Tonu Tennosaar writes: I enjoyed the book except for the change that occurs half way where it goes from the engaging well written in-depth analysis to almost a rushed over view by the end. I had the same thought that perhaps the current band members felt comfortable discussing pre-break up events in detail but given they are now all on the payroll are either reluctant (or prevented) from speaking about post-reunion events. This would also presumably be true of all other possible interviewees currently involved with Bruce. For example, the possibility that Bruce may have needed & had some sort of voice training in the late 90's to refind his 'rock voice' is not even mentioned.

Welby writes: It was so non committal. It was downright boring the last 150 pages. Clarence was mad, Danny was sick, Bruce We need you. There was so much they glossed over that could be reasons the man is who he is...or isnt. When Bruce took Anti Depressants and said "What ever this is, give me more" ...interesting shit from a man who espouses he never did drugs. Anyway, pretty run of the mill

rob curtis writes: why no houston stop for this tour

Richard writes: I found it a considerable improvement on the Marsh books in that it is that rare thing, a book with a degree of access to its subject that doesn't make him out to be 100% whiter than white at all times. The early years and up to Born in the USA are so well documented by other books that at least this time there is more on the family history, how much of his father is in Bruce, bipolarity and the much-commented on use of anti-depressants. The E Street interviews indicate that the sparse use of the band on Tunnel of Love caused lingering resentment ( Garry's comments on that and the way the reunion was instigated are particularly frank). So yes I wish there had been less of a rush through the post-1987 stuff, but it's better than I expected it to be.

James Devlin writes: I found the book to be trite and fan-boyish. I did learn new information, but I deeply feel that Ames-Carlin was the wrong author to tackle this biography. The grammatical errors and very poor use of footnotes made it a task for me to get through this book.

Bill Lane writes: I just got the book and JUST stated reading it. In the first 30ish pages I am really enjoying it. I am not much on reading a "no photos" book. I also have brain fade at some author's very wordy psycho analysis babble about what Bruces songs are supposed to be about! I can't do it! This book is by far different. It does what BRUCE does and very well on both points - it TELLS ME A STORY - plainly without the self important psycho babble. Carlin does seem to have access to the real deal "dirt" like nothing else I have seen. I have learned LOTS of stuff already. A few pages at a time while "multitasking" in the bathroom. It is going to take a while until I am done!

Georgius writes: Does this book tell about how Bruce became a musician? Did he do some music courses in high school? How did he practice guitar playing, did he do endless scales or just the basic chord book, why and when did he start writing onwn songs etc? I`m not inerested of his private life or what medication he takes, I`m very interested is Bruce as a musician.

Sara writes: Nice article. I learned alot too!

Therese Hollan writes: Great article - and yes hopefully Australian fans wont have to wait so long for a return visit. I was there at QEII in Brisbane '85 (the rain bucketed down), missed '97 (pregnant with my son)Brisbane 2003 and Brisbane 14 March 2013. Bruce please don't forget your loyal Aussie fans!!

Raph Tripp writes: Well informed and entertaining article. Bruce and the band put on an unforgettable outdoor show at the Melbourne Showgrounds in April 1985 in front of 48,000 - at that time the largest crowd he'd ever played for. To this day I still meet people who say "I was there too!" - still the greatest show I've ever seen. I saw Bruce play solo on the Tom Joad tour at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne in Feb 1997. He played 3 nights in the middle of a scorching Aussie heatwave - over 100 degrees every day and not much cooler at night. It suited me as I missed out on tickets - I stood outside listening on his final night and noticed people leaving due to the heat in the old, non air-conditioned theatre - one guy gave me his tickets only 10 minutes in to the show. I was also there at the Telstra Dome in March 2003 - the day the Gulf War broke out. Bruce kicked off with 'War' and though the band tried - the venue was just too big, too soulless and not enough of a crowd to get the place jumping. And yes - the VIP section in front of the stage was a disgrace (by the promotor - not Bruce) as it put everyone much further back from the stage. I'm seeing Bruce at Rod Laver Arena tomorrow night - can't wait!

