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Well, having grown up in New Jersey myself in the 1980s (F.L. High school 80 to 84, Rutgers '84 to 88) I can say that Springsteen was the one artist who pretty much crossed ALL cliques and all regions of the state as a source of pride for everyone, especially after Born in the U.S.A. became such a monster hit.

In my high school, Heavy Metal (Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, etc) ruled the roost, and most of us were listening to loud electric guitars. However there was also a big contingent of Springsteen fans, and even more importantly even the non-fans appreciated how he put New Jersey on the map globally.

Ironically enough, for those who are unaware, Born in the USA is NOT a patriotic song but quite the reverse - it is a song about a returning Vietnam Vet who is CRITICAL of his treatment upon his return to the U.S.A. George Will in one of his columns (and then President Reagan) made the facile mistake of confusing the patriotic-sounding refrain of "Born in the U.S.A." for a patriotic, pro-America song. Given Springsteen's politics, it was quite disturbing to him and he still complains about it in interviews.

Ironic that it is what they are playing the evil ones in Guantanamo...

"I can say that Springsteen was the one artist who pretty much crossed ALL cliques and all regions of the state..."

Without a doubt -- though your guys were "Heavy Metal (Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, etc)" animals, Springsteen could still be appreciated if for no reason other than he was "ours."

"For those who are unaware, Born in the USA is NOT a patriotic song but quite the reverse - it is a song about a returning Vietnam Vet who is CRITICAL of his treatment upon his return to the U.S.A....Given Springsteen's politics, it was quite disturbing to him and he still complains about it in interviews.

Ironic that it is what they are playing the evil ones in Guantanamo..."

Ironic indeed...

I have to concentrate on detaching myself from Springsteen's lefist views even when I'm listening to his good stuff these days.