Growing up, I was a big fan of Bruce Springsteen prior to 1986. After that, I lost touch with the Boss. This could change next week when 'Magic,' Springsteen's new studio recording and his first with the E Street Band in five years, is set for release. Some critics have been quoted as saying its is best work since the late 70's so early Springsteen fans may be interested in buying the new CD.

One person who is very confident the new CD will be a big hit is HMV Canada President Humphrey Kadaner. He's promising a refund and individual letter of apology to HMV customers who purchase the CD and don't like it.

"Magic is one of the best Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band albums ever released," said Kadaner, a longtime Springsteen fanatic (rumour has it that Kadaner has seen Springsteen perform live nearly 100 times). "This is Springsteen's first studio recording with the E Street Band in five years and it was well worth the wait. Magic really rocks and I'm confident that it will debut at number one on the Canadian album chart."

This is one head scratching promotion. I wonder how many people will be buying the CD just long enough to rip it to their computer?

Magic goes on sale on October 2nd.