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Unnecessary Comeback Corner: Rick Springfield

I suppose one ought to congratulate Rick Springfield. After all, he's a man who's managed to parlay what should've been a fleeting fifteen minutes in the spotlight into a career that, like an over-moussed cockroach, refuses to die regardless of how many cred-destroying blows (former soap stardom; one-hit-wonder status) are dealt. Actually, in Springfield's case, his star should've dimmed before it even entered one of the galaxy's spiral arms.

But hey, Rick Springfield. Here you are, 27 whole years after Jessie's Girl, the #1 single that made you a pop icon, first hit airwaves, and you're still knockin' out albums. I've not heard your latest, Venus In Overdrive (out today), in its entirety, but according to various interview snippets, the name pays homage to the goddess of love. Once a dreamboat, always a dreamboat, huh?

Anyhow, our news writer over at Arts Online, Jess, alleges that you're in the midst of a major comeback moment. She cites the inclusion of Jessie's Girl in Guitar Hero as proof. I feel that you're a cheeseball who has yet to match (let alone beat) the success of your only memorable song (which, let it be known, can be heard at karaoke joints worldwide on a nightly basis).

And you know what? Judging from your atrociously-titled new single, What's Victoria's Secret? -- a retrofitted power-pop anthem that sounds exactly like your One Big Hit, tempered by a faint whiff of the Cars' Just What I Needed, and a sprinkling of both Marcy Playground and Third Eye Blind -- you clearly haven't exorcised the ghost of Jessie's Girl, Rickster.

Just sayin'.

--Sarah Liss

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Rick's Canadian Fan

Abviously you are smoking something god awful cause you are not LISTENING to Rick's music. Why don't you take you deragative comments and do us all a favour and quit your job. Rick is still around cause he has talent which obviously you seriously lack. His fan base is strong and the new cd has been praized by many critics. I am ashame to be a Canadian right now from your comments. It's idiots like you that make artist not take this country seriously.

Posted August 15, 2008 07:18 PM

Elaine W

Ottawa

I have been a fan for over 25 years. I was fortunate to not only see him for the first time 2 years ago but I was also an IGE girl on stage with him. I saw him again in Niagara Falls last year and he continues to please his old fans and make new ones. He is a true showman. Both concerts I attended came after new CD releases. Both played to standing crowds who were left screaming for more. He is a great performer both with his old hits and his new ones. Do yourself a favor and visit his website at www.rickspringfield.com. Go to the video section and you can see various clips of the different songs he has released in the last few years alone.

Lastly, grow up. Stop being critical of what you are obviously afraid to enjoy. At 59, he still looks awesome............

Posted August 26, 2008 09:51 PM

TS

Toronto

Who is this useless writer that likes to degrade people. I think you should grow up and do some research before you actually make baseless comments. Rick had numerous hits back then...was and still is a great musician...not to mention HOT looking for his age. I never did care for writers like you who can never write anything nice...always want attention by putting people down even though you know the truth. You disgust me and i speak on behalf of all other Rick fans out there.

Posted January 6, 2009 02:50 AM

Anonymous

Minnesota

Someone needed to do more research before writting again. Seems when ever a "RAG" gets ahold of someone making a differance they have to slam on them. It is sad really. Cause you really have such little talent to write such crap. That is why Rick is making money and you...YOUR NOT. Cause he can write things that are reachable. This writter wrote absolutely hateful things. And those critics that continue to do so are BLIND! He is still here. And some of us will always listen to what he has done. Because it is talent in a time of musical artists that dont know what to say, be or do. Rick has personality and style and kindness of spirit enough to reach out to people. And you all just want to say such 3rd grade mean things about him. Grow up, do your homework or go home. We dont have time to read such unkind things. I have been a fan at least as long as you have written about. And so your saying to me that what? That we as fans are wasting are time? THAT IS YOUR OPINION! To bad you have no idea what talent is. Or you would have at least gone to a show to see that he has more talent that most of the new " musicians" coming up. SO I say to you. YOUR FIRED! It was a waste of time. And others feel the same I see. Get REAL writters. This person doesnt know what they are writing about and should not work for you anymore. Thank you. Good day

Posted March 13, 2009 08:06 PM

Anj

Vancouver

4 multi-platinum albums, Sarah, hardly constitutes a "one-hit wonder" or "fleeting career" status. Were you too lazy to do your research? We think so. You should worry about your journalist credibility. I do.

You suck.

Posted June 14, 2009 08:26 PM

Sabs

Sarah: Guess your inflammatory negative comments in your joke of a column proves the old adage is true: Opinions are like a*holes and everybody's got one...and yours in particular STINKS!!!

Even if Rick Springfield were a one hit wonder...and he's NOT because he's had 17 verifiable top 40 hits, that would still be a helluva lot better than being who you obviously are: a no talent hack who writes extreme and inflammatory crap as if she were some jilted girlfriend with something to prove to the world.

I wonder...have you boiled any bunnies lately? :(

Posted July 23, 2009 12:47 AM

KRD

Calgary

Oh wow. You're so very talented to drum up every go-to cliché about any demi-good-looking person who ever made an album in the '80s. It really is too bad you didn't do your homework. Rolling Stone, Billboard, and other credible publications long ago gave Springfield his due as a master craftsman of power pop. People who didn't see beyond his brief TV stint in the heyday of General Hospital will always peg him as has-was teen idolized bubblegum, but savvy audiophiles know better.

As a fellow Canadian journalist, I'm disappointed in this "aren't I clever" wuss-out, hackneyed approach to this kind of story. It's far more interesting when you dig deeper, do your homework (17 top 40 hits doesn't make you a "one hit wonder"), and maybe listen to more than the first release on the press release with the album. I dare you not to love the album's title track, Three Warning Shots, One Passenger, or Mr. PC. While those not paying attention recall him as a blow-dried dreamboat in the pinup pages, I bet you didn't know he honed his chops in the 60s in Australian rock bands, and is well respected by many current musicians. He never cooperated with any of those teen mags, but they destroyed his cred just the same, but to those who weak-minded sheep that cannot shake stereotypes or look beyond them, well -- they're missing out on a fantastic artist and amazing rock show. His live shows and his releases get consistently positive reviews. "Comeback" is a sketchy term; he hardly stopped releasing albums, and then to generally decent acclaim. And -- he's a damn decent and intelligent guy. But hey, it's hard to see that with those spiffy black n' white shades you got on there, Lisster.

Posted July 23, 2009 07:11 AM

lason

AR

Simple minded, dumb folks are hillarious! Tell us Sarah on what authority do you speak. its obvious from previous comments that its you that we think is a one hit wonder who needs to retreat back to journalist class 101 and learn the basics. did you bother to poll the audience prior to blantly stuffing your personal rather than proffisional-research based opion down their throats?!

Posted July 28, 2009 04:48 AM

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