OT - What makes me hate Billy Joel?

[dzilla77]

Originally Posted by stevew

All I heard growing up was that Mark Knopfler was a genius. I don't see it.

Just curious, do you play guitar? Most of my guitar playing budies and myself, who have (tried to) learned his songs hold his guitar playing skills in high regard. His leads and solos are deceptively complex.

But as with all things music, YMMV.

[JediKooter]

Good thought dzilla77. I hate Prince's music, but, dude is one hell of a great guitar player/musician.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by dzilla77

Just curious, do you play guitar? Most of my guitar playing budies and myself, who have (tried to) learned his songs hold his guitar playing skills in high regard. His leads and solos are deceptively complex.

But as with all things music, YMMV.

I guess I don't have the slightest clue how to play guitar, and am referring to merely his 2 or 3 popular songs which are so fucked out.

[Rizon]

.

[tucking fypo]

I found this article while asking myself the same question. Kind of long but an excellent read and can't disagree with the author much...except I wouldn't know about being from New Jersey.

The awfulness of Billy Joel

[dzilla77]

Originally Posted by stevew

I guess I don't have the slightest clue how to play guitar, and am referring to merely his 2 or 3 popular songs which are so fucked out.

Yeah, if you are talking about Money for Nothing and Walk of Life, you have not heard his best guitar work. Dire Straits early stuff is very good and a lot of his solo stuff is also good - Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Expresso Love and Brothers in Arms are all good Dire Straits stuff.

[dzilla77]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

Good thought dzilla77. I hate Prince's music, but, dude is one hell of a great guitar player/musician.

Yeah agree with this except for his really early stuff - where he actually played the guitar (and that was only tolerable).

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by dzilla77

Yeah agree with this except for his really early stuff - where he actually played the guitar (and that was only tolerable).

Hate was a bit harsh on my part. I can't say I hate it, just don't really like it, but, will admit that I like 1999.

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by dzilla77

Yeah, if you are talking about Money for Nothing and Walk of Life, you have not heard his best guitar work. Dire Straits early stuff is very good and a lot of his solo stuff is also good - Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Expresso Love and Brothers in Arms are all good Dire Straits stuff.

I've heard this too about Mark Knopfler being considered a god. But...well...I wouldn't know. Cause he's not much of a songwriter. So I haven't heard most of his godlike abilities. I love Sultans of Swing but wouldn't mention anything else in songs other than a few I merely "like".

Billy Joel is a great musician when he wants to be. Note never about guitar playing. Being a keyboard-centered band is tricky.

It never totally sounds like rock and roll. Most of his examples of incredibly good musicianship are obscure tracks that no one's heard of.

I also think Joel purposely went for an easy-listening/lovecentric collection of songs to get women listening to him.

[Draft Dodger]

they really need the lyrics written out?

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by HiFiRevival

King Charles rewrote the song, so new lyrics.

but they were singing the chorus?

[Sgt Tomorrow]

I hate to drag up an old post, but I have figured out why I hate certain artists, and it fits here. I might find myself tapping or humming to a song I hate, especially someone like Billy Joel. I don't hate Billy Joel. No reason to. But there are some songs that make my skin crawl. Why? It brings me back to a place I don't want to be. For someone like Billy Joel, it brings me back to Friday Night Videos, the highlight of my week as a teen. I hated the fact life was going on out there, life where people had choices to do things, live, experience. I'm here on a Friday night watching Billy Joel videos. I am not even old enough to freakin drive. Songs may be great, well written, good music, but the feeling I get brings me back to a time where I was not free. So thats why I might not wanna here his shit today, why I tap my foot, think I hate him, when I dont really. He is actually pretty good...

[hoopsguy]

Well, I probably don't add this link to the list of reasons to hate the guy ...
Billy Joel Stuns Vanderbilt with Once-In-A-Lifetime Answer to Student's Question

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

Well, I probably don't add this link to the list of reasons to hate the guy ...
Billy Joel Stuns Vanderbilt with Once-In-A-Lifetime Answer to Student's Question

That was cool.

I was reading how his first LP was screwed up so bad by the company (pressed sped up) and they wouldn't repress it, so to get out of his deal he had to give up 20% of his music rights on everything recorded from 72-85. Talk about getting screwed...

[Kodos]

Bob Seger sucks.

[Logan]

Saw this and thought of QS:



Watch Billy Joel Totally Eff Up, and Then Hate On, ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ «

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by M GO BLUE!!!

That was cool.

I was reading how his first LP was screwed up so bad by the company (pressed sped up) and they wouldn't repress it, so to get out of his deal he had to give up 20% of his music rights on everything recorded from 72-85. Talk about getting screwed...

I've wondered why everything on that album sounds much faster than it feels like it should.

[Lathum]

I heard him on Howard Stern a while back and he was great.

[britrock88]

Awesome clip.

[BlackJack]

He still sucks. The fact that he knows it doesn't make it any less so.

