Leif writes: For my part, I miss Danny Federici at least as much as I miss larenace

Preet writes: I like how Bruce in his HF cameo has a mic in front of him. But he rlaely did turn his back on that rock'n'roll show, didn't he? Last I heard, he was haranguing chatters at the front row as he picked away at his acoustic.

Zusammen writes: Beautiful Springsteen pohtos wherever you look, his music blasting through the speakers and like-minded fans all around what a terrific way to spend a Saturday night! Thank you for organizing such a lovely evening, and bringing us all together. I only hope we can repeat it soon. See you all further on up the road!

Pratyush writes: , he had such a unquie sound. I was blown away by his playing on Cadillac Ranch and Born to Run-such power, such soul. Nice tribute, John.

Daniel writes: I am the finred from the above piece and the authentic exhiliration of receiving Live In the Promised Land. from :somehwere over the big pond I'll never forget. My musical roots just like Bruce's branched out to Country and you hear legend after legend (Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan) talk about the influence that radio and in particular The Grande Ole Opry had on their musical development. It was a portal to imagine a completely different world, but not only that, it was an amazing an important world of game changing music and artists. For kids our age that was gone, buried beneath the tide of MTV but for me and my finred we had a genuine participation in what that wonderful mysterty felt like. I watched Houston from the box set and it destroyed my brains but I have to admit I was a little apprehensive, unlike Mr. A I steered mostly clear of the video boots because the imagery and the magic of those shows feeling like they were beamed from outer space, to use Bruce's word, really resonated. There are three recordings of music I can't listen to without tearing up, Gulf Coast Highway by Willie Nelson and Nancy Griffith, He Never Got Enough Love by Lucinda Williams, and most importantly Factory from Live In the Promised Land. These Darkness on the Edge of Town concert recordings document a important transitional time of my life. I'd like to thank J.A. for reminding me just how important they were.

Richard writes: Love his new song

Derek Flynn writes: I agree with every word of this post! Times change, yada, yada, but the fact is I will sadly never listen to a new Springsteen album in quite the same way as I did listening to the actual LP (Vinyl) all those years ago.

BernieMSY writes: Actually, that's not the way I remember it. If you were lucky enough to grow up in the New York metropotan area during the heyday of WNEW-FM, you will recall that they would often play all the songs from new releases before they went on sale. I can recall listening to cuts from "The River" and excitedly calling friends (land line, of course) to share our reaction. Each DJ would note what their colleagues had played earlier that day or evening, and together they would make an effort to play all the cuts from the album. A day or two later the album went on sale and we would rush out to buy it. Anyone else have a similar experience!

Colby writes: I have the single and I also have Wrecking Ball from the 2009 release of when it was first performed live at Giants Stadium but like any other ritual music lover I am waiting till release date. It's tempting to stream online now but the whole glory of listening to a new album is to wait all those weeks and months, to bus to and from the mall, spend that 20 bucks and then put the CD in your surround sound stereo or DVD player and listen to the whole thing from start to finish as in my opinion, was designed for.

Bill Lane writes: I have not gone out of my way trying to hear any new songs from Wrecking Ball. There are probably websites where you can hear the whole thing by now. I can wait for my CD to arrive. Tom Cunningham played a few of them on the Bruce Brunch this past Sunday morning. I really liked "Jack Of All Trades" which has become a rarity for me to like new Bruce on 1 listen. But I absolutely do MISS going to my Indie record store that is closed for 5+ years now and buying the lastest Bruce release. It was a sense of anticipation and excitement that is gone too. You might catch another customer there buying the new Bruce. They might be playing it as well. It was a vibe thing that added to the new release. The whole music industry is just so screwed up now it has greatly affected my enthusiasm for music. I used to be rabid but I am by far **not** now. I don't even have tickets for the new tour & for the first time since 1978 might not go if Bruce does not come back to Phila in the fall.

bob writes: bloody great album

Doreen writes: Thankyou Greasylake. A wonderful review of WB.

