NONFICTION

Bruce Springsteen and the Promise of Rock 'n' Roll

by Marc Dolan
Norton. Jun. 2012. c.528p. illus. index. ISBN 9780393081350. $29.95. MUSIC
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Bruce Springsteen began his long, successful career in the late 1960s, writing songs for the masses about cars, New Jersey's boardwalks, chasing girls, and escaping from small-town America. As he has grown older, his music has become both more personal and more political (and liberal). Rather than a biography, Dolan (English, American studies, & film studies, John Jay Coll., CUNY) here presents a historical review of Springsteen's musical and political influences. Those seeking dirt on his first marriage and subsequent relationship with Patti Scialfa may be disappointed. However, Springsteen's frustrations with Presidents Reagan and the Bushes are well covered.
VERDICT With 30 pages of notes and a tone characteristic of music criticism, this book may not be ideal for the casual fan. Readers seeking a more personal and biographical approach to Springsteen's life should turn to Dave Marsh's Born To Run. Dolan's book is recommended for hard-core Springsteen fans and those who have more than a passing interest in his influences and music. [See Prepub Alert, 12/5/11.]
Reviewed by Todd Spires, Bradley Univ. Lib., Peoria, IL , Jun 01, 2012
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