'The Rising'

Someone needs to go through and create an anthology of post-9/11 American rock music.

Certainly Ryan Adams, Beck, Wilco and others would be included.

And Bruce Springsteen. "The Rising" is a fantastic album for Springsteen no matter the decade or whether or not some assholes fly commercial jets into skyscrapers in New York City. Had he released in 2000, it would've been just as good and poignant.

Nonetheless, it was released in 2002, a reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The thing is, it's obvious, which isn't a bad thing.

Forty years from now I'll listen to this album in my flying car and remember exactly when it was released and that feeling that enveloped a country (fear, indecision, nakedness, vunerability, hate) will rush back.

Now that's a good album.