[Matthean]

[cthomer5000]

We're nearing a decade of hatred. Completely justified.

[Toddzilla]

[Kodos]

I will admit that I think BJ is a bit of a jerk, but I do like quite a few of his songs.

[cuervo72]

I had 40s on 4 as one of my car presets. Didn't tune to it often, but fuck Billy Joel anyway.

[stevew]

I was in a convenience store today and Movin' Out was on and I was thinking, this song is pretty well written. Then I remembered the heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack part and he can go fuck of for that.

[QuikSand]

Stay strong, friend.

[Blackadar]

After looking at his daughter, I don't know how anyone could hate Billy Joel.

[flere-imsaho]

That's mostly Christie Brinkley though, right?

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

That's mostly Christie Brinkley though, right?

After looking up pics, there's not enough Christie in her looks. She's middle of the road at best in terms of rock star daughters.

[Qwikshot]

I think I can tolerate Billy Joel...the worst song though, is the "Entertainer", god, it's as annoying as Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time" song. I hate it beyond all reason of measure. Worse still it's about how as an entertainer he has to write trite stuff because that's what his fans want to hear. Can I say how much I /hate/ that song and it's whiny synthesizer, I just want to punch him in the face when I hear it.

Frankly speaking, Billy Joel like Phil Collins became a go to for people to hate, they crank out these poppish songs that are supposed to /mean/ something and after a while people just got tired. I really feel that these two were about writing stuff that meant something (hear Goodnight Saigon, Allentown, Downeaster Elexa, We Didn't Start the Fire from Mr. Joel, or Another Day in Paradise by Collins). Joel sounds better when he's having fun, I don't think Phil Collins ever had fun. (The Collins backlash became a fun thing to do after "Blame Canada" lost out to his Tarzan song). We can mock Billy for driving drunk but I feel somewhat guilty because this guy drank paint thinner (I think) after his first band Attila didn't break through.

Elton John on the other hand never seemed to take himself seriously perhaps that's why he doesn't get crapped on as much.

I grow bored of Piano Man, but Joel has some songs that I can enjoy and I do like his two more noted ballads ("She's Got a Way and She's Always a Woman aren't bad). When he rocks though it can be somewhat comical--anyone remember the awkward "Matter of Trust" video?

So I don't hate Billy Joel unless the "Entertainer" is playing.

[Kodos]

I love Phil Collins. Genesis became much better when Peter Gabriel left. Phil does do fun songs, but they usually have a strange twist on them. "Keep It Dark" and "Domino: Part I and II" come to mind. Plus, "I Can't Dance" was certainly fun. In general, I think Phil had fun making fun of himself.

I do think Phil is at his best musically when he's mad.

I'm sure most people disagree with my "Genesis got better when Peter Gabriel left" comment. But then I also preferred Van Halen with Sammy as the singer, so I'm not afraid to take unpopular stands musically. Heck, Def Leppard has been my favorite band since 1983, so I've learned to take the crap I'm given for my musical tastes in stride.

[Qwikshot]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I love Phil Collins. Genesis became much better when Peter Gabriel left. Phil does do fun songs, but they usually have a strange twist on them. "Keep It Dark" and "Domino: Part I and II" come to mind. Plus, "I Can't Dance" was certainly fun. In general, I think Phil had fun making fun of himself.

I do think Phil is at his best musically when he's mad.

I'm sure most people disagree with my "Genesis got better when Peter Gabriel left" comment. But then I also preferred Van Halen with Sammy as the singer, so I'm not afraid to take unpopular stands musically. Heck, Def Leppard has been my favorite band since 1983, so I've learned to take the crap I'm given for my musical tastes in stride.

I think I would agree on Phil Collins Genesis, but Phil Collins solo can be maudlin stuff (except for maybe Billie Don't Lose my Number).

I may be wrong on this but Domino: Part I and II seem to be about the world ending. That being said "The Brazilian" is a kick ass instrumental at the end of "Invisible Touch".

While "I Can't Dance" was a nice way of poking fun at commercialism, "No Son of Mine", "Driving the Last Spike", "Dreaming While You Sleep" are pretty downer stuff on that album.

I feel like I'm channeling Patrick Bateman.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Heck, Def Leppard has been my favorite band since 1983...

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[Kodos]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

Attachment 5124

I anticipate they'll be my favorite until my dying day. They are far and away my favorite. Nobody else has ever mounted a serious challenge to them. It's a battle for second place.


In other popular musical opinions, I think the Beatles are overrated. I only like a few songs of theirs. I constantly get "your music wouldn't exist without the Beatles" comments. That's fine. Doesn't mean I enjoy them any more when I hear their songs.

[Kodos]

I enjoy the looks of horror and the seizures that people have when I tell them I would rather listen to Bryan Adams than the Beatles.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I anticipate they'll be my favorite until my dying day. They are far and away my favorite. Nobody else has ever mounted a serious challenge to them. It's a battle for second place.