Nicky W writes: In all that time only one show in NZ Autralian's have nothing to complain about

Raph Tripp writes: As someone who started with Born In the USA in the mid 80s, and worked my way backwards,I never had a problem with adjusting to Greetings from Asbury Park. Yes - it's very different in tone to what came after - it's more the 'sensitive solo artist' album that was in vogue at the time - think Cat Stevens, James Taylor and Don McLean. You have to remember when listening to this record that John Hammond - A&R man at Columbia (same Mr Hammond who signed Dylan back around 1960) wanted Bruce to be a solo performer - he didn't want the band at all. So part of the reason the E Streeters seem to be so far back in the mix is due to the insistence of the record company. Thankfully, that all changed with his next album - my favourite. So listen to Asbury park for its' poetic-confused-young-man lyrics and terrific arrangements - I still love it 25 years after I first bought it.

peter writes: On Friday night he said he won't take as long to be back

Dean writes: I'm with Raph Tripp. The show he did back in April 85 at the Melbourne Showgrounds was that good that I have never seen any other performer or any band come near it. I wont attempt to try and describe in words how great it was. Simply because I can't. Words like awesome or spectacular come to mind but in reality there is just nothing yet in the english language that I could use to describe just how great that performance was. Again I totally agree with Raph. Every now and again you come across somebody who went and you get the same response "I was there too!"(big smile on their dial). He finally toured again with the ESB for The Rising in 2003. This time I took my wife. I had been banging on about how good he was for years. I finally got the chance to prove my point. Unfortunally on the day of the concert the 2nd Iraq war started and it was fair to say it didn't put him in a good frame of mind. On top of that those DUMB ASS promoters seated all the lifeless VIP morons directly in front of him. It was by no means any comparison to 85 but we had a good night. 'My City of Ruins' was a stand out. I drove up to Sydney with a mate to see him at the SCG. Despite the power issue I thought it was a good performance. My wife and I just saw his show Tuesday night(260313) at Rod Laver. It was totally magic. My wife now understands what its means to be blown away by a Bruce Springsteen performance. It was great to see him back in town. We were beside ourselves when he played 'Cadilac Ranch'. Great performance. On Sunday we are off to Hanging Rock. This time we are taking my whole family(2 daughters and 1 son), my brother and some friends. None of them have seen him yet. So we are hoping he puts on a pearler. Being his final Aussie show maybe he might do something super special. One thing I know for sure, he is in great form at the minute. Nicky W I hope he gets over to New Zealand real soon. When he does I hope he puts on a great show for ya. Beg, borrow or steal to get tickets. Be good to see him get to Adelaide and Perth also. Share the joy!

Wendy Cernto writes: As a long time fan since 1974 I really appreciate the detail given in this article. It has always been a great disappointment for me that Bruce has not toured Australia more regularly. I have been fortunate enough to go to shows on his previous Aust. tours. Most recently I was privileged to attend his 3 Sydney shows and I can honestly say I personally have never experienced such a sense of euphoria and also the general crowd euphoria that I experienced those 3 nights. And Bruce did say at the Friday 22/3/13 show in Sydney that he will not leave it so long next time. Music to any fan's ears. And incidentally 22/3/13 was the 10th anniversary of the infamous Sydney Cricket Ground concert where the sound kept dropping out. I recall that night the crowd stepping into the breach and loudly continuing to sing the lyrics to "War" whilst frantic efforts were being made to restore the sound.

Andrea writes: So glad Bruce gave Australia another chance. I was at both the Tuesday and Wednesday shows at Rod Laver in Melbourne. Completely outstanding performances. I was lucky to be up front a few people back and watched as he rode the fans back to the stage. Hearing ROSALITA was just one of the highlights for me and managed to get even closer.

Karen Weisser writes: Great few weeks with Bruce and the E-Street band here :) You are welcome back anytime!

Mimi Griswold writes: Um, if we're trying to win the book... you can pretty much assume we have not read it yet.. so how could we lnow the correct answer?

Karsten, Greasy Lake writes: Good question. You'll just have to make a guess. But if I may give you a hint, Marc Dolan is on par with the general public opinion, although he takes it a step further than probably most fans would.

