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wonderboy
He's a great songwriter, but never had a good band or a producer who could put together a good band for him.
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Jah PaulQuote
wonderboy
He's a great songwriter, but never had a good band or a producer who could put together a good band for him.
I disagree...his core band of Liberty DeVitto (drums) Russell Javors (guitar), Doug Stegmeyer (bass), Richie Cannata (sax/keyboards), plus later additions David Brown (guitar) and Cannata's replacement Mark Rivera were together from around 1975 until the late '80s, playing on all his classic albums. I saw them several times - they were an excellent live band.
And, IMHO, Phil Ramone did a great job as producer, from "The Stranger" (1977) thru "The Bridge" (1986)...again covering all his classic albums.
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Jah PaulQuote
wonderboy
He's a great songwriter, but never had a good band or a producer who could put together a good band for him.
I disagree...his core band of Liberty DeVitto (drums) Russell Javors (guitar), Doug Stegmeyer (bass), Richie Cannata (sax/keyboards), plus later additions David Brown (guitar) and Cannata's replacement Mark Rivera were together from around 1975 until the late '80s, playing on all his classic albums. I saw them several times - they were an excellent live band.
And, IMHO, Phil Ramone did a great job as producer, from "The Stranger" (1977) thru "The Bridge" (1986)...again covering all his classic albums.
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Pietro
Billy Joel -- a New York thing as far as I can tell. I never met anybody outside Long Island who liked him.
That's a really ignorant statement to make. 150 million records sold worldwide.Quote
Pietro
Billy Joel -- a New York thing as far as I can tell. I never met anybody outside Long Island who liked him.
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Pietro
Billy Joel -- a New York thing as far as I can tell. I never met anybody outside Long Island who liked him.
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keefriffhard4life
i was hoping "scenes from an italian restaurant" was #1 and i was right. what a great song
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mr_djaQuote
keefriffhard4life
i was hoping "scenes from an italian restaurant" was #1 and i was right. what a great song
I haven't actually looked at the list, but was happy to see your post... If "Scenes..." isn't my favorite Billy Joel tune, it's only because my other favorites of "You May Be Right", "Only the Good Die Young", and "The Entertainer" could all be 1a, 1b, 1c & 1d. I've also got a sentimental soft spot in my ears/heart for "The Longest Time".
Peace,
Mr DJA
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keefriffhard4life
i was hoping "scenes from an italian restaurant" was #1 and i was right. what a great song
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LeonidPQuote
keefriffhard4life
i was hoping "scenes from an italian restaurant" was #1 and i was right. what a great song
Really? That song is hard on my ears, I can't listen to it, terrible. And never liked BJ much, to me his songwriting is pretty poor.
Oh, and his awful singing voice ... does he even sing? It seems he just talks loudly in most of his sounds.
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Jah PaulQuote
mr_djaQuote
keefriffhard4life
i was hoping "scenes from an italian restaurant" was #1 and i was right. what a great song
I haven't actually looked at the list, but was happy to see your post... If "Scenes..." isn't my favorite Billy Joel tune, it's only because my other favorites of "You May Be Right", "Only the Good Die Young", and "The Entertainer" could all be 1a, 1b, 1c & 1d. I've also got a sentimental soft spot in my ears/heart for "The Longest Time".
Peace,
Mr DJA
"Scenes..." is my favorite as well, followed by "Vienna", "Summer, Highland Falls", "I've Loved These Days", and "Rosalinda's Eyes" - guess that's my top five. Over the years, I think "The Nylon Curtain" has emerged as my favorite album.
He's also a GREAT showman, and very funny and honest both onstage and in interviews. He's a treasure.Quote
Pecman
Listen...Billy Joel is the American song book...at least from a New York prospective...he doesn't have the greatest voice but neither does Mick Jagger or Bruce Springsteen...and that's the secret or the obvious observation to their successes...that your audience can sing along to your songs.
My Top Five with No Order because I couldn't care as a Stones fan:
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
You May Be Right
Honesty
Big Shot
It's Still Rock N' Roll To Me
Pecman
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Pietro
Billy Joel -- a New York thing as far as I can tell. I never met anybody outside Long Island who liked him.
At this point, there is zero chance he'll ever write a song again. It's been 24 years since River of Dreams...if he hasn't had the urge by now, it'll never happen.Quote
whitem8
Um I don't live in NYC and like Joel. He has sold way more albums to account for just NYC! Very talented artist. I do wish he would try his hand at writing again. He puts on a great show.
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keefriff99At this point, there is zero chance he'll ever write a song again. It's been 24 years since River of Dreams...if he hasn't had the urge by now, it'll never happen.Quote
whitem8
Um I don't live in NYC and like Joel. He has sold way more albums to account for just NYC! Very talented artist. I do wish he would try his hand at writing again. He puts on a great show.