70s Fever Part 5: The Regular Crowd Shuffles In

"They always say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."

- Andy Warhol, 1975

The 1970s were a time of monumental change.  And, as Mr. Warhol suggests, that change didn't come about haphazardly- it was the people who had the initiative, or in many cases the simple luck or misfortune, to be the bearers of change for a decade in flux.  My favorite part about history is the people, and as may be able to tell if you've been following the other half of this blog, I enjoy studying people fairly in-depth.  As such, the movers and shakers of the 1970s are where I'll turn my focus for next semester's continuation of Gospel of the Piano Man.

Last week I wrapped up my Joel Has Soul series with a look at some of Billy Joel's most relevant life lessons for us college kids, but because 70s Fever will continue more or less intact as 2016's installment of my blog, I won't be concluding this series in the same way.  Instead, as a preview (and in celebration of me being decisive for once in my life) this post will be a short introduction and exploration of next semester's topic: my curated list of the most interesting people of the 70s.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce the cast of America's most transformative decade:
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Presidents With Promise:  Richard Nixon & Jimmy Carter

Their presidencies spanned the decade, seeping back into the 60s and overlapping into the 80s. Nixon, just reelected the year before, was riding a wave of popularity before his reputation came crashing down with the Watergate Scandal in 1973.  In contrast, Carter was always relatively unpopular with the American public, a legacy that was cemented in 1979 by his infamous "Crisis of Confidence" speech. Nixon achieved scores of accomplishments in his time as President, but after resigning slunk out of the public spotlight, disgraced.  Carter never quite fit the role of President, but went on to become a distinguished diplomat, humanitarian, and author. In many ways these two Americans icons are polar opposites, but their very differences underscore subtle similarities and human truths that are simply fascinating.  I suppose there's just something about being "the most powerful man in the world" that frames human flaws and tendencies in such a compelling way.

Richard Nixon
(Richard Nixon Foundation)

Jimmy Carter
(Wikipedia)

"It is only a beginning, always. The young must know it; the old must know it.  It must always sustain us, because the greatness comes not when things go always good for you, but the greatness comes and you are really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes, because only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." 

- and also-

"... always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself." 

- both from President Nixon's resignation speech, which provides some interesting context.

 "We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles."

- Jimmy Carter

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Visionary Puppeteer: Jim Henson

From Sesame Street to The Muppets, Jim Henson's imaginative puppet creations have stood the test of time; Sesame Street is settling into its new home on HBO, and after various successful movies The Muppets just landed a new show on ABC.  Henson was an innovative game-changer in the 1970s, creating characters like Ernie and Kermit the Frog, icons who have been shared the stage with some of the world's most famous and formidable men and women.

Henson and Kermit
(Huffington Post)

"The most sophisticated people I know- inside they are all children."

- Jim Henson

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Musical Masterminds: Eagles & John Denver

the Eagles (Grantland)

I know, I've already talked about these two once, but is once ever enough? Considering that I've dedicated half of this blog (and its title) to one singer, I figure it's only fair to spread the love to a few other 70s music favorites.  Besides their awesome songs, the Eagles themselves are more than interesting: from quirks like having the lead singer on drums, to shifting members, to a Hollywood stint in the perennial favorite The Country Bears, there's plenty to discuss when it comes to the Eagles.  And Denver, apart from being a gifted singer and songwriter, was a devoted environmental activist and pilot (and he produced a Christmas album with the Muppets, so he is undoubtably cool).

John Denver (Rolling Stone)

"Music does bring people together.  It allows us to experience the same emotions.  People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.  No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same."

- John Denver

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Kitchen Crusader: Julia Child

As anyone who has seen Julie and Julia knows, Julia Child revolutionized the world of cooking with her famous cookbook Mastering the Art of french Cooking and subsequent TV cooking shows.  Despite being a classically-trained chef, Child never took herself too seriously and put a fresh and joyful spin on the ultra-serious world of French cuisine, part of her mission to make fine cooking approachable for everyone.

(Smithsonian Magazine)

"In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport."

- Julia Child

Joel Has Soul Part 5: It's Sad and It's Sweet

Today is a sad day, for it is the day of my last Joel Has Soul post on this blog. My final post will be a 70s Fever post, so get excited.