Deborah Brooks writes: I enjoyed it overall, but kind felt bogged down in the manager, contract, this producer, that producer, this person was the technician, etc... I guess I wanted a bit more about being a father/husband...not PERSONAL..I know he keeps his life private and he SHOULD, but I know he is said to be an exceptional father and so many rockers DON"T pull that off.

rob curtis writes: 06 06 2013 as of this date. no stop in Houston tx. will there be any more u.s.a. tour stops. after Europe. or is personal toward the city.

rob curtis writes: I hope texas is on this next leg. maybe Houston or Austin. if not shame on him.

Gary writes: Yes agree, first heard Bruce here with the Born to Run album. Brought the previous on vinyl then. Me and a mate had that song (born to run) played repeatedly on a tape went for 30 minutes in the car. Anyway I agree.... still have a turntable and play that stuff....love it, regards Gary. Aus

VICTORIA MAES writes: I truly believe that Bruce had something to do with the fall of the wall He had the nerve to speak out in the middle of east Berlin& 16 months later, the wall falls??Think about it!! & The crowd iz his biggest ever~Co-incidece?? U Be the judge*

GERNER TEIL NIELSEN writes: Bruce Springsteen in East Berlin 1988 FROM DDR-TV: http://youtu.be/EGazoHfgHOg

A-C-I-M writes: while a bit wordy for my liking all in all Professor A, Nice Review.

Stan Goldstein writes: Thanks Caryn. I was curious how you felt about it. I agree with much of what you wrote. I felt there were a couple embarrassng clips that I wonder why they were in the film. First the woman who shows her son the picture of Bruce and says "Daddy" is just creepy and sad. Pathetic even. Then the guy crying in his car, I just didn't get it. Very strange. I did like several of the clips, especially the Philly Elvis. But then, I felt a couple of people were very boring and surprised the director used them more than once. They were boring the first time, why bring them back a second time? I would say it was good, not great. I enjoyed it but will not go down as a must-see for Springsteen fans.

LDK writes: The biggest downside to this film is that JLM will see this film as being representative of ALL of us and make future decisions with that in mind, as a way of trying to "give the fans what they want."

ernst writes: We may want to believe this, and certainly Bruce was one of the first, if not the first Western rock/music act to perform in eastern-germany. But now matter how hard we want to believer, dig in to the history, specifically the last few years of East-Germany. My wife comes from east-germany, and it was just a matter of time [to quote Billy Joel] for the Wall to come down. By the time Bruce played there a whole movement and development went on. The state of East-Germany as it existed was almost to be bankrupt. The way it is happening currently with a number of 'weaker' European countries as Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy. So it was basically allready a miracle Bruce even got atmitted to perform in East-Germany, it would be interesting to learn the details how the concert got through, cause 5 years before that it would be not imageneable this could take place. Another thing that occured to me when looking at the dvd (not official but the show was partly broadcast by national east-german television). It occured to me why so little (I guess only 20% of the whole concert footage) of Bruce and the band was shown. My wife stated; what do you think it was a promo for Springsteen?! No, it was to keep track and observate all those people in the crowd who were pro-western. Interesting for the east-german inteligince service (STASI) to see who visited the concert, who they knew and who they didn't and what those 'new ones' did at the concert and to monitor/spy on them. Cause that was still the day to day reality at the time for East-German people, allthough most of them didn't mind as their life/society was pretty good (in terms of stability). So Bruce might have even helped out the east-german government/intelligence service to observate those that came to rock, mostly innocent youngsters who were ready to break loose, which was interesting for the government/intelligence serive at the time. Anyway, just wanted to point out, the world of east-germany and the collapes of the wall vs Springsteen, is a bit broader than a statement of 3 lines by Bruce. Surely it's part of Rock history for him, for those who attended and for east-germany as matter he was (one of the) first Western acts to play there. Same thing can be said about Billy Joel, first western act to perform in Russia. He (and his management) may have pulled it of during Glasnost, but surely he did not break down the iron curtain (oppose to Nylon Curtain...) between Russia and America. Simular thing, but no matter how hard we want to believe, it was just a little slip of the governments, a start, to allow Bruce and Billy to perform there, a trent that eventualy alllowed to break down those barriers of the Wall and the Curtain a while later. Just wanted to point out it's a bit of bigger context as we may want to believe, still an interesting piece of history and for Springsteen a magical experience to see the biggest crowd ever in his lifetime (so far...).

