RECOMMENDED Is there anyone in mainstream rock more important right now than Bruce Springsteen? One could argue that, purely for his highly leftist leanings, he’s most essential in the mainstream market, dominated by dimwitted country stars who so eloquently state over and over again that “freedom isn’t free,” then fire off a shotgun into the air (the last part I only imagine, horrifyingly, just before I fall asleep). I’ll never forget the Grammys telecast from a couple years ago, when, after a handful of overproduced, superficial performances Springsteen came on stage armed with only an acoustic guitar and sang his gorgeous “Devils & Dust,” and when the song closed, his demand of “Bring ‘em home!” echoed triumphantly through the room. It was a nice moment for a historically stupid awards show. The Boss is back with the E Street Band for “Magic,” the band’s first record since the gloomy, 9/11-response album that was “The Rising,” and it’s pure rock ‘n’ roll, and of the highest order. Springsteen’s gruff has taken hold in his throat, but that helps a song like single “Radio Nowhere,” which has the catchiest melody the songwriter’s penned in years. As a whole the album’s so-so (much better than most records that debut at number one on the Billboard charts, however), but it’s lovely to know Springsteen—who’s penned some of the best, most inspiring rock songs in history—can still bleed it out. (Tom Lynch) Sunday, October 21 at United Center
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