Facts learned real good


As an early adopter and die-hard fan of Bruce Springsteen, I guess I'm supposed to have a reaction to his two-minute car commercial that's going to air on today's Super Bowl telecast. Apparently there's some sort of political message mixed in, and that's part of what's causing a lot of chatter among Bruce-ophiles this morning.

But I'm not feeling much of anything.

I'll always love Bruce. His music took me from halfway through college well into adulthood, or at least as adult as I could get. But after the mid-'80s, with "Tunnel of Love," Bruce was no longer someone whose every move and every word mattered. And I'm sure that on some level, he was relieved at that change of status.

Most of the records that he's made since then have been an acquired taste. You kinda have to pick and choose from what's in them. Some have more good material than others. For me, the two blissful exceptions are "The Rising," which aside from a couple of out-of-place tracks is one of his greatest statements ever. And "Magic" was a spectacular pop album from start to finish. For me, everything else was a mixed bag.

One thing that's struck me about 21st Century Bruce is how he can't resist making money. There is merch galore, endless repackaging of old material, and a large, active internet machine that hawks Bruce Stuff 24 hours a day. He did a lengthy Broadway solo residency with astronomical ticket prices and no band to pay. How much money does the guy need? His net worth is estimated at a half billion. With a B.

Anyway, so Bruce did a commercial. Whatever! I trust the guy's heart. But I might go get another beer while it's on.

Comments

  1. ...and of course you dont have to buy any 'merch". At least the guy gives back - quietly and under the radar - than probably a lot of folks that are worth double what he is. With a D.

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  2. I'm a fan who enjoyed the music but also swooned over his looks - it broke my heart when he married that Lake Oswego girl while I was pining away in the next county. The commercial was surreal. My brain was confused watching a guy who built his career on his identity as black-leather-clad east coast roots rebel rocker and was now presenting himself as a laid-back midwest average Joe in a cowboy hat going on and on about something while I waited for images of a new Jeep with 0% down. I could only conclude this was some sort of audition for an acting gig as a next career move.

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