Tania (unbelievableblue) writes: did you manage to send anything to "springsteen and I"? Loved reading your 25 years stories. I know that feeling - less inclination for strangers to morph - aww. miss that too.

Derek writes: fabulous well written piece, my first springsteen gig was that tour at Wembley stadium and have been seeing him ever since

Maria Haynes writes: Me & my husband have survived 29 yrs of marriage, partly due to our mutual adoration of Bruce - the effect his music has on us cannot be put into words. Bruce is a God and we worship him and his band......long may the elation of experiencing him live continue & his recorded music keeps us going between tours. We can't imagine a life without Bruce.....he lifts us & inspires us so much.

MaryDove writes: Beautifully expressed, Big A ~ it is that moment of community & transcendence that keeps me going to shows. You're right that you don't always get that moment ~ too much depends on where you are and who the crowd is ~ but it comes often enough to keep you wanting to experience it again ... and chasing after it!

Klaus writes: That show started everything for me as well. I wasn't a fan, but Dad got tickets. Dads to rescue - how very not-Bruce of us :-) A great read! Thank you Karsten and congratulations!

Jens Ole Sørensen writes: Hej Karsten Vi blev døbt samme år kan jeg se, jeg dog i den nævnte koncert i Stockholm, dog var jeg også i Idrætsparken.Vi holdt også 25 års jubilæum samme sted, tak for en fremragende artikel blood brother. Et tip: mit favorit ordsprog er, jeg har haft mange chefer, men kun en BOSS mvh Jens Ole Sørensen

CmonMrTrouble writes: Well shucks, it is stuff like this that make me feel like a casual fan. I say "Nicely done" to the "other Boss" and a great friend who also married a better woman than he deserves (just another thing we have in common) Mikey

jim richardson writes: Every show is better than the last. Bruce is our DNA. hE SINGS OUR LIFE BACK TO US. You do a great job.

Pernille Larsen writes: Thank you so much for sharing this. The 1988 Copenhagen show was my baptism too. A 15 year old small town girl with a 2 year Springsteen addiction, I had no idea of the revelation I was in for. It was an amazing experience, right from the moment the band walked on stage and got their tickets from the small booth on the stage. Man, that night was a blast! Herning 2013 marked my 25th anniversary of shows as well, and I still get that soul cleansing experience every single time - after the show, the moment I walk out of the venue, I still get that all-over shiver inside, and I just feel like everything is all right, confident that we can all make our contributions to making this small world a better place.

david sullivan writes: great story

Steve writes: Beautiful piece. Like you I don't think anything prepared me for the first time(London)'75(?).The man and the music have been a soundtrack to my adult life and has seen me through many ups and downs.Each time I go to a show I feel regenerated and ready to face the world again in all it's guises. If Bruce didn't exist we would have to invent him. Thanks Boss.

Kevin writes: Great posting, my friend. Thank you for sharing your moment that at some point, even at different shows, we have all shared. Bruce just seems to keep getting better, doesn't he? Your writing captures each show magnificently. Great job.

Karen Ballington writes: Will reserve judgement until I see dvd as film unavailable in my area Also just bought Caryns book Raise Your Hand reviews seem really good

Gary Hudson writes: I completely agree with Stan's comments about the embarrassing and even creepy contributors, and would include the amateurish family shuffling into camera shot ( we know it's not pro-shot - that's the whole point!). But there are some sublime sequences (Philly Elvis obviously ) and the epilogue alone makes it a must-see for my money.

Jeremy writes: Great piece. My first show was the 1988 Tunnel of Love tour as well, Aston Villa football ground in the UK. My last was this summer, 2013, at Wembley Stadium in London. As cathartic as ever Bruce sustains me as many others. The 'only' difference was this summer was only my 7th show ;-). Thanks for the article.

sarah lemarchand writes: Great book ....Huge work !! pretty interesting..reaches far beyond the concert !!! I did learn a lot from this book !!!

Scott Evans writes: I was giving a second chance of life by his music.

Gracie writes: Standing on the metal folding chairs in splke high heels at the Rosemont Horizon (Chicago). I was dressed to the nines in case Bruce picked me to dance with, after all I was in the 17th row - it could happen. I was a veteran of 10 -15 shows by then so I knew that miracles were possible. What's weird is that I was more exhausted at the end of those shows when I was in my early twenties than I am now. Now I'm 56 and stand out all day for a good position in the pit but I come out flying on a Bruce high.