In other popular musical opinions, I think the Beatles are overrated. I only like a few songs of theirs. I constantly get "your music wouldn't exist without the Beatles" comments. That's fine. Doesn't mean I enjoy them any more when I hear their songs.

You, sir, are definitely from another planet indeed. Or just a contrarian.

Rush...now that group has to be the most overrated group that I can think of.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

You, sir, are definitely from another planet indeed. Or just a contrarian.

Nah, I don't dislike the Beatles because they are almost universally cited as the best band in history (although I do get tired of hearing about it). I am just genuinely bored by their music. I don't like their style of music. I prefer pop metal, 80s rock, that sort of stuff. I much prefer Queen, Led Zeppelin, and The Eagles to The Beatles because their music fits into my wheelhouse much better. Different strokes for different folks. I like about 5 Rush songs.

FWIW, I think today's music is utter crap too.

The analogy I cite most often is that I am like a catfish. I know that I am a musical bottomfeeder, but I love it down here in the muck.

[Abe Sargent]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

You, sir, are definitely from another planet indeed. Or just a contrarian.

Rush...now that group has to be the most overrated group that I can think of.

I loathe early Beatles stuff, and the later stuff is merely adequate. I'll hold your hand. With my switchblade.

[Kodos]

Another thing that pisses off Beatles fans is when I say that just about every Beatles cover that I hear is better than the original. Like, say, Tesla's "We Can Work It Out".



G 'n' R "Live and Let Die" is another cover that is superior to the original.

[Buccaneer]

I'm with you on the dislike for the Beatles, I seem like Beatles covers more than I do the Beatles versions.

However, you have to put them in the context of the times and compare them to what came before - not after. But even with that, I firmy believe buddy holly blows them away and I have a feeling some of the Beatles would agree with that (citing holly as a major influence).

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Nah, I don't dislike the Beatles because they are almost universally cited as the best band in history (although I do get tired of hearing about it). I am just genuinely bored by their music. I don't like their style of music. I prefer pop metal, 80s rock, that sort of stuff. I much prefer Queen, Led Zeppelin, and The Eagles to The Beatles because their music fits into my wheelhouse much better. Different strokes for different folks.

FWIW, I think today's music is utter crap too.

The analogy I cite most often is that I am like a catfish. I know that I am a musical bottomfeeder, but I love it down here in the muck.

Well the thing to remember about the Beatles is, their accolades and admiration is well deserved and they have the music library to back it up. I'm with you with Queen, Led Zeppelin & The Eagles as far as liking their music. Like you say though, everyone has their tastes.

Most music today, just isn't very inspiring or very well thought out. I do give some props to the Black Keys though. I really like their music. But people like John Mayer and The Dave Mathews Band...ugh!!!

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

However, you have to put them in the context of the times and compare them to what came before - not after. But even with that, I firmy believe buddy holly blows them away and I have a feeling some of the Beatles would agree with that (citing holly as a major influence).

I can acknowledge that they were important to music history and influenced much of what came after them. What I don't get is people being offended when I say I don't like them. Music is very subjective. I like what I like. I don't dislike the Beatles because they're popular - I dislike them because when I'm listening to them I'm bored or annoyed. (Plus, I think John Lennon was a dick.) It's just a natural reaction. I also don't like many forms of chocolate, which seems to blow some people's minds.

Another band I can't stand is The Doors. In general, I have a theory that any band, no matter how crappy, can come up with one good song. So far, The Doors are an exception. I hate everything that I have ever heard from them.

[Qwikshot]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I can acknowledge that they were important to music history and influenced much of what came after them. What I don't get is people being offended when I say I don't like them. Music is very subjective. I like what I like. I don't dislike the Beatles because they're popular - I dislike them because when I'm listening to them I'm bored or annoyed. (Plus, I think John Lennon was a dick.) It's just a natural reaction. I also don't like many forms of chocolate, which seems to blow some people's minds.

Another band I can't stand is The Doors. In general, I have a theory that any band, no matter how crappy, can come up with one good song. So far, The Doors are an exception. I hate everything that I have ever heard from them.

I like "Peace Frog", but Morrison was pretentious.

[Buccaneer]

That's funny you brought the Doors up. I have been watching youtube a lot recently, including many lists of all time or top 10 bands, etc. I find it fascinating to me that I really dislike some of the most popular and well-liked bands of all time:
Beatles
Rolling Stones
Doors
Jimi Hendricks
Cream

I wouldn't say any of them are overrated but I can't stand listening to them. Since I'm mostly about 70/80s music, guess I don't like 60s music that much.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Another band I can't stand is The Doors. In general, I have a theory that any band, no matter how crappy, can come up with one good song.

What's funny is, my best friend have had several conversations about that. Our consensus is: Usually, there is at least one song that you can come up with from any artist in any genre, that you will like.

[BlackJack]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

What's funny is, my best friend have had several conversations about that. Our consensus is: Usually, there is at least one song that you can come up with from any artist in any genre, that you will like.

Only two words needed to disprove your theory: bon jovi