ZT:OFF THE RECORD by RICK O’SHEA (from 21st Century, October 31,2007)5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
Bruce’s “Magic”5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
Bruce Springsteen’s new album, “Magic,” came out and went straight to number 1 on the Billboard chart. Like many around the world, I had to buy it. It’s like reuniting with a friend you’ve known for years. The last time around for Bruce and the E Street Band was after 911 with the solemn “The Rising.” This time he has returned to his glory days with a lighter list of songs about life and love. The first song is “Radio Nowhere” with the line, “I just want to hear some rhythm, I want a thousand guitars...” That’s what
we want, a Bruce album that captures us with the music first, and lyrics to get into after that. We want a rockin’ band that takes us back to his earlier albums and that’s what Magic delivers.
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
That’s not to say that the album is filled with just pop. His songs will take you to the fears of getting older (he’s 58) and songs about motorcycle riders, a guy unable to sleep and dream, girls of summer in his native New Jersey, soldiers sent overseas, and hope. It’s an album of diversity, and the rejoined E Street Band is up for it. Clarence Clemens’ sax, Max Weinberg’s drumming, and Little Steven’s guitars are as strong as ever.
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
And seeing them perform live is even better! It’s what concerts are all about, delivering much more than studio reproductions. I was a radio DJ in Hong Kong before coming to the Mainland, and one station I worked for had a great contest. The grand prize was joining me for a trip to the US to attend a Bruce Springsteen concert outdoors in Mountain View, California. The 2 guys who won were perfect winners. They knew every lyric to every song and I found that unusual for a few Chinese guys. One guy had never even flown on a plane before! The concert was over 4 hours long. It was a “real” concert, and those 2 guys from Hong Kong sang along with every song!
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾

5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
Bruce’s music may be very American, but he connects with people around the world and reminds us that we all have common struggles and shared pleasures. It is good to have the band back together again!
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
“I was driving through the misty rain
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
Yeah, searchin' for a mystery train
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
Boppin' through the wild blue
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
Tryin' to make a connection with you”
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾
From “Radio Nowhere”
5ê¯X(v¸½üËenpf.chinabroadcast.cnï±úô¾