Marshall Fish writes: I don't know if this is the right place for this.The other day I reviewed the Springsteen & I Blu-ray. The review is located here: http://marshfish.hubpages.com/hub/Springsteen-I-Blu-rayDVD-review. If the review link isn't permitted in this section, I'll understand. If yes, thanks!

Bill Lane writes: Ugh! It should be called Bruce and Tom Morello. I can take Tom Morello in about 3 minute intervals. I might not be in a hurry to get this new release.

Anton van Kouwen writes: This was a great show, wich was part of the TOL-tour. I still have the dvd.

Jeff writes: This album will work well and finish (hopefully) with the last two duds, the trilogy of the "I cant write anything new of quality so I will put out songs I wrote years ago along with these crappy new ones." But then most Bruce fans around here do not have discerning tastes to reject anything this man spews out. I think after riding this train for over 35 years I'm jumping off.

Jo writes: High Hopes is such a great song. It is absolutely awesome! I cannot wait to listen to the whole album.

Matthew writes: Heard the new album and love it! hope there's an irish tour this year

Peter Jenkins writes: Karsten I agree totally with your conclusions. This is a fine Bruce album and one which I feel we'll be enjoying for a long time. Morello is perfect on this album - I hope that he will be an adjunct to the band rather than replacing any member. It's good too to have some last reminders of Clarence and Danny. I don't think it's a throwaway album at all - with songs like "Frankie" and "Harry's Place" how can it be ?

Vincent Simpson writes: Very surprised just how well the album holds together as a journey considering the songs are from various eras and artists, by the time Dream Baby Dream rolls in you are at the close of a proper piece of work not just some stopgap as some have suggested. The Wall is magnificent and i've even grown to really love the rocked up Tom Joad. Tears and defiance, as ever. Wonderful.

Daniel Parnis writes: Absolutely love the new record, especially 41 shots, GOTJ and The Wall. Looking forward to 5 concerts in Feb!

Lois Fundis writes: "Stylistically, High Hopes is the perfect summary of the 21st century Bruce." This sums up my feelings about the album, too.

Rich Dolan writes: I agree with almost everything you say,except I get the feeling you may not be a fan of My Lucky Day which I feel is underrated along with the rest of Working on A Dream.Other than that I feel that this album has to be listened to and appreciated for what it is.I love BTR ,Darkness,The River and Nebraska as much as all the die hard fans out there but you have to realize that as much as some of you might like it to happen it simply is no longer 1978 any longer.Thanks for listening.I just had to politely get that off my chest.

George Vaughan, England writes: I love the album. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as i do. You can quibble about the covers, or toms involvement, but that makes it more unique. Tom joad is transformed into a brilliant powerful rock song that wakes you up in the morning, and the wall is just so beautiful. I also like Frankie fell in love particularly. Everything is fine but I'm not that keen on high hopes actually, but I think it's a great album overall and shows bruce is still turning out brilliant and relevant music.

Jeff writes: Although not a "Bruce classic," this album is by far his best album since Magic. The last two albums were absolutely horrid. I find HH refreshing, upbeat, and a nice change from the same old E Street sound. The songs are all good and nicely produced, unlike the garbage of WOAD & the absolute crappiness of WB. I have been to over 50 shows and loved every album until the last 2, and not agreeing with his liberal politics, I decided I was done with him after WB. But I absolutely love this new album. I am moving to New Orleans next month, I will be at the Jazz Festival. Just when I thought I was out, he pulls me back in! Damn you Bruce! LOL

Paul writes: Great, I saw Bruce for the first time in 1978 at the Municipal Auditorium in Columbia, South Carolina. It was a small venue 2500 and Bruce & ESB played for close to five hours. About 30 minutes into the show, I had to stand on the arms of my chair and my then girlfriend sat on my shoulders....