Emily G writes: All Bruce fans, if you want to get your own copy of the album, come out to Jack's Music Shop in Red Bank, tonight, at 11:30 PM and be one of the first people to get your copy of "Wrecking Ball." There will also opportunities to win other cool prizes as well. Hope to see you there!

tearose63 ( Lisa ) writes: Hands down simply: The Boss. C. will always in our hearts be known to us E-Street fans as King of the world, but Bruce will forever be The Boss.

londonrob writes: Listened to this album 3 times yesterday (can't remember the last time I did that for any one). There are moments that send shivers down the spine, moments you want to jump around the room (I'm a 49 year old man for God's sake!) Hangs together totally as a piece of work. Fantastic production, they've thrown the kitchen sink into some of the songs and it all works. It's on again now. Always look forward to seeing Bruce, can't wait to here this stuff live. For all those that kept the faith this our beautiful reward.

Kevin Barnett writes: A very different album indeed, but one that bears a close listen. WOAD was not his best offering, but put next to this, it looks practically trite. My favorite tracks are "Swallowed Up", which I think is an absolutely extraordinary song, and "Shackled and Drawn". However, I am glad I waited to hear the entire thing rather than streaming a track a day - this a great example of a true ALBUM. This collection of songs really says something. It says a lot of things in fact, not the least of which is that Bruce is as relevant and important an artist as there is today.

Kevin Turner writes: It's certainly no 'Born to Run' but what new album could ever match that collection of songs but I do like it , I like it a lot. There's sincerity in the lyrics and I can imagine the live audiences singing along passionately to a few of these songs like 'Easy Money'. I also like the freshness that the Ron Aneilio, the new producer has brought. Good on you Bruce but I miss the Big Man's blasts!

Don Weisman writes: The author states that there is no tribute song to Clarence on the album, but the studio version of Land of Hope and Dreams fulfills that purpose, with Clarence himself once again taking the listener to a higher plane. That one sax solo on the album shines through like a sun ray from heaven, and in the context of the song and album becomes Clarence's tribute to his talent and his spirituality.

Dennis writes: Great review!!!

Tedd R writes: Here's a link to an acoustic version of Springsteen's new single "We Take Care Of Our Own" http://youtu.be/tYCV2smGPVg

John Zur writes: This is Springsteen's Great Recession Record in the vein of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Just as we "needed" a Springsteen record after 9/11 (The Rising), we need a Springsteen record that speaks to this great economic injustice. Typically of Springsteen, his lyrics are in stark contrast to his music. These are songs that you want to play loud and even dance to (albeit an Irish Jig) but his lyrics speak of a much darker time for the people struggling in this great recession. What I felt was a throw away song (the title track - Wrecking Ball) when it was written just before Giants Stadium was knocked down - has now become what I believe is the most defiant song on the record. I can see many fans singing the verse "Hard Time Come & Hard Times Go, C'mon and take your best shot/Let me see what you got, Bring on your wrecking ball." And as is Springsteen's way - no matter how bad things get - he ends the record with songs of hope and inspiration. As ticked off as he is - he never fails to find the goodness in people, the strength of our nation's community and that there is HOPE.

Will Jones writes: I couldn't say it better than American novelist Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone): "Wrecking Ball sounds like it's quite possibly Bruce’s best album in a quarter century, for what my opinion's worth. It's bracing and subversive and furious and sonically fearless. It's going to give voice to a generation. Certainly to an era. In that regard I'd put it shoulder to shoulder with Born to Run, Highway 61 Revisited, Exile on Main Street, London Calling, and American Idiot. Indelible. I hate hyperbole, but I've got to say I stand in awe of Bruce's ability to make music this angry and relevant and authentic at any stage of his career, never mind 40 years on. Thank God for him." Bold, courageous, Irish war songs, gospel, rock--Up there with Born to Run, Badlands, and Nebraska.

Jones writes: stunning, thoughtful, risky. Most powerful album since Nebraska.

Peter Ames Carlin writes: All due respect, but i think the better analogy is to the Bruce Springsteen Band, which had a traditional rock/soul band core enhanced by horns, backup singers and etc. Dr Zoom had the broader scope, but was closer to a goof/party band than a tightly rehearsed outfit. The BSB were tight as ticks.

