The most accurate Billy Joel moment was when a fan asked him who “She’s Got a Way” was written for. He thinks about it for a full 20 seconds, before replying: “I think it was about… uh… about the first woman that I married” https://youtu.be/WFfmkj9BzkA?si=FNF46DseHyn_aO88
The Stranger, Glass Houses and Nylon Curtain; a 3 album stretch with not a single clunker. Nothing but well written tunes from start to finish. He's a one man Beatles.
Great perspective Bethel. A few days ago I was listening to a random playlist from my digital collection and heard a few “classic” Keith Green songs. While Joel and Green and very different people, I realized after reading your piece that they have some stylistic similarities. Of course, they come from the same era and maybe share some musical influences as a result, but there is no denying that they are masters of the “piano-ballad” (if there is such a thing) and can cut to the heart with passionate poetics, emotionally-charged crescendos and turns-of-phrases that at first take, seem simple but when considered, point to ideas and human experiences and feelings that are rather deep and personal. All of this makes me wonder what we will do with musical creativity when we are no longer bound by sin and the curse…
The most accurate Billy Joel moment was when a fan asked him who “She’s Got a Way” was written for. He thinks about it for a full 20 seconds, before replying: “I think it was about… uh… about the first woman that I married” https://youtu.be/WFfmkj9BzkA?si=FNF46DseHyn_aO88
I have so taken for granted to great music I grew up with. I appreciate it so much more now. Thanks for fresh eyes and new perspectives.
I love Billy Joel. There, I said it.
The Stranger, Glass Houses and Nylon Curtain; a 3 album stretch with not a single clunker. Nothing but well written tunes from start to finish. He's a one man Beatles.
Thanks for giving me so many new songs to listen to! Since I started following you, you've shared a lot of great one's!
Great perspective Bethel. A few days ago I was listening to a random playlist from my digital collection and heard a few “classic” Keith Green songs. While Joel and Green and very different people, I realized after reading your piece that they have some stylistic similarities. Of course, they come from the same era and maybe share some musical influences as a result, but there is no denying that they are masters of the “piano-ballad” (if there is such a thing) and can cut to the heart with passionate poetics, emotionally-charged crescendos and turns-of-phrases that at first take, seem simple but when considered, point to ideas and human experiences and feelings that are rather deep and personal. All of this makes me wonder what we will do with musical creativity when we are no longer bound by sin and the curse…
I listened to Scenes from an Italian restaurant hundreds of times. He is one of my favorites from my college days.