensitive to the plight of most of the songs' characters. According to your logic, I guess I better go out and buy some Justin Timberlake, Rascal Flatts, and Fergie CDs because in order to be good, it must be a hit. It does not surprise me that you mention "Born In The USA" as relevant-as it was only relevant in commercial terms, and is Springsteen's weakest album second only to Human Touch. Who's next on the overrated chopping block? The Beatles? The Rolling Stones? Led Zeppelin? Bob Dylan?

And perhaps the most idiotic thing in this whole rant, the "accidental" shooting of Amadou Diallo. We're not talking about kids playing with Daddy's 9mm here and squeezing off a shot. That's accidental. No, we are talking about ON DUTY police officers making a horrific error in judgement resulting in the ending of someone's life. The song 41 shots is hardly pro-Police, but it is not nearly as nefarious as you paint it out to be.

Sure, Bruce's voice has never been the best. Sure, he does not have the commercial might he had in the 80s. Sure, the Human Touch and Lucky Town albums were not that great. Bruce himself would admit that. Yes, Bruce has had a commercial "falling" after the 1980s. No arguement there. But just as the right thing to do is never the easiest, do not confuse what sells with what is good.

what makes any music real or unreal? i don't buy your "publicity stunt" idea. bruce doesn't need much more publicity. if so, what was his publicity angle on making an album of mostly acoustic songs from the first part of the 20th century? not much controversy in that.

springsteen gets all the press he can handle. he announces a new album or tour, it's in every major music magazine, it's on tv, it's in the entertainment supplement of your fucking sunday paper.

he doesn't need any help selling records. he writes controversial songs because that's what he wants to do, not because he wants money.

JG in NYC"

Sorry for your 911 Loss.

Charts do NOT equal quality. However, Bruce Springsteen has been lacking in the quality dept. for years.

The Rolling Stones, for example, haven't sold a lot of records recently. But their last record was incredible. In my opinion, it was one of their best.

of course 41 shots is not pro-cop, but it is pretty fairly balanced. I'm disappointed readers don't see that. You're either not very good listeners or you're not all that intelligent. Doesn't it even occur to you that "you can get killed for just living in your American skin" applies to not only the victim here but the perpetrator, or, perhaps, there are two victims.

It seems to me that people have not fairly listened to the song, or merely listened to it on a very simple level. That's not fair to the songwriter. That's not very good listening.

In addition, whether you agree with the article or not, everyone should be shouting down the person who used the word faggot here. That word has been bandied about way too frequently in too many comments I've seen attributed to NYPD members. That's another disgrace to the department. And I mean another, and that Diallo thing was an absolute disgrace. The song is too sympathetic to the cops. An innocent man died, and you ought to remember that.

Also, getting on the bandwagon about AIDS? That song was a soundtrack to a film for crying out loud. Maybe Bruce should have directed Philadelphia ten years or so before.

People ought to think before they write. An awful lot of ignorant stuff in both the article and many of the rather silly an uninformed responses. Bruce may certainly be overrated, but it doesn't seem to me from many of these comments that an awful lot of these readers are up to criticizing him.

Better stick to Stairway to Heaven.

JG in NYC, I lost close ones during 911 as well. The last thing I need is a no-talent idiot, such as Bruce Springsteen, profiting off the loss. You should be more insulted at that then Daryl's bringing out the truth.

Glen Boyd, surprised your articles are so well written because I can only assume you are a jackass from reading your criticism of this article (calling it unprofessional but then insulting Clay Aiken).

El Bicho, are you now God?

I think this is one of the most intelligent articles I have read on the internet. You can bet I will share it with my other NYPD friends who wouldn't mind firing 41 shots at Bruce Springsteen.

daryl d: "Charts do NOT equal quality. However, Bruce Springsteen has been lacking in the quality dept. for years.

The Rolling Stones, for example, haven't sold a lot of records recently. But their last record was incredible. In my opinion, it was one of their best."

that's all we needed to hear. i don't have any illusions about springsteen's current work being as wonderful as his 70's and 80's stuff...

but, my god, there's no way that the rolling stones' current work is ANYWHERE NEAR their 68-72 height. nowhere near. that's your opinion, and that's fine, but at least we can all see where your opinion is coming from.

I consiider Springsteen & his music to be an essential part of my own musical background.

Having said that... I haven't been into him since I found a bootleg with some outtakes from Born in the USA shortly after that record's release which were better than the original selection for the album. Which would coincide about where you said was the beginning of the end for the Boss.

But I'm a fan, and so I continue to wait for Bruce to make that killer comeback & set the record straight. Hopefully I won't have to wait much longer. Even a fan's patience has its limits.

J. Arroyo, NYPD: "I think this is one of the most intelligent articles I have read on the internet. You can bet I will share it with my other NYPD friends who wouldn't mind firing 41 shots at Bruce Springsteen."

it's certainly not the height of intellectualism. you haven't been on this internet thing for very long, have you?

and if your little "nypd friends" statement is a reflection of how you really feel... then what the fuck are you complaining about in bruce's song? that it doesn't reflect reality? it does for you, you hateful prick.

"JG in NYC

Sorry for your 911 Loss.

Charts do NOT equal quality. However, Bruce Springsteen has been lacking in the quality dept. for years.

The Rolling Stones, for example, haven't sold a lot of records recently. But their last record was incredible. In my opinion, it was one of their best. "


Daryl,
Your very arguements appear to be based on Springsteen's sales and politics. Yes, Bruce has turned overtly political in the past decade-wealth and experience have given him the ability to do that. Perhaps he was hiding his political colors until he became so successful. Yes, the Human Touch/Lucky Town albums and tour were dreadful, and I definately wasn't on the bandwagon for the Seeger Sessions, but Tom Joad, The Rising, and Devils & Dust were are brilliant albums, lyrically if not as much musically. Perhaps my views of the Rising are colored from my own 9-11 experience, but I found it to be a real help in the healing and rebuilding process.