Labhras writes: you mispelled theatre ;)

Karen Roberts writes: Sounds great! Are there plans to tour with this to other venues? NYC in August would suit me!!!! Going to see Green Day's American Idiot play in Manchester in November. Think these sort of plays are great. Mamma Mia is fun with story constructed round songs but your music tells a story in itself :-)

london don writes: A Very powerful album his best since the Rising i cant wait to hear the new songs live. A great piece of work.

CrazyJaney writes: "fans west of the Mississippi have once again reason to be disappointed." - what about us in Australia! It's a nightmare! Come on, Bruce!

steve writes: Moncton is very close to New England, only an eight hour drive north of Boston, We are really happy about having Bruce play here.

john driscoll writes: This live song more than any other defines the bruce live experience. I, like many others first heard it on a bootleg Cd. But it also defines my frustration with the bruce ethos. Why did he not include it on the live compilation released in 1986. 30 years! while we got Glory Days and Hungry Heart (pick your own) on an all too regular basis. It also reminds me (sorry) of how his writing has declined since The Rising. He still cuts it live (last saw him at hyde park) but I dunno, that 78 tour..... can it ever be bettered? Maybe it can't....maybe it shouldn't?!

Joe Schmoe writes: Anyone who wants to play that, "Yeah, but you shoulda seen them in..." can just kiss my ass because they're not a real Bruce & E Street fan, anyway. They're just a jerk, and would be no matter whom they saw way back in...whenever. I have been fortunate to have seen Bruce and E Street live since 1976 and I do not have a favorite show. Each show has been a gift to admire, replay, and to rejuvenate my soul. Each show has been unique, each with its own highlights. I don't know how he had that much energy when he was 30 and doing "Quarter to Three" at the MUSE concerts...so I sure as hell don't know how he's 63 and still kicking ass every night for 3 hours with a band that just gets better. But I'm glad he does.

CCC writes: I was there, I was part of boss' history, I was part of a dream. And I cried.

John K writes: Agreed! Cleveland Agora '78 show...I've listened to that show and that song so many times since that night I recorded it off WMMS on an 8 track tape in my buddies living room. Classic stuff... and this tour, to me, is as close as it gets.

the iLSTER writes: dont forget that Steve played the closing solo .. and maybe you can help - did it ever happen before ?

Dave Simpson writes: Played in Manchester on Friday as an audience request. One of many highlights in an awesome show. Though I think the reworking of City of Ruins into a Clarence tribute was the most magical part of a magical night.

Michael Dick writes: I was there in Manchester on Friday (June 22, 2012) as well and it took me about 30 seconds to realise what Bruce was playing. After that, it was just magical. But I would add that My City of Ruins was a tribute to Danny Federici as much as to the Big Man. Remember, "if you're here and we're here, they're here".

Crazy Janey writes: I agree with Joe Schmoe 1,000%. Bruce man has so much material, not everybody will love everything... and what makes one person go over the moon with happiness, might make the one next to you say...why is he playing this??? No matter. ANY Bruce show is gift. He tries to please the entire audience...casual fans and die-hards alike, with a little of this, and a little of that. No easy feat!!! Case in point...I did see the '78 intro in 1980 on the River Tour. I can admire the talent, but it's not my thing. However, if he plays it sometime during the next 4 shows I am BLESSSED to have tickets for, and everyone is going nusts with joy...that's great!! I have a good friend who is a major DIE HARD, and Dancing in the Dark is her all time favorite... whatever floats your Springsteen boat :) I go nuts when I hear people say "He hasn't written anything worthwhile since __________" That's just ridiculous. Perhaps you didn't like a certain CD, and that's fine. But I live in a large circle of Bruce fanatics, have seen many, many shows since 1980, and can tell you that EVERY album has touched someone. In my personal, humble opinion...NOTHING is more amazing, fun, spiritual, and inspiring then a Bruce concert.

