BJ didn't play that well in the cornfields of Illinois back in the mid-70's, unless one of us guys managed to get a date. Any self-respecting teen aged young man always had a BJ cassette in his collection...just in case. Who knew where a bottle of cheap Boones Farm wine and a BJ album would lead. Otherwise, it was strict hard core hard rock amongst our fellow heads.
I thought about this when I read Ken's laudation. I wondered perhaps at the time Ken pitched this album, he might have just been "lonely."
I have a great appreciation, maybe even admiration for BJ's piano picking skills. His voice is not bad either. But other than possibly "Captain Jack" or "We Didn't Start the Fire" off different albums, I thought his song writing was weak and silly. It was hard to pick up the piano talent through the songs and lyrics.
So, I was delighted when Mitch and CJ blocked BJ from Newberry as I didn't have to be the "heavy" again. CJ's comment about anyone gonna be in DC on the 6th was classic - wish I would have thought of that one.
For the record, if you get outside the big cities, the fact a person is of Jewish persuasion has absolutely no bearing on any situation. I was probably in my 30's before I knew BJ was Jewish and it did not change my mind about his music one iota. If I found out tonight my favorites, Gregg Allman or Eric Clapton were secretly Jewish all these years, it would not affect me. I have some very good friends who are Jewish, although they do have a brother we like to call Fredo - the worthless brother.
I seem to recall there was an issue with him and Christie, but have no recollection of what the problem was, and all these years later, really don't care. I bring that up because of Steve's comment below. They both seem to be doing very well all these years later. His issues also had no effect on his music in my mind, nor would it for Allman or Clapton. I like them for their musical prowess - I don't have to sleep with them. In that regard, that asshat Pete Rose belongs in the hall of fame too. On to Cake.
Sorry guys, but this album came out when I was in high school and like you, I still know every word and love it. I couldn't afford to go to concerts back then, but when Billy Joel came through Raleigh when I was 40, I dragged my husband along and loved every minute of the concert. And my husband was surprised how much he liked it too. Yes, it's schmaltzy, but it's my kind of schmaltz! You'll never convince me otherwise!
I can easily summarize why people hate Billy Joel in just two words - or here styled together as a single hashtag - #teamchristie - nuff said
BJ didn't play that well in the cornfields of Illinois back in the mid-70's, unless one of us guys managed to get a date. Any self-respecting teen aged young man always had a BJ cassette in his collection...just in case. Who knew where a bottle of cheap Boones Farm wine and a BJ album would lead. Otherwise, it was strict hard core hard rock amongst our fellow heads.
I thought about this when I read Ken's laudation. I wondered perhaps at the time Ken pitched this album, he might have just been "lonely."
I have a great appreciation, maybe even admiration for BJ's piano picking skills. His voice is not bad either. But other than possibly "Captain Jack" or "We Didn't Start the Fire" off different albums, I thought his song writing was weak and silly. It was hard to pick up the piano talent through the songs and lyrics.
So, I was delighted when Mitch and CJ blocked BJ from Newberry as I didn't have to be the "heavy" again. CJ's comment about anyone gonna be in DC on the 6th was classic - wish I would have thought of that one.
For the record, if you get outside the big cities, the fact a person is of Jewish persuasion has absolutely no bearing on any situation. I was probably in my 30's before I knew BJ was Jewish and it did not change my mind about his music one iota. If I found out tonight my favorites, Gregg Allman or Eric Clapton were secretly Jewish all these years, it would not affect me. I have some very good friends who are Jewish, although they do have a brother we like to call Fredo - the worthless brother.
I seem to recall there was an issue with him and Christie, but have no recollection of what the problem was, and all these years later, really don't care. I bring that up because of Steve's comment below. They both seem to be doing very well all these years later. His issues also had no effect on his music in my mind, nor would it for Allman or Clapton. I like them for their musical prowess - I don't have to sleep with them. In that regard, that asshat Pete Rose belongs in the hall of fame too. On to Cake.
"Allentown" or bust.
Sorry guys, but this album came out when I was in high school and like you, I still know every word and love it. I couldn't afford to go to concerts back then, but when Billy Joel came through Raleigh when I was 40, I dragged my husband along and loved every minute of the concert. And my husband was surprised how much he liked it too. Yes, it's schmaltzy, but it's my kind of schmaltz! You'll never convince me otherwise!
I just wrote a very long thoughtful comment and it all got lost in logging in bullshit once I pushed "Post".