As far as the Stones go, now there is a group that hasn't released a quality album in 30 years. Way too much filler material on A Bigger Band for my tastes, as it has been with every Stones album after It's Only Rock & Roll. Only Tattoo You came close to their 60s-70s material, but that is probably due to the fact that most of that album was constructed from unfinished studio outtakes from a decade earlier.

"JG in NYC, I lost close ones during 911 as well. The last thing I need is a no-talent idiot, such as Bruce Springsteen, profiting off the loss. You should be more insulted at that then Daryl's bringing out the truth.

Glen Boyd, surprised your articles are so well written because I can only assume you are a jackass from reading your criticism of this article (calling it unprofessional but then insulting Clay Aiken).

El Bicho, are you now God?

I think this is one of the most intelligent articles I have read on the internet. You can bet I will share it with my other NYPD friends who wouldn't mind firing 41 shots at Bruce Springsteen."



J. Arroyo,
Your last statement really details your character. Hot-headed, quick to judge, fast to act in anger and misunderstanding-the exact thing that led to Diallo's shooting. Perhaps you should be in another line of work, my friend.

I don't feel Springsteen "profitted" from the loss of my brother. If anything, he honored him.

JG in NYC

I'm glad you calmed down a little bit. Many would argue that the Rolling Stones haven't had a good album in years. But if you truly listened to the last album with an open mind, you may disagree.

I don't have the 911 experience that you had, so I can understand where you are coming from. I just think you give Bruce a little too much credit for this. I wouldn't have criticized him if he hadn't appeared on just about every single television show talking about this album. For any other artist, this is normal. For him, this was highly unusual.

I am not on the NYPD, but work as a police officer in another city. I can certainly understand why NYPD members are angry with Springsteen. He seemed to pour salt on the wounds of a horrific situation. And the song accuses police officers of racial profiling. How do we know this is what happened? None of us were there. People like Springsteen, Rosie O'Donnell, etc. live in their Hollywood Hills homes but don't know what goes on in the real world. I do think this author has a little too much steam in him, but does come across with some good points.

I'll add my two cents. It seems to me that the anti Bruce sentiment I'm reading here has less to do with music than it has to do with politics. Feel free to have any political view you would like to. Feel free to criticize Bruce for his politics. Just make rational intelligent arguments. It seems to me most of the comments from people who hate so much haven't even listened deeply at all. The arguments are all emotional - which are no arguments at all but just shouting and yelling.

As an aside you NYPD writers scare the hell out of me. If you are that bigoted and closed minded you have no business serving the public. I always give police the benefit of the doubt and really appreciate their efforts but these attitudes cause me to think twice.

daryl d: "But if you truly listened to the last album with an open mind, you may disagree."

pot, kettle, etc.

So lets talk about politics, specifically those of Mr. Springsteen. Bruce kept his political views couched in ambiguity for years specifically because he knew that he was a major public figure and that those views could be misinterpeted. A fact which was proven correct when both the Democrats and the Republicans attempted to co-opt them in the 1984 presidential campaign. And don't get me wrong here. Bruce didn't do himself any favors when he chose to market his widely misinterpeted "Born In The USA" album by basically wrapping himself in an American flag on it's cover. If you have ever heard the acoustic version of the title track, it's real meaning becomes far more clear than the arena rock model whose most distinguishable characteristic is Bruce screaming about how he was "Bawwwn In the USA."

Many would say Bruce has been running for his life from that album ever since, which in turn probably contributed greatly to his subsequent commercial decline. So in the years since, Bruce has, wisely in my view, chosen to make sure the meanings of his songs are clear without room for misinterpetation. And yes, his records have sold less than Born In The USA did as a direct result.

So what? I mean when was the last time a Bob Dylan record sold the way "Like A Rolling Stone" did? Bruce has all the money he will ever need, which gives him the freedom to make records that come from his place as an artist, rather than as a commodity. His music speaks from his conscience and from his own artistic integrity these days, and for whatever it is worth, this is why so much of what he says rings so true with so many people.

His place as an American icon is absolutely secure. Truth be told, music could use more voices of conscience like this right about now.

So to the guy who lost someone on 9/11/01, I am truly sorry for your loss. But the need for artists to speak out on such things is part -- a big part, actually -- of what makes the United States of America the greatest country in the world.

God Bless Bruce Springsteen. And Daryl, I'd probabaly just stick to those pop columns of yours. They're much more in your league.

-Glen

Thanks for your advice, Glen. But I think you are dead wrong. You seem to be responding to me as a Bruce Springsteen fan, rather than a professional critic. This article has 73 responses so far, both positive and negative: I think good criticism evokes that type of response.

I told you Daryl, Bruce's brainless fans would be trying to rip you in pieces because they can't handle the truth about their fading, has-been, can't sell a record to save his ASS idol. Bruce Springsteen is a true insult to hard-working Americans such as myself. His music is also banal and repetetive. As a political spokesperson, well, he is just as bad as the Dixie Klits.

Glen

After reading your "fanboy" responses, you are the one who belongs in the minor journalism leagues.

dude, they sell his records at fucking starbucks... the man makes a good living selling music. and he's always been a champion of the little guy, no matter what your political persuasion. he'll always take the side of the "hard-working american." that is what i find to be the most repetitive part of his music. he's been singing about the same thing all his life. find a new cause, for fuck's sake! meh. it is what it is.

and i guess you like toby keith and his "don't fuck with the u.s.a. cause we'll shoot you" political spokesmenship...