Angel of the Interlake writes: Being from New Jersey, I know how blessed I am to have been able to have seen Springsteen as often as I have! Three times so far this tour (Izod, MSG, and Prudential), with 4 more to go (Boston, NJ, NJ, NJ, NJ)... I do not take one second for granted!! While it's not a lot by any fanatics standards...the last show at MetLife (NJ) will be #68. He has been absolutely outstanding (well, I say that after every show/tour, but this tour he has outdone himself), and I cannot wait!!!!!!!! If I get to hear Janey Don't You Loose Heart once more, my happiness will know no bounds :)

Angel of the Innerlake writes: How cool is this??? I'm with Karen Roberts... a showing in NYC in the fall would be lovely!! Open All Night is one of my faves :)

Mike Zabaroff writes: Agree with every word. Bruce didn't come to the UK in '78 so we missed out on that tour but his shows now have lost none of the magic. My only gripe is that he does outdoor/stadium shows 99.9% of the time. I realise that the number of people who want to see him makes smaller venues a logistical nightmare but I long for those shows. But you know, I'm just thankful that he is still out there as strong as ever. I've been a fan since 1975 and the excitement has never left!

Alan Clarke writes: Was at the show - the show itself was great and Paul McCartney topped that off at the end - never expected to see that but for the council/organisers to pull the plug was unforgivable, ruined what should have been a great end to a great show. I was near the front and you coud see te bewilderment amongst the whole band. They would onl have done one or two more songs and taken their richly deserved applause but "jobsworth" intervened and spoilt it for 65,000 people and the band. Hope this let are not running anything around the Olympics! Makes London look stupid!

Jon kewen writes: Totally agree....there are so many better venues than Hyde Park!!! At 62, Bruce has hopefully got at least one more big tour left in him in the next 2-3 years and as last night was my 26th time of seeing the legend that is the THE BOSS, I for one won't loose any sleep that it ain't at Hyde Park!!! - Jon,Newcastle.U.K.

duncan writes: Haaving seen Bruce on every tour since Born in the Usa in 85. I was surprised he decided to revisit Hard Rock again as his only London Show. 09 he was on top form, last night he was'nt. I only wish he would come back in the winter and do what Bon Jovi did take up residence at the O2 For month. Great version. Of version of Standing There one for the bootleg collection no thanks to the metropolitan police who robbed ofthe chancee chance to pay tribut

michael writes: good article, it was a great gig and a shame the way it ended. i was lucky enough to be at the sunderland and manchester gigs which were fabulous. and i got to see 10th avenue twice with the tribute. but thats what annoys me, think how many people that wanted to see that song to pay there respects to the big man and they were robbed at 10.45???????? my god what has this country come to when adults cant have a party in a park at least up to 11pm.......

andrew kenward writes: i was there and i have to say it makes me ashamed to be british!!!! england is supposed to be the cultural capitol of the world this year in conjunction with the olympics, so what do they do, cut the power because bruce wanted to play a tad past his curfew. what are we babies, do they have to tell us what time we should be in bed by, all of this noise pollution rubbish to, its stupid!! hope bruce never comes back to hyde park again!! if you ever read this bruce please please come back to hammersmith!!

Obimick writes: I agree with most on herebut will never agree that 1 Springsteen gig is the best. they all have there own qualities thats why we all still keep coming back! for that special night. ive loved every album the man has done! some better than others obviuosly but live there is no difference he is amazing his shows are amazing i went to both sunderland and manchester and got point blank and murder inc amonst others of course in sunderland and in manchester got prove it all night with the 78 intro and cadillac ranch amonst others! I also went hyde park and blimey got Take em as they come and I saw her standing there! so a perfect example that no Bruce Springsteen show is the best! I love this man and his band!

steen writes: A disgrace.... I went to Paris (Bercy) and the show didn't finish 'till 1240!!!In Manchester he played for 3hr30min so the stupid promotors must have known who they have booked.He's got a track record of playing overtime (Glasto). I'm just glad that I live 250 miles from London. When I go to see him in New Jersey in September I don't think for one min. they will think of pulling the plug.Fath..........Tramps Like Us

redpath writes: Keep up the great blogging. No possibility that this could be a DVD? The curfew cut-off has made this amazing gig (the best Sprngsteen & E Street performance I've even seen) even more significant. It would be a great DVD release. Any word on what concert is planned to be this tour's DVD? Another thought. Do we really think they would have gone into Tenth Avenue Freeze Out? I know Steve said they would have played until 11pm - but I wonder. It's been a beautiful tribute to Clarence, but surely it would not have finished the show after the crescendo was raised to the McCartney duet? Is it not more likely they reluctantly decided to cut it from an earlier slot in the encore because they were running late? They did come on about 30 minutes later than scheduled.

