Hi ATB Readers,

I love music. From Led Zeppelin and the Who to Harry Chapin, Warren Zevon, Jethro Tull, 80s music, show tunes (from Fiddler to Hamilton), Grateful Dead, Beatles, Bob Marley, traditional Jewish music, Tom Petty, and many, many more. But throughout my life, probably my overall favorite artist is William Martin Joel.

I recently did a very informal survey of some people around the office and other friends and acquaintances over the past week or so, and a couple of observations: Pretty much everyone at least heard of Billy Joel. Many people born after 1993 (the year of his last popular record release) have heard of him but could not place any of his songs off the top of their heads. Then, if I mentioned Uptown Girl, most were like, “Oh yeah.” If I mentioned, We Didn’t Start the Fire, everyone was like, “Yep.” People in their 30s know him, some a little bit and some a lot more. 40s+, and seemingly everyone knows at least a good number of songs. Some love him, some meh, some not even that, whatever. All good.

My dad listened to Billy Joel in the 70s, and I remember liking Piano Man, Captain Jack, and Only the Good Die Young as I grew up. Then, in 1980, when I was 12, came Glass Houses. That immediately became my favorite album, and I first saw Billy Joel at the Spectrum on that 1980 tour. I have now seen him live a total of six times, mostly at the Spectrum, I think once at the Wells Fargo, and most recently at Citizens Bank Park.

In 1985, my senior year high school yearbook page had only one quote:

And so it’s times
To change our ways
But I’ve loved these days

Billy Joel
I’ve Loved These Days
Turnstiles (1976)

And now, my 8-year-old son loves Billy Joel as much as I do!! Now, that is music to my ears.

Yesterday, February 1, 2024, Billy Joel released his first popular song since 1993’s River of Dreams album. (I say popular because Billy released a 2001 classical album that did not receive widespread support; medium critical acclaim). The song is called “Turn the Lights Back On” and is now available on all streaming services. I have listened to this record numerous times now, and I like it. Even have it in my head. Doesn’t make my top 10, but it is a classic Billy Joel soft rock ballad:

I can’t read your mind
But I see you now
As we’re layin’ in the darkness
Did I wait too long
To turn the lights back on?

Not sure if it’s just me, but I feel the track’s start is a little abrupt, with the opening lyric “Please” coming within a millisecond of the start of the track, somewhat competing with the first piano chord. Anyway, I like the new song a lot.

Perhaps you are now wondering what songs make my unofficial list of 10 favorite Billy Joel songs? This is an ever-changing list and could include his most popular songs, but they are really songs that I am into right now (could be different next week). And believe me, I have scores of honorable mentions that could make the list as well.

In no particular order—
Prelude/Angry Young Man
Captain Jack (Sigma Sound Studios, WMMR, Live Recording, April 1972)
Don’t Ask me Why
I go to Extremes
Everybody Loves You Now
Keeping the Faith
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
Los Angelenos
The Entertainer
Shades of Grey

Okay, and here are a few more to add to my totally non-exhaustive list—
She’s Right on Time
A Matter of Trust
The Stranger
Big Shot
Stiletto
Summer Highland Falls
Shades of Grey
Ballad of Billy the Kid
Vienna
You’re My Home

I actually feel bad for leaving so many other songs out. Like the rest of Glass Houses. Wow. So much from the Nylon Curtain. And basically, every other album, including troves of live stuff.

If you love Billy, don’t like him (You May Be Right), or just have any Billy Joel favorite tracks or stories, let me know.

It’s Still Rock and Roll to me.

Have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jeff

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.

Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

Jeff City Block

City Block Team
Assoc. Broker
M: 215.833.7088
O: 267.435.8015
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