Gary Hudson writes: I found myself agreeing with almost all of this - a fair and open-minded review which recognises that the Morello factor is the glue binding these disparate songs into a coherent and very listenable whole. There are classic Bruce moments throughout and having seen the GOTJ solo live a couple of years ago and now Frankie Fell In Love at Light of Day, I reckon many of these songs will be highlights of E Street shows for years to come.

eugene writes: Hi there, I found your website on Googling 'greasy lake', as in Spirits in the Night. I went to the first show in Cape Town on Sunday night, and for someone who has been following and collecting Springsteen's music since I heard 'Born to Run' on a little transistor radio and was blown away, with the 70s Huh? (today it would be WTF!), I never, ever thought I'd see him live. Sure, on VHS, DVD, and download, but never live. Then it happened, and all those years of listening to his music, waiting for him to come to SA, and then play in my hometown of Cape Town, came true. When he rocked off with Badlands, there were tears of joy, and by the time the E Street Band kicked off Hungry Heart, my voice was halfway gone with 'Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, jack'. With Pay Me My Money down I was almost hoarse but that Spirit got my voice going again. It was a great, great night, and everyone in CT who attended his three shows loved it, loved it, loved it. Thanks Bruce, for everything. Hope we see you again one day.

Martin Bo Andersen writes: Very nice review, thanks. Regular reviews don't add this level of analysis, and when it's as straightforward sensible and not pretentious, it's a sheer pleasure to read. You really GIVE something to the reader, more than just your opinion. The album has been a very positive surprise to me, a really great one, actually. Except for the first track, I'm afraid. I agree with the honorable reviewer that the voice is passionate and intense. But the song itself "is" not Bruce, and the sound, production, instruments ... please wait, while I'm searching for nicer words than "a (bad) joke" :-) It's so out of place, sorry. But the album - great!

Niall writes: Loved the album and cannot understand the vitriol from so called life long fans. In my book you simply arent a true fan if you cant see past the first listen and understand whats on offer. Any cd that includes 3 of his best songs of the last 25 years is worth a listen any day of the week.

Niall writes: Jeff what do you smoke? A vet of 50 shows and you call WB "HORRID"? Mental.

john driscoll writes: As I life long fan I want to love every album but this once again just doesn't cut it. Ever since Magic I've been disappointed. The production is compressed and harsh. On some solo's you have a hard time identifying the instrument. The Wall is the best song on the album. What did it for me was when I heard Highway Patrolman on the radio recently, I hadn't heard it for along time and it completely blew me away. Bruce just doesn't write anything of this staggering quality anymore. Melody lyrics production are all vastly superior. And he wrote songs as good as that in truck loads back then. Now there's plenty of swagger and sweat but little melody, nuance, or depth. His best moments live are the older material like the piano version of The Promise.

Jeff writes: Niall, 3 of his best songs from the past 25 years?!! Not quite. Your tastes obviously are not very discerning now, are they? I am an ardent fan, but unlike most others who make that claim, I dont allow that to cloud my judgement of quality. What in God's name are you smoking? And yes, WB is weak at best, the only Bruce CD I ever extricated from my collection.

Jeff writes: Niall, to say Im mental because of my musical tastes is very narrow minded, dont ya think? I could say in response that your tastes lack a discerning quality, but I wont. Best 3 songs of the last 25 years?!! Probably not. Here are the best 3 in my opinion, Waiting on the End of the World, Galveston Bay, and Silver Palomino. I am an ardent fan, but unlike most that make that same claim, I can look at the man and his music with some objectivity and lack of hero worship. Can you Niall?

Mark Vasto writes: This is the current Bruce Springsteen record. As a fan of Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, I love this record. But I also admit to imagining all the "Wild and Innocent" era fans frowning during Tom's solos and loving it almost just for that. It's not BTR, but it's a brilliant album and it stands on it's own. I have learned to go with Springsteen's flow since The Rising. I get what he's doing and appreciate it. When I was a kid I used to wish Bruce would add "more guitars" like he used to say and now that he's doing it, I'm fully on board. Danny would not have liked this direction but it's where Bruce always wanted to go. He's still got that compulsion to shred. Highway to Hell in Australia when Tom, Nils, Miami Steve, and Bruce traded licks was incredible. Can there be any doubt that this is the best touring band in the world right now? Miss Danny and Clarence but definitely enjoying Bruce as he moves further on up the road.