(i don't know if that's a word. i don't think it is.)

you're obviously another one who just hates on bruce because of where he stands politically. that's your right. but it's got very little to do with music.

Excellent Article. Just don't give it to Rolling Stone to publish because they will never publish anything anti-Springsteen. That's why they used to be called Rolling Steen as a joke. The guy has no talent whatsoever and even though I'm a liberal myself, his "I'm God" politics are boring.

Hudson: "Bruce Springsteen is a true insult to hard-working Americans such as myself. His music is also banal and repetetive. As a political spokesperson, well, he is just as bad as the Dixie Klits."

Wow! One can only suppose that Hudson will next be assailing that icon of Outlaw CW, Willie Nelson, for his transgressions.

Thanks, Mike. I can't believe I'm receiving all these responses. What a great day!

I want to say thanks to Blogcritics for having the guts to publish this article. And Blogcritics DOES have standards. They refused this article, at first, because it contained some incorrect facts (yes, we all make mistakes) and things that couldn't be proven.

One of the things that couldn't be proven is, if my memory serves me correctly, when Columbia Records tried to fix the Rolling Stone End of The Year Poll in 1987 by requiring all employees to vote for Springsteen. I heard it mentioned several times then, but can't find a source that proves this. Does anybody else recall this?

the "guts" to publish this article? it's on music... dude, get off your cross, your dick is hanging out.

Clearly you were once a fan. Let me guess; his support of Kerry surprised and infuriated you. And so you turned. Good thing Bush won. Look how great things have turned out. Bruce clearly didn't know what the hell he was talking about.

Yes, I was once a fan. I saw him on the "Born In The USA" tour and the "Tunnel of Love" tour. Saw his E Street Reunion Tour in 1999 and his constant push of politics in the show was a huge turnoff. Then, after "41 Shots" I threw out all my bootleg tapes of his, as well as albums. Trust me, I had a lot.

Oh, not happy Bush won. Trust me, I think Bush is the worst thing that happened to this country. But what can you expect when you put in a candidate as pathetic as Kerry, with Bruce Springsteen as his major sidekick.

This article is crap. I hope the Springsteen camp sues you. Grow a brain, will you? Oh, wait - you're a real estate salesperson. That explains it.

I think good criticism evokes that type of response.

Inflammatory rhetoric evokes that kind of response, too, Daryl. And your surprise at the number of responses this got is probably the most disingenuous thing I've read here all week.

Didn't Springsteen already try and sue Esquire Magazine for publishing that "Saint Boss" article, the first article to ever criticize Springsteen? I think that was 1988 I believe.

Lisa, it may be inflammatory rhetoric but what is said in this article is also 100 percent correct.

Josh Perdue isnt my real name but I do work for the NYPD. I can't risk losing my job given one of the liberals will forward this to their favorite newspaper, the NY Times. One of my friends emailed this to me and I jumped for joy. Finally, somebody who speaks the truth about the planet's biggest maggot, Bruce Springsteen. He is a liar, a fake, an opportunist, etc. He used to be cool, but then became a self-obsessed girlie fag who inflames people's emotions by exploiting police officers, who save people's lives. Do you guys know how hard it is to be a police officer? Do you guys know what we have to go through every day on our jobs? Until you do, please keep your comments to yourself and you can continue idolizing your favorite fag doll, Bruce Springsteen.

Here is the link about the article from the Enquire

This biased critics is full of hatred. How can someone like that be a journalist? It's all about gossips without foundation!!!!

"I first want to say a huge "thank you" to blogcritics for allowing this article to be published. You know that no other media outlet would ever publish a negative article about Bruce Springcantsing."

I wouldn't call this link-bait trash an article. Check the author's profile first. The industry he works is listed as "Real Estate". I hope he's not as awful at that as he's at writing. Obviously should stick to that.

Lisa, it may be inflammatory rhetoric but what is said in this article is also 100 percent correct.

What's here, Daryl, is your opinion, which can be neither correct nor incorrect -- it's just an opinion.

You blast Bruce's singing ability right out of the starting gate, and then admit in the comments section to being a former fan. Did you actually spend a whole bunch of money to go hear a guy who sings that badly, or did his singing get that bad after you decided you didn't like him any more?

You criticize him for not jumping on the AIDS bandwagon and then later criticize him for espousing political causes. You can't have it both ways, Daryl -- should he be political or not? Should he only espouse political causes that you personally approve of?

Lets just face the facts-Bruce Springsteen's star has fallen over the past twenty years. Don't take
it out on his critics. Blame your former "boss" for releasing dirt and trying to disguise it as music.

I used to be a Springsteen fan as well. I wouldn't touch his music with a ten foot poll after the tricks he's tried to pull off over the past ten years. Great article!

I don't particularly care or agree with much of what was said in this article, but I am not going to waste my time over it. I just wish to point out to those who say that Bruce is an opportunist, exploiting people in different situations and not giving them money. How do you know how much money he gives or to whom. He happens to give plenty, but unlike other celebrities, keeps it under the radar. I know for a fact that he had given money to a particular charity, and all that was listed under donors was ANONYMOUS.

And to the police officers who spew such vile words about Bruce because of 41 shots (mind you he didn't backtrack after 9/11, but right after the song came out, he gave his explanation of the song.. do your research better), you are the police officers who should take a little more heed in your actions. There are alot of good police officers out there, and there are some bad apples in the bunch. You sound like one of the rotten ones to me.

