The political beatdowns will continue until one side or the other begs for mercy

While self-awareness and an appreciation for irony might be at historical lows, did Democrats think Trump was going to play nice after they impeached him twice, tried to ban him from the ballot, bankrupt his businesses, and put him in jail for several lifetimes? Though much virtual ink has been shed on the extremity of… Continue reading The political beatdowns will continue until one side or the other begs for mercy

Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” and the paradox of a song

Can a song can be a stirring patriotic anthem and a condemnation of certain aspects of the American experience at the same time, a paradox of a piece of music if you will? On the surface, “Born in the USA” isn’t a patriotic song, far from it.  Originally conceived and recorded as a mournful yet… Continue reading Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” and the paradox of a song

Bruce Springsteen’s Atlantic City:  The personal and the universal connect in a timeless and versatile classic

The entire Nebraska album was recorded by Bruce Springsteen alone in his house on a 4-track cassette.  At points, you can hear the creak of the rocking chair he sat in, but these meager beginnings do not limit the songs’ collective scope, power, and impact.  “Atlantic City” combines it all in one haunting track. Bruce… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen’s Atlantic City:  The personal and the universal connect in a timeless and versatile classic