Allan Pyke writes: A well written review. I admire your optimism. Unfortunately, for me, the album is sub standard. It is his worst release along with WOAD. Its a hodge podge album with no unifying themes. Wrecking Ball had that in spades along with some tracks that will remain in his live shows. We can't say that about WOAD and I believe we won't be able to say the same about this album. If Bruce wanted to revisit some old songs that didn't see a proper release, why not Another Thin Line and Code of Silence? To each his own. I liked LT and HT when most didn't. Its ok. They all can't be gems such as BTR and Darkness. This one was very disappointing for me.

Mike Simpson writes: Acknowledging criticisms by third parties at the outset does not of itself make for a balanced review. To me the review reads as a very soft and favourably biased review. At any level in comparison with the vast bulk of Springsteen's catalogue this new album lacks coherence and ambition. Whilst it's not all bad and has some great moments it is in the round for me at best disappointing. In my opinion 'High Hopes' does not merit a full album release but is more akin to an interesting side project and almost suggestive of chucking out an album to meet contractual obligations. It might have been more appropriate to be scaled back to an EP or 'budget release' in old terms or a download only release. My disappointment stems from a firm belief that Bruce can do much better and a 'new album' bearing his name should be better. I agree fully with Allan's comments and unfortunately believe this album will soon largely fade in the memory.

C Boersma writes: I am curios of the book and the importance of the show for the east back then....

jbcarr writes: The "Chimes of Freedom" moment in that concert is still moving to watch.

Mike writes: A musician, as an artist, is no more obligated to put out music deemed appropriate by the masses then is a painter required to cover a canvass with themes imposed on him or her. Springsteen's choice to release an album of material he either created earlier or covering another songwriters material simply expands his musical horizons for himself and those fans who truly enjoy his music. If you have been a fan for as long as I have, starting with 1973's The Wild....etc, then you come to expect different textures and approaches to what he releases. Sit back and enjoy, take in a show, compile a playlist and enjoy the songs Bruce puts forth, there are after-all hundreds to choose from.

Katie Charles writes: Sounds like it was a great concert ! Sorry to to have missed it. Thank goodness all of Bruce's concerts are an amazing experience. Rock on Burce !!!

GERNER TEIL NIELSEN writes: https://www.youtube.com/results?q=gerner+teil+nielsen+bruce+springsteen+east+berlin+1988 I went to my first Springsteen concert in Copenhagen just after his concert in East Berlin. DDR-TV sent later from East Berlin concert I recorded on videotape and later put onto Youtube.

Al O'Hare writes: Great read, incisive and fair points made too. Lose a bit of cred' for this though: "Not to mention �Secret Garden�, which didn�t utilize the E Street Band properly"... says who? The story was great until you cast artistic judgement. Stick to the facts for this kinda' thing. The fact that I think SG is beautiful and Clarence's sax is utilised EXACTLY how it should be, has no bearing on this comment :-)

pauldt1969 writes: A good read but some of these things are highly subjective. The Promise (18 Tracks version) happens to be my favourite Bruce recording of all time...

David R. writes: I'm still confused between this announcement and the Mastered for iTunes release of some of these same albums. Are the overlapping albums identical? Or, are they further remastered?

James Geoghegan writes: Makes the hairs stand up on my arms

Viv Powers writes: I think this reviewer doesn't grasp the basics of what's involved in remastering. During the process of remastering the engineer does NOT have access to the individual tracks but only the final stereo mix. The remastering process involves the application of limiters, compressors and effects such as reverb and delay. This is applied to the whole mix. Anyone with a half decent graphic equaliser can achieve the same results. I also take great exception to the reviewer's belief that true Springsteen fans leave the original albums on the shelf and only play "live bootlegs". I play his albums every day!!!

Pål Elnan writes: Viv Powers, you are way off. In no way is Karsten claiming that this is a remix. I am listening to the remastered versions now, and I agree with everything he writes.

Mat writes: "Anyone with a half decent graphic equaliser can achieve the same results". Oh please no! You don't know the basics of mastering either I guess. Anyway I don't think Bruce's first seven sounded that bad.

Allan writes: It's a cash grab guys. Let's be honest. The improvement is marginal at best. I downloaded the set but I've bought everything else. No need to buy the album again. And if you own the Born to Run 30th Anniversary box set or the Darkness box set, you don't need to buy the albums for a third time. Save your money.