All I have to say after reading this article is a big OUCH! It was painful to read because there was so much truth to it. Bruce used to be my idol. His music meant so much to me. I never thought there would be a day that I wouldn't respect him anymore, but surprises happen. It pained me to see him take such a downhill fall. I thought he couldn't be stopped. He used to be loved by EVERYBODY. You would never find a person that didn't love Bruce Springsteen and his music
Times have changed. Bruce Springsteen no longer represents the American Dream. He represents what happens when the American Dream is exploited. He represents what happens when you achieve the American Dream and go back on it. He represents the American Dream turned nightmare. It's not the fact that he speaks out on politics. It's his hypocrisy that makes him seem opportunistic. His music also had gone downhill. The last masterpiece was "Secret Garden." To all Springsteen fans, I know this article hurts but admit it it's the truth.

Lisa says it better than I ever could. You just can't have it both ways.

And while I do think that getting a lot of comments means that you have hit a nerve with some people -- which I'll agree is part of a good writer should do -- it doesn't necessarily validate your points.

It's kind of the train wreck sort of philosophy that is in play here. Inflammatory rhetoric will get some folks attention. Thats why the ratings on those American Idol shows where they spotlight all of the terrible singers are so consistently high. But it doesn't mean that there is any actual merit to it.

Don't get me wrong here Daryl. I actually find you to be a very entertaining writer to read. I just think you are in way over your head here. Your piece basically comes off as that of a former fan throwing a hissy fit because Bruce Springsteen has chosen to become more vocal in his music about his social and political beliefs. I can't say I blame him after the way his songs were misappropriated by politicians on both sides of the spectrum in the past. Bruce probably just wants to make sure theres no room for that type of question anymore, when it comes to whatever message he is trying to convey in his music.

I just don't find a lot of substance here, regardless of whatever passion you put into beating your chest rather hardly about Springsteen.

As for the ammount of comments, you might want to reference an article I wrote last year about Neil Young's Living With War album. It generated (and continues to generate) over 500 comments. The thing is they were almost all written by one guy, a former fan who was pissed off about Neil's politics.

Sound familiar?

-Glen

Lisa, your comments make the most sense to me. I do enjoy Bruce, but I'm not opposed to criticism of him or his music. What's funny, sad actually, is Daryl D and Josh Perdue both use imflamatory statements "masturbating with fingerknives" and "idolizing your favorite fag doll" and yet claim to be outraged that Bruce "inflames people's emotions". Come on, get over yourselves, you can't have it both ways.

Josh Perdue, you are the type of inflammatory authoritarian hooligan that gives police officers a bad name. "He used to be cool but..." then go off onto a slew of homophobic hate. You should give your name so that you and those like you can be relieved of duty. Certainly not who I want watching my back. By the way, I work in a Philly trauma center seeing unspeakably horrific things every day, so does that make my voice any more important? Get over yourself, and get a different job.

As for the article, yes Bruce's quality of work has somewhat declined in the past 20 years but who can do the same thing in their 50s that they could do in their 20s? Born To Run and Darkness on the Edge of Town set the bar pretty high. And Born in the USA was the WORST tour Bruce ever did-wearing those bandanas and shirts with the sleeves torn off-after seeing Bruce on The Darkness Tour and The River Tour, Born in the USA was like Bruce making a parody of himself. Thank God his popularity declined or he really would be a joke. And his Tracks Box Set was fantastic-his "throwaways" are far better than the stuff most artists release.

"As I mentioned in another article, criticizing Bruce Springsteen (or U2) in an article like this will usually results in the author being censored, fired, or blacklisted among other music critics."

But you're not a music critic. You're not an "author" or writer. You're in real estate, and a marketing director at that, passing yourself off as a writer. Don't ever waste time wondering if you could ever write for Rolling Stone. Getting the RS editor's coffee, maybe. Writer for RS, never.

Rolling Stone? Is that still a magazine? Is that supposed to be the apex of music journalism? Writing for Rolling Stone is the prize at the end of a reality show. it's practically a free music weekly. In other words it sucks ass. Who still reads that tripe?

If you get anything from Rolling Stone you are a mental midget.

"If you get anything from Rolling Stone you are a mental midget."

It is closer to what a music critic does than this blog, that's for sure. I mean, come on. If this blog isn't some trash put out there as link-bait, then I don't know what is. If RS is the apex then this is the scum underneath the scum at the bottom of the barrel.

Hilarious article! You people need to stop taking stuff so personally. This article is about Bruce Springsteen, not YOU. Something tells me that if Springsteen killed a family member of yours, most of you would still defend him.

it's not THAT bad. it's just got its intentions written on its sleeve. it's not about music at all. it's about springsteen's politics. that's all. springsteen's music has changed, and maybe daryl doesn't like it so much anymore. whatever. the politics haven't changed either. he liked springsteen's music plenty well before he started reading (and understanding) the lyrics.

I agree zingzing. A lot of the time it's people's political comments that get others commenting and sometimes worked up.

this article is so opinionated, its not even credible. I like the part where he rambles on about how Springsteen wrote about AIDS in the 90s, and was nowhere in the 80s, but dosen't mention the part at all about how the song was for a movie about a man struggling with AIDS, and how Bruce was asked to write it. And when he says that the E Street Band posted empty seats during the 2000 reunion tour, but I recall them setting the record for most sold out nights in a row at Madison Square Garden, 10, which was held until very recently when it was broken by Billy Joel, who by the way, his shows weren't all in a row, I think they were a couple months apart.

