Comments on Billy Joel

TroyD

I'm reminded of the scene in Good Will Hunting where Matt Damon looking around Robin Williams office says something to the effect of 'all the money you spend on books and they are the wrong books'

BDT

audiobliss

Ok. I responded late, lol. Directed at Sid's first post on the previous page. Dude. It's "you're".

And fine time for you to show up, just agreeing with people so you don't have to make any effort in expressing your position!

ND13

TroyD wrote:

Bruce Springsteen is another example.

You know what's wrong with today's rock and roll?..........................

"Bruce Springsteen is f%ck*ng it all up"........Tommy Chong


Like him or not

NOT!!!

cmy330go

Wow. I must admit I didn't think this thread would get this much attention.

I must say that Billy is one of my all time favorite artist. He is one of the few artist in my opinion that didn't have a single defined style. If you have the time go to www.allmusic.com and look up his discography, and listen to some of the clips. As you move from album to album, and sometimes song to song, you can get very different sounds and styles. I have also always liked how most his music had lyrics that told a good story, and that in most cases were clear and easy to understand. I hate lyrics that are so cryptic you damn near need a code book to know what they are talking about. Or even worse ones that just aren't meant to make sense at all. :mad: Beyond that I think he is a very good vocalist. Not the best but very good. A good demonstration of his vocal abilities can be heard in the song "The Longest Time" from the "An Innocent Man" album. ALL of the vocals in that song are him.

I will agree with MC on one thing. "Songs In The Attic" does breathe new life into some of Billy's older, less known, and poorly recorded material. However, there are so many other outstanding songs to be heard on his other albums.

I have all of his albums minus "Fantasies & Delusions" his 2001 classical album. I must say that I do like his older material better than the more recent. But I also feel that there is stuff worth listening to on EVERY ALBUM. Even his most recent Rock/Pop album "River of Dreams" has a couple of enjoyable catchy tunes.

And finally! If you have ever seen him live, there is no denying that he is a spectacular entertainer! I have seen him 3 times. Once with flaming Elton, and all 3 shows left you wanting more.

In the end, even if you don't care for him, or his music, you have to respect the fact that he wrote and arranged all of his own music. Now that takes talent. Period.

As always just my $.02 worth.

Enjoy
Dave

shack

TroyD wrote:

Bruce Springsteen is another example.

ND13 wrote:

You know what's wrong with today's rock and roll?..........................

"Bruce Springsteen is f%ck*ng it all up"........Tommy Chong

Like him or not

NOT!!!

I thing Spriingsteen was/is over-rated...Don't own any of his stuff...don't care to. I keep hearing about his "influence" on Rock & Roll...Who did he influence...and what have they done? (Courtney Cox doesn't count) He may be a great musician but nothing he has ever done appeals to me. Not "Born to Run", not "Born it the USA", not "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out", not "Glory Days"... I know all of these songs...because through my college years and the period soon after I could not avoid hearing them on every radio station within reception range of my car radio or receiver.

No big deal...I'm sure there are artists that I like a lot that many feel are over-rated, no talent, whatever. Music is like art...eye/ear of the beholder and all that (wait...music IS art). Unlike MC...I REALLY DON'T CARE what you like. I only care what I like. Actually it's just listen to whatever turns you on and it doesn't bother me either way unless you force me to listen to stuff I can't stand. I have been known to give plugs for artists I enjoy, but in the end it really doen't matter whether you like them or not.

So...to recap. Springsteen must have talent. Lots of folks like his music. I don't.

Micah Cohen

I keep hearing about his "influence" on Rock & Roll...Who did he influence...

I think that the early, innovative Springsteen stuff, the first four LPs (the only listenable stuff), was a huge influence on the current wave of sort of grungy (clothing-wise), unshaven, "singer-songwriters" plucking at guitars and singing those droning, whiny, "real life," stream-of-consciousness (and decidedly unlistenable) songs that clog college radio these days.

Without these early Springsteen LPs, I doubt that record companies would be so willing to promote these crappy artists. Early Springsteen was the same way, except that Springsteen was taking his own whiny, droning Bob Dylan influence and ROCKING IT UP with a crackerjack band of street musicians and studio experts. This put such a hot, jazzy, New Jersey Shore/New York City-in-summer spin to Springsteen's otherwise somewhat banal and unintelligibly poetic lyrics that it turned those early LPs into the soundtrack of summer for those of us who grew up in the early 80s in the tri-state area.

Without that snazzy band of pros and hungry hard line musicians, Springsteen would have flopped over and been forgotten.

No question, as I said before, that both Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are "great" musicians. I've nominated both for The Genius Club in this very thread. But since about 1980, it's a FACT that neither artist has done much that's very listenable or exciting.

FACT!

MC

reeltrouble1

I would be interested in hearing what Joel, John and Springsteen would have to say about things as far as their music is concerned. Unfortunately they dont seem to frequent here. If it is in fact true they cant reach the level of their early works I suspect they are well aware of it.

