Springsteen from the nosebleed seats

Okay, so I didn't get my wish, exactly.

Last Saturday, I got online on the dot of 10, and three minutes later my seat selection appeared - in the uppermost level, mid-section at the back of the arena. I talked to friends who had the same experience, but didn't even get tickets.

Yet, somehow, the ticket traffickers seem to have gotten good seats a-plenty, which are now being hawked on places like eBay for two, three and four times their face value of, approximately, $100 dollars.

I know Bruce has little use for ticket brokers and scalpers, and does what he can to avoid their practices, but it seems unavoidable, particularly when these practices are legal in nearby states.

One more reason to see shows in tiny clubs and coffeehouses. So maybe it isn't Springsteen and the E Street Band, but there's lots of talent out there.

Maybe I can get Patty Scialfa to come up to my radio show and talk about her new album.

Radio nowhere

Okay, here's what I want for my birthday, and it's not too much to ask.

On October 2, I hit double nickels. 55. On that date, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band release the new album "Magic" and play the Hartford Civic Center. I don't need front row seats, but down in front would be nice.

And since his new single, "Radio Nowhere," (released today as a free download on iTunes), is about the search for real radio ("Is there anyone alive out there?"), I'd invite Bruce to visit my radio show the next morning to play a few songs live. After all, we little indy stations are the only ones who have been playing Bruce's new music for the past couple of years.

That's all I want for my birthday. Pass this request along to Bruce, please.

Other great "radio" songs?

Radio, Radio - Elvis Costello
On the Radio - Joe Jackson
Listen to the Radio - Nanci Griffith
Are You Out There? - Dar Williams
Domino - Van Morrison
Mohammed's Radio - Warren Zevon
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
London Calling - The Clash
The Last DJ - Tom Petty
Rex Bob Lowenstein - Mark Germino
You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio - Joni Mitchell
Radio - Daisy May Erlewine
This is Radio Clash - The Clash
Caravan - Van Morrison

Can you guess what I'll be playing tomorrow morning?