Quinn writes: How shameful to end such an epic gig in this way - especially as the organisers hadn't got them on in time in nthe first place. I was in the front row and just about heard Springsteen round the show off with a refrain of "I'll see you in my dreams" which might have been the last song he was going to sing as this concluded the Harrison Concert For George that McCartney played a few years back. Did anyone else hear this?

Tommy Beck Kobberoe writes: @ Quinn: The song Bruce sang unplugged was "Goodnight Irene", which is an old folk song. The lyrics include "I'll see you in my dreams", but is not the song you are referring to

Penfold writes: I listen to Bruce at work for 40hours a week painting the fences round my home town in the uk so far I have worn out an iPod shuffle a nano and four sets of headphones all in 7 months and still have miles of fence left is this some sort of record I wonder from penfold from Wolverhampton uk

Alta writes: Thank you for this really wonderful review. It made me feel as if I have been there.

Hans Perthou writes: Thank you for sharing.. absolutely spot on..fantastic. Thanks for a wonderfull trip and, offcourse wee wil be were the band is next summer... Take care friend.. Cheers

Magnus writes: Wonderful review that makes sense of an epic night. But forget the setlist surprises for a second - what really made the show so memorable for me was the audience.

Peter Axelsen writes: Very spot on - incredibly well written. What a night and what a weekend. Big thanks to you and Hans for being who you are and for being where you were sharing these dreams with me. Another life affirming roadtrip that sparks so many emotions and brings so much joy. Not only for one night but for many many days and nights to come.

Ken writes: Beautiful piece of writing. Thank you.

Tommy Beck Kobberoe writes: I totally agree. I've "only" seen 12 concerts since '88, including 2 fantastic shows in Berlin in '99 - the venue counted for a lot of the "fantasticness". But yesterday even my least live favourite "Hungry Heart" sounded great. And yes, the audience was great. Unfortunately I had seats all the way back, with lots of beer-, pee- and smoke runs, but it couldn't spoil this out-of-this-world experience.

Kay writes: Wow, brilliant review.. you brought tears to my eyes at the end of it. Lucky you were there x

deedee writes: Thanks for a great review. At Fridays show I was moved to tears during My City of Ruins and Drive All Night for the second and third time at a concert ever. The first time? Incident in Gothenburg back in 2005. It has never happend to me at any show ever since. I thought it would never happen again and regardless of my high expectations on Saturday, I was completely blown away (even by Bruce standards). The shown on Saturday was my tenth Bruce show in as many years. And I cannot compare with any other show. It was the best. I was lost in the flood of tears during Jungleland. The best fucking performance I've ever witnessed. Big man's legacy is in good hands. I felt like he and Danny was watching and laughing. Like Bruce said; "If you're here, and we're here.. They're here." Insane show, how can they top this one? I'm afraid that's impossible. It was PERFECT. Everything from Bruce's order to Nils to keep the BTN solo going and Steve's confusion (he and some of the band went into the chorus and Steve never found his way back:)), to the Backstreets intro, the kid singing Waitin'.. Where to start, where to end.. Completely blown away - two days afterwards.. THANK YOU, BRUCE. THANK YOU, ESB.

dave whittaker writes: great letter . great experiance . i too seen bruce for the first time in 88 and many times since , been to manchester and dublin this year took my daughter too dublin for her first bruce gig felt i needed her to experiance a bruce show . the recent shows are full of passion and great memories for clarence and danny . may the band go on and on . what a showman and what a band . bruce clearly enjoys comin back to see us time and time again .

gwto writes: WHAT DO YOU HAVE AGAINST BOBBY JE...I'm just kidding. :-) A wonderful read.

sue writes: Brilliant and poetic description. Thank you.

Laura writes: simply thanks. I'm feeling just like I was there. and I was there, although I wasn't. I'm sure you'll understand. thanks again.

theboss411 writes: outstanding review. I feel as though I attended the show.