RT1

shack

Micah Cohen wrote:

I think that the early, innovative Springsteen stuff, the first four LPs (the only listenable stuff), was a huge influence on the current wave of sort of grungy (clothing-wise), unshaven, "singer-songwriters" plucking at guitars and singing those droning, whiny, "real life," stream-of-consciousness (and decidedly unlistenable) songs that clog college radio these days.

This was my point. IF he was as influential as some think...wouldn't we hear more

"Yea...uh....it was like...uh...Bruce Springsteen...who...uh...was the reason like I'm...uh...rockin' now"

Since several have implored us to look at AMG for info, I did just that. Here is a list of artists who have been "followers" of Springsteen:

Dave Alvin
Bon Jovi
Mink DeVille
Joe Grushecky
The Proclaimers
Red Rider
Ween
Tom Cochrane
Pete Droge
John Cafferty
Gerhard Gundermann
Joe d'Urso & Stone Caravan
12Lb. Test
H

Micah Cohen

Oh, I'd say his early stuff is totally influential. It is.

It just influenced unlistenable crap. College radio filler music. Uninteresting schlock. Dave Alvin, Mink DeVille, even Southside Johnny all got boosts from the popularity of early Springsteen. (And they are all a small cut above the other dreck. You could even make an argument that the early Springsteen stuff influenced the sound and production of Jim Steinman's first LP, Meatload's "Bat Out Of Hell," which is totally great and has amazing staying power.)

But remember, I'm only talking about FOUR early Springsteen LPs.

Since then, nothing.

MC

madmax

Micah Cohen wrote:

But see, I don't want you to hate Billy Joel. I want you to like him. But like him for cool stuff, not for crappy stuff. "Songs In The Attic" flat out rocks. It's everything Billy Joel should be. It's worth liking. MC

I never disliked Billy Joel but I never really liked him either. I read this thread for the first time yesterday and after all the stuff MICAH wrote about "Songs In the Attic" I decided to pick up a copy. I stopped by an antique market on the way home and what do you think was sitting on the first table I looked at? It was the LP in mint condition!!! I have several other of his lp's but find them a little hard to enjoy the content. It just isn't my style.

Well I picked it up and listened last night. WOW! It was great! I started on side one and although I was really enjoying it I kept thinking to myself "I wonder what that Captain Jack song that MC liked so well is all about". Finally when I reached that song I found myself in a trance. I totally enjoyed everything about it.

I have to agree with Micah on this one. Thanks for the heads up on a great recording!

madmax

Micah Cohen

I don't wanna say I tole you so, but I will say again: my opinion just happens to usually be FACT.

Thank you, thank you. I'm here all week.

MC

Spawndn72

I have to agree with Micah on this one. Thanks for the heads up on a great recording!

Oh come on, that just encourages him. If you agree with Micah please keep it to yourself

madmax

Spawndn72 wrote:

Oh come on, that just encourages him.

When a wise man speaks I listen.
madmax

Micah Cohen

Worship Me!



MC

Spawndn72

Worship Me!

See what I mean.

ohskigod

all this stuff about Billy Joel's music talents, and nothing regarding his remarkable ability to drive drunk and crash into Sh$t? I'm surprised!!

madmax

Probably captain jack got him high that night... ha ha
madmax

shack

ohskigod wrote:

all this stuff about Billy Joel's music talents, and nothing regarding his remarkable ability to drive drunk and crash into Sh$t? I'm surprised!!

Dennis Gardner wrote:

He has been one of my favorites since the late '70s but he isn't as talented as you would think...................

He can't drink and drive worth a ****..............that is the ultimate multitasking measurement isn't it?

Missed Dennis' post did we?

Cyclesberuff

build me a bong Mr. Plastic Man build me a bong tonight...there Billy Joel influenced me

ledhed

I really like Billy Joel's Album River Of Dreams-Then again, it is the only one I have

ohskigod

shack wrote:

Missed Dennis' post did we?

Doh! gotta admit, after the end of the first page, I was just skimming, not reading in detail.

shack

ohskigod wrote:

Doh! gotta admit, after the end of the first page, I was just skimming, not reading in detail.

Digin' a deeper hole here. It was post #7, FIRST page...

Are you sure you even read this thread ?

mhardy6647

So.... this thread led me to pull out the "Best of Billy Joel, Vol. 1 and 2" CD's last night. Listened to a few songs on the first CD (prior to 1978). The only reason that I mention this is that I noticed the following note on the liner: "Billy Joel" is a registered trademark. For some reason that struck me as rather odd :-) Wonder if "Bruce Springsteen" is likewise trademarked?

Listening to the CD led me to pull out my copy of "Turnstiles" on vinyl... but I couldn't find it!?! Went through many, MANY records hunting for it, but it got late and I gave up. Gotta organize a search and rescue mission...

audiobliss

shack wrote:

Digin' a deeper hole here. It was post #7, FIRST page...

Are you sure you even read this thread ?

