Generally speaking, I dislike songs about being a musician. Clever artists can incorporate their experiences into something more universal or unique (my favorite has one about being a traveling salesman). Beyond being a classic and probably among the early examples of this kind of song, this one holds up. Oddly, Joel has two such songs. I can’t think of any artist (“The Entertainer” being the other) with two songs about being a musician that I actually like.
I have to confess, John at the Bar does not look at all like I had envisioned him. Davey who is still in the Navy totally does, though.
Man, the aesthetics of the 80’s will never stop being obnoxious.
I wonder if anyone smokes cigarettes in music videos anymore.
Category: Theater
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2 Responses to HCW: Piano Man
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Generally speaking, I dislike songs about being a musician.
I will admit, it is tough to pull off. Navel gazing of any sort is generally annoying. I think the enjoyment level has a lot to do with how much you enjoy the band.
Three examples of this type of song that I enjoy are…
The Load-Out by Jackson Browne
Rock and Roll Band by Boston
Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue
The Load-Out is another really good one. Like The Piano Man, I think it’s one I heard early. So there could be a novelty-stale bias.