Why, in an era when music's biggest stars are more outspoken than ever, does it feel like we're still waiting for the contemporary political anthem?

The 19-year-old shortstop, who blasted two homers against the Red Sox at JetBlue Park last week, has the rare combination of incredible power and speed.

Armed with only a simple four-track cassette recorder, he captured the stark, haunting demos that became Nebraska. This was ...