Read Slate Magazine's "The Awfulness of Billy Joel Explained"
My ex used to accuse me of disliking Harry Potter just because it was popular. I find this argument flawed on two levels:
1: I like a lot of things that are popular. Coke is arguably the nation’s best-selling beverage, and I drink a lot of it. On a recent trip to McDonald’s (the nation’s number-one artery-clogger), I purchased a Coke the size of my head.
2: Harry Potter is dumb. Nevertheless, that broom-riding feeb attained a popularity that was unrivaled until the advent of the infinitely worse Twilight “saga.”
My point is that there are certain aspects to popular culture that are near-universally loved, yet I’m bewildered by why they’re so revered.
I just don’t get it.
Top 5 artists everyone likes but me
1. Billy Joel
Yes, he is a piano man, but I wouldn’t call him the piano man. Why don’t I like him? Is it his relentless teasing of stutterers (“Movin’ Out”)? Is it that he composed the whitest gospel song of all time (“River of Dreams”)? Is it that he exemplifies everything self-serving and egomaniacal about the Baby Boomers (“We Didn’t Start The Fire”)?
Yes.
2. The Police/Sting
Why is it Michael McDonald gets criticized (rightly) for having a voice akin to a German Shepherd in heat, yet we give Sting a pass?
3. Steely Dan
Speaking of McDonald, I think he forever tainted my view of Steely Dan, which is often revered as one of the most successful groups to fuse jazz and pop. I call it “pazz.”
4. Chicago
I can deal with horns – often they’re quite enjoyable. I also enjoy Saturdays. Parks are nice too. But I don’t like the combination of all three, even less when they occur on Independence Day. Plus, Peter Cetera.
5. Journey
The continued popularity of Journey makes me wonder if humanity is a species worth saving.
I just had too much to say in response to this post… so I created a post on my blog in response! See thekateofalltrades.blogspot.com for details…
I wholly agree on a couple, disagree on a few. I like Billy Joel, but I often feel like I appreciate him for different reasons than other people. He’s a phenomenally talented musician and songwriter, and I appreciate that more and more as the popular “artists” seem to grow less and less talented. The same goes for Sting, though I think time has been a little better for Sting. Most of Billy Joel’s gems came from the seventies.
I never got into Steely Dan or Chicago – and I have many very talented and bright friends who are way into them. I just don’t get it.
I like Journey, but it’s kind of a camp thing.
You’ll probably go to hell for disliking Sting and Chicago, but the rest you can get away with.
And I don’t like the Harry Potter thing, but I haven’t read the books yet so I’m trying to limit myself to only eye-rolling when people talk about it.
Billy Joel – I can understand why he’s hated. But, as a fellow piano dude and songwriter, I enjoy his craft too much to hate him. Just don’t ask me to cover “Piano Man.”
Sting – I don’t have a problem with his voice. My problem with Sting is that he once wrote interesting songs, and now seems content to coast in easy listening (or solo lute record) land. Sure, he’s been “adult contemporary” since at least the late 80’s, but it seems like any of his newer music is specifically made for listening to in leather-upholstered luxury cars.
Steely Dan – I’m in the minority her; I have no defense. I grew up with them. I don’t even mind Michael McDonald’s backing vocals in this context (it helps that he’s singing about “going insane,” but still…). I think it’s the tension between jazz chords/studio polish and dark/seedy lyrics that do it for me. I don’t know…like I said, I have no defense.
..uh, the minority here, not her. Doh…
Can I add U2 to this? I think I am the only person who doesn’t like them and I feel so alone…
I don’t like U2 either. You are not alone.