Hans Runbalk writes: Thank you, I was there too and I couldn´t agree more. It was EPIC and even Backstreets.com ranks it as one of the best ever, if not the best.

MotoCycleBoi writes: Great review. After Frankie was played and the reception it got from the crowd and the crowds appreciation for Big man Bruce held nothing back and there was so much love to and from the stage. That's what made this night so unforgettable.

daniel writes: sounds amazing

Ted writes: Let us all wish 4 a live-DVD from Ullevi!

Eva Klintell writes: Well written! There are no words to describe the feelings running through the arena Saturday night but you sure came close to it. I still have a good feeling in my body, a smile in my face and tears in my eyes. I will never forget this night and I will forever have the picture of Jake raising his saxophone to the sky in memory It was truly magic!!

Spanish Johnny writes: And to think I chose to go to friday night's concert instead `cause I thought it was going to rain on saturday night... Damn it! But friday night was also great, with a stunning "Drive All Night" and great versions of "Cover Me" and "Something in the Night"

Tony writes: I was there and for me Bruce, as alway was on top form, but the rest of the site was very poor. I get better sound from my system at home. Some of the crowd I dont believe want to be there, that or too many want a fight, yes i see at least 4 fights break out. That and at least 4 people tried to pick pocket me....... Bruce 10 out of 10 Hyde Park 0 out of 10

Marianne Riltoft writes: I was there! Your review gives a very good impression of how it really was. Magical! It was my greatest Bruce experience since Ullevi -85 (the Stadium Breaker Show), and it even surpassed that experience. This show had an amazing, emotional depth which will fill my heart for a very long time. Thank you for your beautiful review.

Rene Rasmussen writes: Thank you for your wonderful review! It was truly a magical night I will never forget. My 25th Bruce show and the best since ´88 :-)

Rene Rasmussen writes: Thanks for a very informative review. I would really like to read this book and get more insight into especially the nineties.

Lois Fundis writes: The ebook version of Marsh's Two Hearts updates some of the info into the 2000s, albeit only as far as "The Rising" and its tour. There's a *very* brief mention of Clarence's passing in Dolan's book. While I was very happy about Remick's New Yorker article and am looking forward to a book, there's also he upcoming book by Peter Ames Carlin (due this autumn) which should also fill some of these gaps.

Lois Fundis writes: Actually, Dolan had a (admittedly very brief) mention of Clarence's passing. The e-book version of Marsh's Two Hearts -- which I just read a couple of weeks ago on my Kindle -- is updated into the 2000s as far as "The Rising". While I very much liked Remick's New Yorker article ("enjoyed" may be the wrong word for some parts of it, but I am grateful for those parts, too), and would very much like to read a book on Bruce by him, we can in the meanwhile have Peter Ames Carlin's bio, which is due this autumn (late Oct/early Nov. depending on whether you're ordering the print or e-book version). I believe it will have some updated info.

Gary writes: I found the book to be interesting & very informative. Any true Springsteen fan will enjoy it.

EM writes: TELL BRUCE TO PLAY HIS WONDERFUL MUSIC AND STAY THE HELL OUT OF POLITICS. HE IS COMPLETELY UNINFORMED AND MISGUIDED. THE BIGGEST NATIONAL TRAGEDY, BY FAR, IN MY LIFETIME HAS BEEN THE ELECTION OF OBAMA, WHO IS COMPLETELY UNQUALIFIED FOR THE JOB. BRUCE SHOULD STAY THE HELL OUT OF POLITICS UNLESS HE IS RUNNING FOR OFFICE HIMSELF. I HAVE A HUGE FAN OF BRUCE SINCE 1973, BUT PREFER STICK TO WHAT HE KNOWS BEST AND DOES BEST, WRITE AND PERFORM.

