So, not to interrupt the flow or anything, but perhaps you ladies and gents can hear me out here.

I'm from New Jersey. I have pretty diverse tastes when it comes to music.

But I don't particularly like Springsteen.

Something wrong with me? :p

I think it's illegal, y'know.

You'd be surprised. Kids my age around here that I would consider legit audiophiles treat him like a caricature. I think it might be a generation gap. Though he's certainly held in higher regard than Jovi is.

Without a doubt!

You just haven't allowed yourself to be seduced by him - that's all. If you had ever been to a live show you would know that the intensity is matched by nobody else on stage. Not only does he put on a hell of a show - (he's a consumate showman) but the music is still timely and the lyrics beautiful and intelligent.

And with all that he manages to make it all fun.

I noticed with my kids that as they aged they appreciated Bruce a lot more.

Have you listened to his live stuff or just studio recordings? As far as I'm concerned, it makes all the difference! I thought I didn't like Springsteen, too (bad experience with the Nebraska album when I was in college), until that wicked woman Kathleen lured me in with LIVE Springsteen. ;) Now I do crazy things like:

leave my office in Atlanta at 3:00 PM yesterday
drive 2 hours to Greenville, SC and check into my hotel
drive 2 more hours to Charlotte, NC
thoroughly enjoy an almost 3-hour Springsteen concert
drive back to Greenville
sleep for a few hours
drive straight back to my office in Atlanta for work at 9:30 AM

(I have a similar program planned for the Nashville show in 2 weeks.)

If you want to give Bruce a try, get 2 of his official live releases - the 3 CD 1975-85 set and the 2 CD Live in NYC. I started with those (which I got used via eBay for not much money), and absolutely loved them. The insanity really started after I saw my first show in April. The power of the E Street Band is amazing. When they crank it up, it's almost a physical blow. They are absolutely stunning musicians, and during the course of a show Bruce generally gives each of them an opportunity to really shine. And Bruce himself? He just never, ever stops giving it his all. (Last night's show ended with Higher and Higher . . . and Bruce back out in the middle of the GA crowd!) After that first show, I knew I had to have MORE! And thanks to wonderful enabling friends, I've had more. Last night was my 10th show of the tour. I just can't get enough.

Thats a good tip Terri to get him to listen the live releases :)

I salute you,
TS

As I said, that's how Kathleen got me hooked!

Mwa ha ha - it's a conspiracy :D

However, the best thing about Bruce's music are the live recordings - then bootlegs. And there are some fantastic Bruce bootlegs.

Thank you for thinking of me Kathleen =]. I would have killed to be there. And wow...the Garden...wow