Rob Malkin writes: Well, they've now become available individually since record store day. So for �17 I picked up The Wild the IN... (well you know the rest) I'm sold, you would have to be deaf not to hear the difference; clarity, warmth and truly parts I'd not heard before. Ok so now that the price of the vinyl box set has dropped a bit the savings aren't huge, but at least I can spread the cost and don't need to re buy the superfluous Nebraska. My only gripe would be why not make them available to buy individualy from the get go? Although I guess Allan's answered that already?

Brent Fulberry writes: Let's be honest - and you libs here arent' going to like hearing the TRUTH - but make no mistake, it was RONALD REAGAN who did more to bring down that wall than anyone. PERIOD!

Garry Duffy writes: This site is about Bruce Springsteen. Please post political statements elsewhere.

Antony Fosrt writes: Its a shame that parts of this special release box set aren't quite as good as the Darkness set from 2010. I feel that from classic misfortune of The River title song, to the happy hit single Hungry Heart; the 20 River album songs show case the core of a typical Springsteen show. Even so the whole box set stands as a turning point in Bruce's career. Especially prior to the solo albums of later years. A momento from one of the world's greatest ever singer-song writers.

TOBY writes: Great Review - Thank you, Toby from Toronto - another long-time Super-Fan!

jens andersen writes: Thank for the Rewiew

Mike writes: Margaret Thatcher long reign of terror? Ask the long suffering people of the USSR about terror and the crushing individual liberty and freedom of expression. Thatcher along with Reagan and Pope John Paul II, helped liberate millions of souls imprisoned by a warped ideology of the Communists. They tore down the Berlin Wall thanks to Leaders like Thatcher.

Mikey writes: Interesting thoughts, I even agree with some of them, which might scare you. Thanks for the review

Charlene Linden writes: I want to read it more than ever. When I saw him play at my university (Clark University, Worcester MA Oct.6 1974, 6 days before my 17th) I was frightened and lonely. I was younger than other students because I had graduated HS early. The tickets were free with our activity fee. I thought - oh he's going to be another self indulgent singer song writer. The 70s were full of those. My room mate could see that I was hesitant, and assured me that I'd love him. And I did. I felt a spiritually uplifting and joyous experience, like no other. This was more than music. This became a transformative event.One I would repeat many times. I am not at all shocked that Bruce is still a tortured soul - more than the bouts with depression that we all know. Along with the late Lou Reed, he is responsible for some of the best American rock and roll. I can't wait until the snow lets up. I NEED this book!

Dave writes: Really enjoying it so far, but only up to the Darkness sessions. Amazing writing for an amateur!

Tommy Kobberoe writes: I totally agree on your review. The concert was fantastic in any way. Band was great and on their toes, Stevie was in his best mood, the audience was great - no extensive beer run or Bruucing - and the venue was perfect. And- it's not every day you attend a tour debut, in this case with an American. So, it doesn't get any better than this

Dennis Croskey writes: I can relate to every word of the section on the Broadway show. Greetings came out my freshman year of college, and I've been a fan ever since, and have gone pretty much exclusively Bruce and E Street since the Reunion Tour. Each round of Broadway sales I was verified, but always Standby. Never got a smell of a code. I'm not entitled to a ticket, but I do feel like I'm at least entitled to a chance. I'd rather have to fight the bots and brokers than have Ticketmaster decide that I have no shot at all and can"t even try. In my view, the whole Ticketmaster process has been a PR disaster with a large section of the fan base. I'm not really sure what all this means for my future as a fan. Haven't listened to a Bruce song in months, and have no desire to. I must still be interested, because I check your site and other fan sites often, but I just feel left out, ignored, and bruised by the whole thing. Don't know if I'm totally done, but I do know I'm at least done for a while. And I'll miss it, but I doubt anybody cares.

Promise61 writes: Lovely review. Thank you.

took me long enough writes: Thanks for the review. Great way to usher in a new decade!

BillsBruce writes: Magnus: I purposely waited to read your review. I wanted to see the show for myself first. I had that chance on Wednesday (8/8/18). Thank you for the insight and the beautiful writing. No, it did not seem like good-bye to me, either. But to a fan (like you, like me) who has seen Bruce countless times, this one felt like a beautiful gift and a heartfelt "thank you" from Bruce himself. Thanks for the great review.

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