DISQUS

Rob · 7 months ago

I generally think Billy Joel's non-hits are better than what is played on the radio. For example, "Zanzibar" on 52nd Street shows how creative he could be. And my favorite album is "Nylon Curtain," which included "Goodnight Saigon" and "Under Pressure" but not much else in terms of hits. "Scandinavin Skies" still gives me chills. And Billy using the f-word in "Laura' was actually a pleasant shock.

My two cents, anyway.

DavidMedsker · 7 months ago

The Nylon Curtain is my favorite Billy Joel record by a country mile. Not a bad song on it.

I had no idea what J.J. Fad stood for. Wow, that name couldn't be more dated. .

Old_Davy · 7 months ago

Another vote for Nylon Curtain being the best Billy Joel album ("Surprises" is a great great song), although a strong case could be made for Songs In The Attic.

I find it incredible that Elton had only one song that qualified for this list. Most of his 80's material is dookie on a plate (which has become my new unofficial favorite phrase.)

jefito · 7 months ago

Indeed. I suppose this means "Wrap Her Up" made the Top 40.

David_E · 7 months ago

I did not buy that Don Johnson album, but I did borrow the cassette (remember those?) from our local library (remember those?) and dubbed it on my boom box (remember those?) for the half-decent cover of Tom Petty's "Lost in Your Eyes" -- which, as a completist and fan, I have never been able to find performed by Mr. Petty. (And for which I would give my last parenthetical aside (remember those?).)

Sharon · 7 months ago

It was me, I'm totally guilty. I bought the Heartbeat album AND the video cassette, there I said it. But I only have the one. I was young. I didn't think it was too bad. Ah well, another misguided youth.

David_E · 7 months ago

FOUND IT!

BWA-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaa...!

And, even though it's a hissy demo, it's so much better than the overproduced Don Johnson and Jeff Healey versions. Sad, instead of overblown.

Happy to share ...

Theosticles · 7 months ago

Billy Joel - bland? No. Eclectic, classically influenced, adventurous, melodic, sophisticated, clever, dynamic, intelligent - all those adjectives would apply. But bland? That is the least applicable word to describe the music of Billy Joel. Maybe growing up ruined your original genius for instinctive appreciation.

steed · 7 months ago

I know, I know...I don't know what happened - I used to think all of those words you used to describe him but I hear "bland" right now. That's not to say everything is bland...maybe I'm just hearing the wrong songs right now. I completely hear you...I need some kind of kick in the ass to get back to the point where I loved him.

jefito · 7 months ago

For what it's worth, Dave, I agree with you. I spent years listening to almost nothing but Billy Joel, but when I go back to his stuff now, it doesn't do much for me. I wish it did, but...yeah, I think "bland" is a pretty apt choice of words.

steed · 7 months ago

Well, at least someone agrees with me. I heard "Keeping the Faith" the other day on XM and couldn't stand it. I know I was dancing along with that growing up.

jefito · 7 months ago

I can still remember almost barfing with anticipation when I tuned in to hear our local Top 40 station premiere "Modern Woman."

David_E · 7 months ago

I just remember barfing. "Modern Woman" was the beginning, middle and the end of the end for me (with maybe 2-3 tracks from River of Dreams betraying my thesis).

jefito · 7 months ago

In my defense, I was 11 or 12. I didn't start to suspect something was amiss until "Storm Front," led off with the Single Which Must Not Be Named.

skip · 7 months ago

it's worth mentioning that The Beach Boys siong background vocals on 'Good Music" by Joan Jett.

CarlosRamirez · 7 months ago

THE STRANGER is Billy's best album.

arensb · 7 months ago

I think the truck driver's gear change at the end of "Heartache All Over the World" indicates that Elton John knew the song wasn't particularly good.

David · 7 months ago

Dave, What about the Johnny Average Band? I don't remember seeing them listed in the letter 'A'

By the way ... love this weekly segment!!!!!

Jeff · 7 months ago

Agreed on Joan Jett at 51. Also, that Garland Jeffreys record is a pretty good one.

Chris X · 7 months ago

couple decent tracks here this week. The Jets are indeed underrated. I started reacquainting myself with them a few weeks back, and I feel like I'm better off for it. I've almost, but not quite, gotten to the point where I feel comfortable adding them to my DJ rotation. Maybe I'll give one a spin tomorrow and see how it goes over. For as all over the airwaves as they were back then, I NEVER hear them anymore. I'd think "You Got It All" would at least get some semiregular airplay these days.

Don Johnson. Look, Sonny Crockett is pretty much the best dude ever, but should have stayed out of the recording studio.

The Holly Johnson song is pretty good, though I wouldn't put it ahead of the Frankie stuff. This is the first I've heard this song, and it sounds a little more mainstream than the average Frankie tune.

I saw Joan Jett less than two years ago and yeah, total babe still. I attribute this to her veganism.

Does the world really need a JJ Fad reunion? "Supersonic" was fun and all, but really. I have a feeling their tour will be attended by crickets and tumbleweeds. I daresay Fannypack already has their market cornered these days, and really, nobody even cares about them post-"Cameltoe."

And wait, Fergie covered "Supersonic"...I am so glad I don't pay attention to whats' going on in popular music these days, because I will die a happy man knowing I never had to suffer through that.

DDay · 7 months ago

Wow, Garland Jeffreys never scored over in the US? Here in Europe (Belgium) he had a big hit with Matador in 1979. And he sort of made a comeback with the fantastic Don't Call Me Buckwheat album in 92.
Seriously, have a listen to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdaVPLnxae4
Highly recommended.

Brad · 7 months ago

Garland Jeffreys also had several huge hit singles (which charted) in Europe: Hail Hail Rock N Roll, Matador and The Answer. It's a shame he's not more recognized in his home country. You can get a good introduction to his classic songs by finding his Channel (gjeffreysadmin) on YouTube.