Ed,

Our early Springsteen experiences are pretty much in synch. Same with our shared love of London Calling, Strummer, etc. I'd push hints of Bruce's future artistic decline back earlier, to The River. Half of it was never very compelling. Actually, I thought Born in the USA was a rebound though I rarely listen to it. Tunnel of Love, which succeeded both of these albums, holds up pretty well. I, too, will always love Bruce, and am thoroughly grateful for all that he did for me, especially during my high school and college years. I just think the well has been pretty dry for a long time, and I'll be shocked if his latest effort packs a punch. His last two albums were pretty embarrassing. I'd so love to be wrong, I'd so love for the man to be relevant again. But for me, Frank Turner is the man who presently fits the bill. Coincidentally, Turner reveres Bruce, and lists Thunder Road as his favorite song.

Peter T.