As you've probably realized, here at Blogness on the Edge of Town we like to take some time every so often to remind you that you are, in fact, old. This is one of those times: Believe it or not, we're staring down the barrel of the 40th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's "The River," which was released on Oct. 17, 1980.
Springsteen's classic double album hit the streets as America braced for a presidential election between President Jimmy Carter and former California Gov. Ronald Reagan; politically, it's been pretty much downhill ever since. It was in good company that month, which also saw "Zenyatta Mondatta" by The Police, "Dirty Mind" by Prince, "Remain in Light" by the Talking Heads,
"Boy" by U2 and, same day as "The River," "Making Movies" by Dire Straits. (Not that it was all great; the No. 4 single on the charts that week was "All Out of Love" by Air Supply. Yes, I know you're humming it now. I'm not sorry.)
Springsteen of course revisited the album on his 2015 box set "The Ties That Bind" and subsequent "River" tour, which showed unequivocally that the album had aged pretty darn well. (Yes, even "Crush on You.") But which tracks have best stood the test of time? Take the poll below (or here) and let us know how you rate each song. (But you can only pick one track to rate a perfect "10"!) And if you're feeling verbose, share your thoughts on your favorite track and your special "River" memories.
Check back next week for the results, and more "The River" birthday celebrations.
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