You talk about what Kerry was thinking hiring Bruce, which is your opinion, again, but what does that have to do with Bruce? How is that a bad point in his career? He was just there, so that really is a rag on Kerry, not Bruce

The part about Seeger Sessions, the reason concert attendence was so low, is because of the faithful support to the E Street Band, I'll give you that the band he used in '92 wasn't good, and most Springsteen fans agree, which is why none wanted to try Seeger Sessions, they thought it would be another worthless band, but I could show you article, after article, after article, after article of critics who not only called this the best concert in years, but many who said it was the best concert they ever went to. Not only that, but Pete Seeger supported the album too.

The '92 albums did flop, and the band did suck in my opinion, but if you listen to Springsteen renditions of it now, the songs are much better. Poorly produced yes, but give me an artist who has been around as long as Bruce, and hasn't had that.

You also left out Devils and Dust, another solo album Bruce released in 2005, did u just like it, or did u just not even know about it?

From a Springsteen fan of 30 years plus:

a) I neither bought the Seeger Sessions or attended a concert. First time since 1978 that I chose not to spend my $ on Mr. Springsteen.
b) The Seeger Sessions was, in my opinion, a hastily produced effort that features Springsteen at his absolute worst. Really. This collection of music blows. Period. Let's move on.
c) Devils and Dust is a tremendous record. I think it features some of Springsteen's better efforts. Bruce's alignment with Mr. Kerry, however, was a pretty stupid choice. Stay the hell out of OTHER people's politics, Bruce. If I want a freaking political opinion, I'll listen to Tim Russert.
d) The Rising is a powerful record. I don't think Bruce wrote it for any other reason but to heal his own pain. The fact that we, as Americans, shared that pain makes the record even more relevant. And the concerts on this tour were among the best I've ever seen from the E Street Band, and that's saying a lot, considering THEY are the finest performing concert band in the history of the genre.
Having said all that, I have to admit that I am very much in a wait and see mode. I really don't want another "Bruce Springsteen" record; I want an E Street Band record. I want to feel the power, I want to yell and scream and dance and pump my fist. I want to feel like the 17 year old kid who was so blown away on 11/2/78. I want to feel that music still matters.
I wonder if it's the music that really still matters to Springsteen. Clearly, the $ does.

Everyone is different. That is why there are so many types of music and so many artists within a category of music.
Bruce Springsteen is relevant to me and "The Rising" has healed many people I know that lost friends and family on 9/11 --- surely it's worth it just for that - no?

"Josh Perdue isnt my real name but I do work for the NYPD. I can't risk losing my job given one of the liberals will forward this to their favorite newspaper, the NY Times. One of my friends emailed this to me and I jumped for joy."

Oh for God's sakes. i can't believe anyone here is taking this "we can't speak against Bruce for fear of great calamity" spiel seriously, and not just from "Josh", that's just the one that had me throwing my hands furthest to the air in disbelief. this is... i can't even express what this is. and i'm not talking about Daryl's article, i'm talkin about this absoloutely ludicrous "if i / we/ person X disses Bono / Bruce / The Style Council or whoever the hell, then i / we / person x risk unspeakable torture and sacking and probably deportation". i've never heard such shockingly insane banter in all my days. well i have, but those folks were kept in a goon-shack till such times as their delirium passed.

seriously. please. come the hell ON.

Isn't there a new E Street Band record coming out this year?

Daryl D., you just don´t have a clue. I feel sorry for you.

Springsteen, like U2 and many others, are force-fed to us by the music industry

I can overlook all the Springsteen bashing, because he's a shadow of his former self, but this comment just makes no sense. HOW is the music industry force-feeding him to us? By not playing his music on any popular format radio station? Or perhaps by making sure that he's almost completely ignored in the press?

Come on - he's a has been who was once great, and he's not getting any more support from the industry than Dion is.

Dave

Dear Daryl,

I found your blog very interesting. Everyone has their own taste, but in some places you are just plain wrong. You say Bruce Springsteen has "always been the most overrated musician in musical history." As opposed to just history? Let assume for the sake of argument that "musical history" started in 1973, hough I suspect it started thousands of years earlier. 1973 was the year one very good, and one truly great album were released: "Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey" and The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle." Greetings is a bit overwritten, but take a listen to "Lost in the Flood." If you don't have the record, there's a powerhouse rendition of it on "Live in New York City" recorded long past his "revelant" period. If you don't have "Live in New York City," check it out on You Tube. On the Wild, Innocent you will find Incident on 57th Street, and New York City Serenade, and Rosalita, maybe overplayed now, but rock n' roll at it's essence.

Both of these records sold about 50,000 copies, initially. You seem to place a large premium on album sales, but they were also ignored by the critics, with some few exceptions.

"the sounds that come out of his mouth when he's singing sound like somebody masturbating with finger knives" I have never personally heard such a sound or care to. He may be no Steve Winwood but take a listen to the moans at the end of Jungleland. It comes from the heart and the gut and the soul.

His guitar playing is very above average, check out any live version of Prove it All Night Night, pre Nils Lofgren (a truly great guitarist from the E-Street Band, a band you don't mention once in your critique), and see if your evaluation changes. Also, Because the Night displays some pretty good picking skills.

I can think of a grand total of two songs where Bruce uses "Bobby." Three if you count Bobby Jean. The two are Spare Parts, a weak song from Tunnel of Love, and 41 Shots (American Skin). If you are going to criticize a song, get the title right. Mary does pop up a lot and has been through a lot, so cut her some slack.

He's not the "so-called Boss." He's The Boss. Deal with it.

You might consider throwing in Darkness on the Edge of Town, and probably The River on list of "memorable albums."

I plead with you never to use Bruce Springsteen and Paris Hilton in the same sentence. Ever.