FREDRIK writes: BRUCE CARES ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN AMERICA AND THE WORLD AND BECAUSE OF THAT HE FEELS HE CAN´T STAY OUT OF POLITICS. IF YOU LISTEN TO THE LYRICS ON HIS RECORDS, AT LEAST POST NEBRASKA, AND TO THE STATEMENTS HE HAS MADE DURING CONCERTS ETC, IT IS PRETTY OBVIOUS WHERE BRUCE STANDS POLITICALLY. THAT IS, IF HE HAS TO CHOOSE BETWEEN OBAMA AND ROMNEY, THE CHOICE IS NOT VERY DIFFICULT. "MEET ME IN A LAND OF HOPE AND DREAMS"

EW writes: Were you born in 2002? Because to call Obama a bigger national tragedy than September 11th, 2001 is a bit of an overstatement, no? It's that type of insane overreactions that puts this countries discourse at an all-time low. Tell me you don't like Obama's policies and I can understand. Tell me you think he's the worst president ever, okay (though you'd have to convince me he's worse than GWB first which you'll never be able to do) but to make such insane, over-the-top statements... it literally kills your arguments before you can begin to make them. Bruce has made his living writing songs about and against people like Mitt Romney. Why you would expect him to sit back, as a father no less, and say nothing as Romney tries to win the White House shows zero understanding of who Bruce Springsteen the man, the father and the artist truly is.

Kevin Yurkanin writes: My favorite album is of course Born To Run. This album convinced me to become a fan and I played it over and over again in my 8 Track player when I was growing up. The songs from this album helped me when I was in Jr. High and helped we realize the meaning of friendship, struggles, and love. Anytime I feel that my world is being turned upside down, I take out this album and I'm reassured that things will work out one way or another.

Tommy Beck Kobberoe writes: The Album "Tunnel of Love" was released after a lot of changes in Bruce's life had taken place. His former album had raised him to superstardom with no less than 7 top-10 singles spawned from the "not too much of a concept" Born In The USA album. "Tunnel of Love" could easily have been a "Born In The USA 2" album, but Bruce - as usual - chose otherwise. After a celebrity marriage to a model/TV star, he had seen another side of life than earlier, with songs about relationships, loneliness, doubt. It's probable that he - when writing the songs for the album - already had doubts about his marriage, as only one year later he was literally caught pants off with his background singer, his "wife-to-be" Patti Scialfa. The songs are stripped-down, with simple arrangements, and not an E-street band album. All band members are represented on one or more songs, including the new E-streeters, Nils and Patti. My favorite song is "Tougher Than The Rest", especially in the live version from the EP: "Chimes of Freedom", recorded on Stockholm on July 3rd, 1988, the day after my first Bruce concert in the same stadium.

victoria riggs writes: I love Nebraska. It is such a deep albulm. There is not much to feel hopeful about as it is so bleak. Tracks like Mansion on the hill, provide the background to the differnces in the haves and not haves. Used cars hints at potential death. It is one of the albums that you want to listen to turned up high, in a darkened room with a nice glass of wine.

Marty Dempsey writes: My favorite Bruce album is Darkness on the Edge of town. I think the album set the foundation for Bruce's future work. Love the powerful guitar work as well the strong sax solos from the Big Man. Saw the band for the first time in '78 during the tour for this album, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The songs flow perfectly from one to the other - a true "concept" album.

Barrie Phillips writes: The Bosses fifth album the River is my all time favourite - I come from down in the valley, Where mister when you're young — They bring you up to do, like your daddy done

Brendan writes: yesterday I heard Bruce was coming to belfast, suddenly and even if only for a day - life got better - the gloom left us - roll on July 2013.

Kevin Buckel writes: Those idiots are lucky they didn't have a riot on their hands. Nothing sucks more than when a concert ends right at the witching hour simply because the hands of the clock have fallen on it when the crowd is begging for more and paid a premium price to do so. When we buy our concert tickets we aren't buying 3 hours of amusement, we are trying to capture that irreplaceable moment we, the performer and rest of the crowd are just one. Except that moment at a Springsteen concert just keeps on going and who wants that to end?

Trev Lees writes: Been a fan for years , never saw 78 , yea got the bootlegs and YES it's bloody amazing , hackles goosebumps every time ! It's what Buce does , lucky to see him several times. I don't count either. Went to both Bercy shows in Paris this year , amazing back to back DIFFERENT concerts, 2nd night nailed it for me , one of the best that I have been to . I loved the TOL Tour , but he'll I've n joyed every tour I've seen . At 63 just how long will he keep going ? I have gr8 memories of Bruce & the ESB , love his music , hoping for more in 2013 ! One life we Bruce fans sure live it !!