Hehe...I don't think he did...thus I ban him from this thread, saying he is not adequately qualified to make further posts.

sda2mike

the bottom line is: does billy joel's music move YOU???? if so, buy all his records! i think, though, that while talented, these days the scope of his talent is very limited....can he write songs with mass-appeal that hit a nerve with the masses? ummm....no, he can't.....THAT'S THE FACTS, JACK!

audiobliss

I don't have "The Best of Billy Joel", but I do have "Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II". The first disc is from 1973 to 1977; the second disc is from 1978 to 1985. This seems to be pretty much pre 80s and then post 80s, so let's take a look at the songs (while keeping in mind this is in no way a comprehensive list of his works from either time period, just the ones on this particular album).

Disc I 1973-1977
Piano Man - A great song, indeed. I think we can all agree on that.
Captain Jack - We've already established this is a great work.
The Entertainer - Ditto.
Say Goodbye To Hollywood - I personally think this is a great song.
New York State of Mind - Personally don't like it.
The Stranger - Great song, in my mind.
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant - Personally don't like it.
Just the Way You Are - Not one of my favorites, but I'll enjoy it when it comes up next on my computer.
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Great song! (Especially the end where the car takes off! )
Only the Good Dye Young - Another great song.
She's Always A Woman - Ditto.

Disc II 1978-1985
My Life - Good song.
Big Shot - Not quite my cup of tea due to the content of the song, but I can enjoy listening to it.
You May Be Right - Ditto.
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me - Pretty good song. For some reason, I'd almost say this song is synonymous with 'Billy Joel.' Is that just me?
Don't Ask Me Why - I personally like it.
She's Got a Way - Great song!
Pressure - I'll listen to it.
Allentown - Great song.
Goodnigt Saigon - Great song.
Tell Her About It - I'll listen to it.
Uptown Girl - Great song.
The Longest Time - I'll listen to it.
You're Only Human (Second Wind) - IIRC, good song.
The Night Is Still Young - Ditto.


What does that prove? Hmm. Good question. I've taken so long in typing this up, I've forgotten my purpose, lol. However, it does seem to say that I, too, like the Billy Joel before the eighties, as it seems most of y'all do. For the first CD, I'd say I really like 8 of the songs. That's out of 11. Not bad. For the second CD, I'd say I really like 6 of the songs. That's out of 14. That's not too good.

I guess I've never paid attention to what era of Billy Joel I was listening to. I had never noticed that what I liked was so old. And I can't say that I've heard any of his new stuff. Thus, maybe I stand right there with y'all, but just didn't know it 'cause I had never looked at the dates for when he did these songs.

Now, considering that the latest song on this album was done in 1985, and assuming that he's continued to get worse and worse since that time point, I'd hafta conclude that I probably wouldn't like most of his newer stuff. However, I can't say as I've ever heard any of it.



I'm still going to look for Songs In the Attic.

ohskigod

audiobliss wrote:

Hehe...I don't think he did...thus I ban him from this thread, saying he is not adequately qualified to make further posts.

christ, I'm battin a thousand!!

reading comprehension was never my strong suit

Micah Cohen

I guess I've never paid attention to what era of Billy Joel I was listening to. I had never noticed that what I liked was so old.

You like a lot of crappy songs. "It's Still Rock & Roll To Me"? Yeesh. Billy himself is probably ashamed of this song. And the two great "New York" songs -- Billy Joel to the core -- "New York State Of Mind" and "Italian Restaurant," you don't like. As we say in NY: "Wha' gives?" (You're not from there. To me, it's amazing that you even think about Billy Joel. That Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, etc have fans west of the Hudson River is amazing to me. How do you all know what they are talking about?)

And I find it amazing that this "greatest hits" collection has such crap on it. In fact, it IS a "greatest hits" collection, which should be suspect from the start. Plus, I am sure that this collection is all studio recordings. Frankly, the studio version of "Captain Jack" is lame.

I'm still going to look for Songs In the Attic.

Smartest thing you've said all night. You will discover a raft of songs you might be unfamiliar with, done to the hilt with verve and real **** rock and roll spirit, including absolutely SEARING, BLISTERING versions of "Captain Jack" and (especially) "Billy The Kid," songs that fail utterly in their studio interpretations. You will come over to The Dark Side with me, it just takes time. But I'll be here for you.

"Goodnight Saigon"? Ugh. What a flop. :rolleyes:

MC

audiobliss

Hey now, I didn't say I like It's Still Rock and Roll to Me; I just said that I equate the two, for some weird reason. For some reason, I usually prefer studio recordings over the live versions. I don't like the noise, interference, hand clapping, etc. that are in live recordings.

Billy the Kid (of which I've only ever heard the studio version), is a great song. I have it on my album (of him ) Piano Man.

mhardy6647

but I do have "Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II".

Yea, that's the one... sorry I was too lazy to check the title. I'll edit the original post when I get a round tuit.

Billy Joel is still a registered trademark...