"his political aspirations make all liberals look bad" What political aspirations? He's not running for office as far as I know. How did the mid-terms work out by the way?

What is the difference between "Liberal" music critics and conservative music critics. Are conservative music critics fans of only bands that play at Sean Hannity's and Oliver North's Freedom Concerts? Or do you mean to imply that all music critics are liberal? What do you think it was about about Human Touch and Lucky Town that the "liberal" critics liked. Songs like Living Proof, where the character is overwhelmed by the birth of his child? Or I Wish I were Blind where the guy is heartbroken and consumed with jealousy. I will have to ask my conservative friends.

"They debuted at number 2 and 3 respectively, but dropped instantly off the charts. These two poorly-produced albums were definitely the end of an era."
What era exactly? What charts? They WERE his first albums without the E-Street Band, but you never mention the band . Born in the USA was his only his "blockbuster" in sales, and by his own admission that was not nearly his greatest work. His album sales always start out strong, because he has a large, strong, loyal base, then they fade because they don't have the "hit singles." I think he prefers to put out the best music he can that speaks to his fans. Or simply sing and write about what is on his mind. Isn't that what artists are supposed to do?

How do you know about "his interest in Aids?" Jonathan Demme asked him to write a song for the soundtrack and he complied with a beautiful song. Name another straight male singer before him who sang in the voice of a man dying from Aids. Anyways, why is he obligated to speak out for or against anything? For what it's worth, he worked tirelessly on behalf of forgotten Vietnam veterans in the 1980's. Some find that admirable.

I agree the The Ghost of Tom Joad was boring. But again with the charts and singles?

"The Anti-Police Song"

I could be wrong, but I doubt he lost a SINGLE devoted fan since 1973. I apologize. I just noticed you did mention the E-Street Band (in the context of empty seats at some shows) 4 Police officers ACCIDENTALLY killed Amandou Diallo?????? They shot him 49 times for no reason accidentally? DID you actually listen to the lyrics? The first verse is written from the perspective from a police officer who is praying for the poor man's life.

The Rising

I had mixed feelings when I heard this album was coming, and his heavy promotion of it. I lived in New York City during 9/11 about a mile across the River from the towers and watched them go down. I did not lose any loved ones but had friends who did. But when I listened to the album, I found it very tasteful and (wisely) apolitical. I was not blown away by it at first listening. Eventually I grew to love it, and it eventually helped me get through the experience. The album at its core is about loss, and it also comforted me when I lost my mother 2 1/2 years later. Obviously, I can only speak from my own experience. Many felt they needed to hear from him during this time, and no doubt others did not. I totally respect that.

You have "The Chosen Son of 9/11" in quotes. Who are you quoting? Rudy Guilliani?

Bruce Springsteen cost John Kerry the election?? Hmmm.

Seeger Sessions: Correct me if I am wrong, but Pete Seeger wrote very few of the songs he sang. The album is what it is. Take it or leave it. I take it.

Of course you are free to question anyone's music or motives. You can do whatever you want. But like him or not, or his music or not, why minimize the joy and inspiration to he has brought to many many people's life? I don't care for Madonna's music, for example, and if I was a music critic I would probably would criticize it. But millions apparently have similar feelings toward her as I have toward Bruce. I say good for them, and good for Madonna.

Take Care

If Prince was still relevant, he would have found a song of his own to play that wasn't over 20 years old.

I am not clear how I am obsessed with Brokeback when you are the one who brought it up. And what a lovely comment you left on my review of the DVD. "Let us know what kind of lube you were using while watching this movie." Again, your obsession with masturbation shines through. If I was a homophobe like yourself, I suppose I would be offended by what you consider an insult. I guess your uncle's illness didn't open up your mind as much as you like to think.

"I'm glad that Springsteen and many other people "jumped on the bandwagon" in 1990."

Your uncle appears to be the only reason you jumped on the bandwagon. Where were you during the mid-80s? You are the insincere one since you expect people to be on your timetable. Others have pointed out your double standard.

"But it was WAY too late."

Maybe you didn't get the memo, but the disease didn't go away, so it's never to late to join in to draw attention to it and help out. My good friend was just diagnosed last year. I donated money for a walkathon, but I'll cancel my pledge and tell her, "It's too late. Sorry you didn't get it in the previous decade."

To infer the album "The Rising" was a cash grab is huge load of shit.

El Bicho, the lube comment was tounge in cheek. You do seem overly obsessed with Brokeback Mountain. Trust me, I'm not a homophobe.

Vince:

This article struck a nerve in you, enough to respond to me in such a long essay. And you have made me think of some points that I made. The "singing like masturbating with fingerknives" thing was definitely thrown in their for humor. I guess all people don't have my same sense of humor.

If Bruce helped you, and others, get through 911 then I guess he did a good job. Maybe I need to listen to the album again (I did listen to it several times in 2002).

For not being relevant anymore he sure gets a lot of attention from you.

I'm European and English is my third language and even I can understand the lyrics of 41 shots. Bruce never once states that there are no good cops and still every policeman feels offended ? There's a lot of people over there filled with hate it scares me to death. look at the reactions of the non fans ; they are agressive in tone. American society is struggling with bad leadership who put fear into peoples hearts and it also reflects in this blog.

Daryl,

you once were a fan and now you're not. That's good. Off course I see the irony in your text but you just did it for your personal moment of fame cause you know Bruce still is relevant so there will be reactions like mine. Who's next on your list ? Give us a hint.

Have a good life !

greets

C

I would just like to ask Darryl D...
what musical tracks/compositions have your composed/written?