Dim writes: Great moments but there should have been a No 12!! storm over Florence!!

Lynn Kessler writes: I would add Bruce's performance of 41 Shots in Tampa after Trayvon Martin was killed. So powerful. And, Bruce and the band singing the Weight (with audience harmonizing) after Levon Helm died.

Alastair Smith writes: Obviously I would say this, as a huge lover of Bruce's music, but to me every one of his albums is special in it's own way. Probably because it so obviously is his first, Greetings will always contain many special qualities for me. It's bursting with lyrics which may not be as coherent and story telling as his more mature writing but which still paint a vivid picture of life as a young beach bum on the Jersey Shore in the early 70's. As a Brit who gets to spend his summers working in the States, I love taking trips to the Shore and playing Bruce's albums whilst I'm there because the rest of the year I listen to them and they make me want to be there so bad. For me Greetings present both the fun times and sometimes the more serious times at the beach and do exactly what they say on the label in that sense! The imagery in The Angel is very romantic and clear. The almost angst and raw emotion in the words and their singing in The Flood point towards Bruce's future direction. Songs like Spirit, Growin' Up and Does This Bus...? are just beautiful and they came to life so brilliantly, particularly courtesy of the horn section, when I saw Bruce live last summer in Philly. They have stood the test of time and some more as the band still find ways to invigorate them. All in all Greetings is perhaps Bruce's most innocent album and will therefore always have a special place in my collection. Yes it's never going to be as articulate or carefully put together as his later work, but it is very unique in it's own right, just as much so as Nebraska, something at the other end of the Springsteen spectrum.

Cecilia writes: Great piece of writing! I'm right in the process from the life changing exprerience of my first Springsteen concert -Ullevi July 28, believe it or not! - to trying to figure out 40 years of his work. And that involves some shocking differences...at the moment digging into Tracks. You just put words to what I'm going through!

Bill Lane writes: I wonder if there is going to be some 40th anniversary redo CD making us spend more money because we are obsessed and it is the law!

Leif Nielsen writes: For me Greetings is a huge album. Much better than some of his later stuff, eg. We shall overcome. His lyrics is fascinating, and shows why he was nicknamed the new Dylan. It is an obscure album, but it sure is worth listening to.

Jens Rasmussen writes: "It would be a bad book if the first chapter was the best, but the same would be the case if the first chapter wasn’t there at all." This quote says it all. In truth, Greetings is far for being a "whole" album for all the reasons listed in the article, but it's sort of a calling card from this young man who's just entered the music industry as a recording artist. And we'll all need a door-opener. Another thing is that the album today stands out as a sign of an era that doesn't exist anymore. Since then I've heard semi- over good to great debut albums after which the artist was only seldom if ever heard from again, especially if the debut was as un-even and rough as Greetings. Today there's simply no second chance and that's what's so great about Springsteens beginnings - he got that second shot at fame, and even a third bullet in the gun though it was also the make-or-break record.

Frank writes: I completely agree. Dolan's is the best Bruce book I've read so far. Not only it doesn't repeat Marsh, but he puts Bruce music in a broad sociological context. This allows the author to overcome what it is generally the most common weakness of Bruce's biographers: the absence of valuable informantion for fans after the eighties. Highly recommended.

Vinnie writes: You're. A bandwagoner!!!!!!

Steve Meredith writes: Liked the book a lot but wanted to know more about the band breaking up and getting back together. And why didn't he include the fact that Little Steven joined Nils and him on stage in Europe in 1985. Felt it got diluted a little once Bruce and Jon Landau got involved

Val writes: I bought it. I read it. I loved it! Very informative, especailly the early years. I loved the Janis Joplin part...don't walk...RUN! Ha!

Frank writes: Very nice and uselful review, thank you. Personally, I'm not as enthusiastic as you are about Carlin's book, but I wholly agree with your analysis.

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