I just don't get it ?

Here’s a new topic which could be interesting and potentially divide opinions.
Last night on my way home I listened to a little bit of the Radcliffe and Maconie show on Radio 2. (Always an entertaining listen)

They were discussing records (films and books) that are meant to be classics but some people just don’t understand why.
Their example was Astal Weeks by Van Morrison which is often found at the top of lists in best album polls.

So I thought that we could try that on our Forum.

So if there’s an album or a group or an artist or even a book or a film that is critically acclaimed and you just don’t get it, let us know here.

I better start off.
I have never understood why Bruce Springsteen is meant to be so good. I have heard 3 or 4 of his albums and they just left me cold. I don't like his voice. I don't like his music. I don't understand why so many music critics love him.
I've heard him interviewed and he seems like a nice guy.
People have even told me that I need to see him play live, but even when I see videos of him live it just doesn’t do anything for me. The only Springsteen song I have ever liked is one that he doesn’t sing “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Man.
Am I in a minority ?

I better start off.
I have never understood why Bruce Springsteen is meant to be so good. I have heard 3 or 4 of his albums and they just left me cold. I don't like his voice. I don't like his music. I don't understand why so many music critics love him.
I've heard him interviewed and he seems like a nice guy.
People have even told me that I need to see him play live, but even when I see videos of him live it just doesn’t do anything for me. The only Springsteen song I have ever liked is one that he doesn’t sing “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Man.
Am I in a minority ?

If you're in a minority TNN then i'm with you cause i never got him either, he had 1 or 2 decent songs but thats it, The Boss whats all that about.
The guy i don't get is Neil young, same again 1 or 2 decent songs, but a bloody horrible singing voice. Just my opinion though.

I better start off.
I have never understood why Bruce Springsteen is meant to be so good..... Am I in a minority ?

If you're in a minority TNN then i'm with you cause i never got him either, he had 1 or 2 decent songs but thats it, The Boss whats all that about.
The guy i don't get is Neil young, same again 1 or 2 decent songs, but a bloody horrible singing voice. Just my opinion though.

Can I be in this minority too?! Some of Springsteen's early stuff is OK, but no more than that. I sometimes feel that his music is aimed so specifically at blue-collar America that I feel like a bit of an interloper by even hearing it! Goddamm, Billy-Bob is outta work again and his Dad lost his leg in 'Nam etc, etc. No offence meant to our brothers and sisters across the pond of course!

I used to feel the same about Tom Petty, but now I find myself enjoying more and more of his material. Maybe its an age thing?!

Can I be in this minority too?! Some of Springsteen's early stuff is OK, but no more than that. I sometimes feel that his music is aimed so specifically at blue-collar America that I feel like a bit of an interloper by even hearing it! Goddamm, Billy-Bob is outta work again and his Dad lost his leg in 'Nam etc, etc. No offence meant to our brothers and sisters across the pond of course!

I used to feel the same about Tom Petty, but now I find myself enjoying more and more of his material. Maybe its an age thing?!

You are spot on with the Blue Collar America stuff. I also find that Bon Jovi and Aerosmith are similar. I find them so basic and simple lyrically and musically. I guess many of us on this forum like our music to be a bit more progressive !
As for Tom Petty I used to think the same but Full Moon Fever is a cracking good album - but that probably has a lot to do with Jeff Lynne who wrote half the songs and produced it. In my book Jeff Lynne is a genius and doesn't get the credit that he deserves.

I better start off.
I have never understood why Bruce Springsteen is meant to be so good. I have heard 3 or 4 of his albums and they just left me cold. I don't like his voice. I don't like his music. I don't understand why so many music critics love him.
I've heard him interviewed and he seems like a nice guy.
People have even told me that I need to see him play live, but even when I see videos of him live it just doesn’t do anything for me. The only Springsteen song I have ever liked is one that he doesn’t sing “Blinded by the Light” by Manfred Man.
Am I in a minority ?

Guys, I am not going to argue with you....if you don't like him then you don't like him......but, I have been a Bruce fan since the late 70's and have seen him live at least twice on every UK tour since 1981......All I can say is you've got to see him live......just forget what you hear on record......when it comes to gig's Broooce and E Street are TOP of the premier league !

All I can say is you've got to see him live......just forget what you hear on record......when it comes to gig's Broooce and E Street are TOP of the premier league !:)

I can appreciate that Gary. They are a great band - extremely professional and really into what they do. Springsteen must be a great guy to work with/for as they seem to really enjoy themselves. I just don't care much for their music, style, ethos, call it what you will! My loss I guess, but there are plenty of bands that I really like, so I don't exactly feel that there is a big "Bruce" shaped hole in my life. Sorry!

This is exactly the point of this topic. Some people love albums and artists and some "just don't get it."
At work I am surrounded by Bruce fans who try to convert me by lending me CDs etc. But I really dont get it.
I even bought "The River " year ago. Its one of the few albums I have ever got rid of as I just didn't like it.

So here we have Gary who seems to like a lot of stuff that I like and yet when it comes to Bruce we just dont see eye to eye.
There must be many more albums, bands etc where we have very different opinions

i agree with the Bruce comments, never really got the histeria that surrounded his music. a few songs that were ok but didnt float my boat. my biggest moan has to be oasis, dont get it. no talent, no personality and all there songs are ripoffs of work done by real musicians. being an arrogant p.... doesnt mean anything if you cant back it up with real talent. just my humble o!!!

Wow, well I was never into Bruce, but, like Gary, I know people who have seen him live, and say its one of the performances they have seen, for staying power , and a good show, kinda see wots being said about Oasis, but great music for a party! My gripe is manufactured girl/boy bands,