What political and/or charitable causes have you stood up for yourself?

And what do you actually know about music production?

Perhaps you should consider such factors before you critique anyone in the music industry?

You mention depleting album sales however a true artist that cares for their music does not regard album sales as an importance to how they write and how they define their success. A true artist defines success by how well they reach their fans and how successful their music is in conveying their message to their desired target audience.

Bruce tells his own story for those who want to listen. I'm sure a hell of a lot of people have heard his music outside of the Jersey shore. I would say he deems this as successful.

Just as this article is your opinion on Bruce's material, Bruces story is what he has experienced in own life be that personal or from what he has seen. If you don't want to listen, then don't. How many broken hearted pop stars have we endured throughout the years? People are still listening to that. So for those that continue to slag Bruce, all I can say is have fun listening to your Britney Spears records.

I was not the only one who thought that. And the point of my article, if you actually read it, wasn't to condemn Prince, a performer, unlike Springsteen or U2, who is still relevant.

...and yet you were happy to condemn Prince in your recent article attacking U2 - I guess what with the Superbowl show and all, you sensed the winds change. And your reference "to a true musical genius, Pete Seeger" is amusing as well, given that you referred to him as Bob Seeger in the U2 article.

My point is simply that you seem happy to uphold or discard whatever other sacred cows will help you make your point of the day (which seems largely involve attacking artists with whom you disagree politically). Either way, there's not much musical substance to your arguments...

This article may not havea lot of musical substance, but it does make some good political points and admit it-it's funny! I really appreciate the AIDS section. Why was Eddie Murphy allowed to be such a bigot? Why was Madonna just about the only star to really speak out about the issue (and perhaps some others). I know it has nothing to do with Bruce but I think it's interesting. Perhaps, Mr. D, you can do an article on that (without all the anger and sarcasm).

You don't mind advertizing springsteen albums on your site though.

Wow. That is such an idiotic, misguided, ill-informed piece on Springsteen, it's impossible to know where to start.
One downside of the Internet: Fools with keyboards...

Nice... "Personal Attacks are not allowed"? Hahaha....

I liked this comment:
"Warning to Daryl D----you will be attacked by Bruce's legend of brainless fans, who don't understand what real musical talent is! It's really sad that Bruce fans follow Bruce around like "lambs" and defend everything this faggot does. A faggot with no talent, I will add."

Would that be legion of Bruce fans who are not that intelligent? The last line really shows your amazing intelligence.

Anyhow, like or hate him... who cares? He writes music, he doesn't run large superpowers into the ground dragging the rest of teh world with it... who really gives a shit?

It seems a lot of folks here don't like Bruce because he actually stands for something. He lost many people because he got political. Wow. What a sin. He dared to write a song about cops killing an unarmed man. The gall of him.

He's irrelevant? My friends, thou dost protest too much.

Yea, what an opportunist. For God's sake he just did an album of folk songs. That's really using the old noodle, fellows. Very clever with that objection. And don't forget all the commercials he's sold his songs, too.

And if you see half-filled stadiums, and there are, you'd be wise to pick up a ticket. His live show will knock you on your seemingly fat asses.

It's also wonderful to know we live in such a society where's you can all claim it's anathema to criticize Bruce but let him make a crack on a cop and you're flabbergasted. Oh for the days of Spirit in the Sky, although you probably found that one a little too irreverent at the time.

You don't have to like Bruce. That's not important. But it seems like some of the readers, and Daryl, too, prefer elevator music. I mean you would have shut your eyes at Elvis shaking them hips, but surely you would have loved him by the time he was in Vegas.

I love Prince, by the way, but how in the world is he relevant? He's playing Las Vegas.

Use your heads. Let the man grow, will you? And if you're so set in your ways, just get out of the way.

Hm, Daryl - probably you are right, but probably your are wrong. If you don´t like Springsteen´s music, don´t listen to it. If you like it, listen to it. That´s the way our world works.

I like Springsteen´s music (althoug I do not like all of his music - some songs are really bad - but that´s only my opinion) and I like his live shows. If you don´t like it, do not go to Springsteen concerts as I don´t go to Rolling Stones concert or to classic shows. Hey, do we have democratical structures or not????

Peter

P.S.: By the way, I don´t like pizza with onion - so I don´t eat pizza with onion ...

Daryl,
I am a Bruce Springsteen fan from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I read your article and I felt lots of awful things against you but then...I felt you have the right to say what you want.
In my experience, being a Bruce fan is far more different to what ever other USA or european fan may say...Not much information from foreign artists come to Argentina, no gozzip, no concert reviews, no commercial publicity...that made me build my own image of Bruce´s music, just by listening to him. When I listen to his records I am alone, with his music: I don´t know how many seats were occupied in his shows, or if The Ghost of Tom Joad reached Nº 1...and I don´t care !!..I don´t need commercial information to feel Bruce better than others.... I just need to listen to him, listen to his lyrics, to the E street band, every instrument, every note, every idea... just that... the harmony of all those elements together... and nothing more... His lyrics usually paint really accurately many situations I live in my own country... and he helps me find words to many situations that most of the people who don´t know about them think are "too used".
So, Daryl, I just wanted to give you my point of view...a simple one...but given from my heart.
Bye,
Maria Alejandra.

PS: Sorry for my bad english.

This is hysterical.

I don't really mind Bruce's music -- I don't think it's incredible, but it's enjoyable to listen to. My biggest problem, however, and it's been said here before, is his continual use of the "working class" cliche. I mean, maybe for a song or two it's cool, but after a million songs, I have to wonder if he's got anything else to say?

It's seems like he's selling himself and his particular outlook more than his music (which is OK), but his music has definitely suffered because of it.

This blog was in my email box this morning and for someone who has been a police officer for nearly 20 years, let me say how much it made my day.

Twenty years ago, I thought Bruce was just an overrated idol, like Bono. But I respected the fact other people liked him. He was no great threat to me. When he spoke out against police officers, I was incredibly pissed. Several of us wrote to media outlets to condemn him, but nothing we wrote was printed, except of course, Fox News. Even Rolling Stone Magazine refused to print our point of view.

Why is it that Springsteen lives in his own luxury but has to speak out against the true working class heroes, police officers. Some don't do their job right, but a majority do.

I admit that this blog is more tabloid than critical, but it is funny as hell!

Just heard the song "I'm Going Down" this morning. It's a metaphor for what is truly happening with the man. Gosh, how can you guys seriously listen to crap like that? His singing is completely off key.

Dear Daryl, and all the like-minded folks that are represented in this blog as hating Bruce's music; Have you ever stopped to think that there are people in this world who LIKE to listen to artists who have something different to say other than what shows up on the charts? Bruce gave up trying to be popular back in the 80's, when he realized there was a lot more he could be saying with his music. Basically, that's the last time artists of his stature made the charts anyway. Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Billy Joel - nothing with any beauty, or compassion in the lyrics has ever made the charts since then.

As matter of fact, I don't even listen to the Top 40 hits nowadays because there's nothing on there that speaks to my inner needs and desires as a listener. Everything nowadays has turned into a big hip-hop mess. If it has a drum loop, and a good-looking, half-naked blonde in it, it's a hit. Personally, I want my music to have more meaning to it than some incessently repeated listenings to a lot of mindless crap. You'd rather listen to Britney Spears? Go right ahead! See what words of wisdom that bald-headed freak of pop culture can turn you onto when your girlfriend leaves you for being a jerk,(if you have one).

And one last time - has any of these people who hate Bruce for "41 Shots" ever read the lyric sheet for the second and third verses in that song? You have to listen to the whole song - not just the first verse, to get the whole message. Google it right now if you don't believe me. It actually turns the situation around to where he's talking about the police having to be careful about what they encountered because THEIR lives were on the line. It's basically saying we ALL have to watch out constantly for what's out there where we can't see too good. Leave Bruce alone - he may not be your musical cup of tea, but at least he's one voice in the wilderness who gives a crap about the human race, and all the complexities of what we encounter on a daily basis in this thing called "Life". A lot of people like me are the ones who keep going to him for his wisdom in looking at the dirty world in which we live in, and looking for answers in his lyrics to help us cope in a world full of pimps, and would-be saviors like yourself.

*pats head* aww, does bruces music make you all think? aww that must hurt.

Darryl D...
Why don't you write an album and enter the music industry, and we'll all check back in thirty years time and see if your still winning grammys (if you've won any at all?).

stacy, that's a bad argument. all daryl really needs to do is make up his mind on whether he's writing about politics or music. unfairly condemning a man's music based almost completely on political persuasion and sales is lazy, lazy criticism. but you don't have to be a musician to write about music. that's just foolish.

This article is one man's opinion-nothing more, nothing less. Who cares what Daryl D thinks? I don't. I purchase music I like, I don't care if a "music critic" likes it or not.

How many music critics actually purchase cd's or concert tickets. I doubt many artist's are concerned with their comments.

Zingzing, Daryl D is a Real Estate Agent. He is criticising someone's musical ability and talents when he obviously has none. That does not seem fair to me? I couldn't turn around to Daryl and say to him he hasn't sold enough houses when I haven't sold one in my life! I was simply trying to present the point that obviously Bruce must be doing something right if he is continuously winning Grammy's throughout his career.

I personally do not measure an artist success on how many awards they have won. Daryl D obviously does. However, it is the message and musical ability, not to mention the intent behind their songs that matters. Therefore, the point I was trying to make is if you are going to measure Bruce's success by how many awards he has won or c.d's he has sold then he is quite obviously successful. Born in the USA sold 15 million copies in the U.S alone (Springsteen. Robert Hilburn, 1985, p. 28) and is one of the best selling albums of all time, currently the 18th. If he thinks he can be more successful, by all means - go start guitar lessons.

Gee, Daryl, you claim you used to be a fan but it appears that you decided you are no longer a fan when you figured out that Bruce was a liberal. Evidently, you weren't actually listening to any of Bruce's lyrics when you claimed to be a fan, because if you had been listening you'd realize that Bruce Springsteen has been a liberal his entire career.

Maybe you spent too much time listening to bubble-gum Journey and just don't understand adult music.

"When he spoke out against police officers, I was incredibly pissed."

Are you suggesting that when an incredible injustice occurs, where a black man is shot at 41 times and killed, no one should speak out? Cops can do what they want and no one should speak up?

To Daryl D, if you or anyone else thinks they know what the winning combination is for musical success in today's industry please tell us now. We'd all like to make another million!

Zingzing, you have to have some musical knowledge to effectively critique music just as an architect needs to understand infrastructure in a house.

Sure, you can write your opinion on if you personally like the sound of a song or not, but as for production or musical content how would you have any idea? How are you qualified to conclude that an album is a musical joke? Do you know how to record? Do you know how to produce? Do you know what the pentatonic scale system is? Do you know what a Rode NT3 microphone records? Do you have any idea on how to write a properly structured song? Do you think it's just a bunch of words put together?

All I have to say here, is that for Springsteen to generate such comment, both positive and negative, is proof that he is very influential and powerful figure. If he wasn't, why would anybody bother with the time and energy into such a rant or the responses?