But in the meantime, I figured there was no better way to wrap up my Billy Joel series than with a few final thoughts from the Piano Man himself.  I've compiled some song quotes and themes from Joel's own life to create a list of Billy Joel life lessons.  Don't roll your eyes- you'll be needing all the inspiration you can get as finals week swiftly approaches.  So without further ado, enjoy :)
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1.  Home
Not much of a lesson, I know; this is more of a life theme that frames many of Joel's songs.  It's no secret that Billy Joel loves New York and he's written several song that feature his physical home as a prominent subject.  But at the same time, throughout "You're My Home" he sings a series of sweet statements like "wherever we're together, that's my home".  In this way, Joel presents the idea of 'home' quite ambiguously.  Home can be a place, it can be a person, it could even be as simple as a melody or sense of self.  If you've been feeling homesick, remember that you always more than one home to go back to.

2. Slow down every once in a while.
For me, life has been moving at the speed of life since I arrived at Penn State just a few months ago, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way. It's easy to become so wrapped up in work and thinking about the future that before we know it, the entire fate of the free world rests upon us passing one quiz or getting a sentence just right in a paper.  But in his perennial hit "Vienna", Joel reminds us that "it's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two" and "you can't be everything you want to be before your time."  Take a deep breath.  Billy Joel's got your back.

3. Don't take yourself too seriously.
This is a life lesson straight from Joel's own life.  Despite being one of the most popular performers of his generation (not to mention holding seven honorary doctorates), Joel continues to make jokes about himself to the press and at every concert, and often graces reporters with his profound insights.

4. Never be afraid to explore and try new things.
Are your parents, obscure relatives, and friends trying to convince you that majoring in comparative literature with minors in biology and astronomy makes no sense whatsoever?  The next time someone tries to stop you from taking risks, remember that Billy Joel has produced songs in the styles of doo-wop, classic rock, pop hits, and power ballads.  His subject matter has ranged from the Vietnam War to north-Atlantic fishing towns to love.  Clearly, Billy Joel wants you to do you.

5. Savor these moments.
Yeah, life may be a bit rough right now.  The honeymoon phase has ended, and we're truly in the deep end with school work and stress.  But don't forget to embrace the tough moments too.  In nostalgic yet honest songs like "I've loved These Days", Joel teaches us that life is made up of good and bad times, and every personal trial adds that much more depth to our lives.  And when you find yourself in a contemplative mood, take advantage of it ponder the big questions.  It's fun to be all "Only the Good Die Young" for awhile, but don't be afraid to explore the "Summer Highland Falls" side of life every now and again.
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And that's it! Hopefully throughout these five posts you've been able to find at least one Billy Joel song to jam to; thank's for tuning in to Joel Has Soul!

70s Fever Part 4: When I Wore a Younger Man's Clothes

In a previous Joel Has Soul post, I briefly touched upon the origins of my Billy Joel obsession.  You may or may not recall that my mom was the person who first introduced me to the Piano Man when my age was still just a tiny elementary-schooler.  My mom is also the reason behind my love of the 1970s; the product of a 70s childhood, she has always been my primary source for all knowledge of the era.

My grandma still lives in my mom's childhood home.  Time stands still in that house (evidenced by the fact that she doesn't even own a microwave), and I've come to cherish it as my direct link to those golden years of yore that I love to study.  32 Glenn Circle is my favorite place on Earth.

This post is a tribute to my mom (if this post is already too gooey you can stop reading now and I won't be offended). I fell in love with the 70s and Billy Joel's music not through in-depth analysis of historical events and famous melodies, but simply by listening to stories my mom used to tell me about her childhood, rummaging through the endless boxes of high school yearbooks, albums, and other artifacts, and by sharing the same meals on Thanksgiving and Easter that my mom's family always has.

As a lover of the past, I believe that at the heart of history is the everyday people who live it as the present.  I love hearing about the individual experiences of people that culminate in what we categorize in broad terms like "the culture of the 1970s".

The individual story I want to share with you today is the story of my mom, Joan Portanova.

My mom was raised in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania, which is about 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and exactly two hours north of our current home in Maryland.  Erdenheim is so small that it comprises literally one main strip of shops, a park, and a few neighborhoods before it melts into a different town.  Like my grandma's house, it hasn't changed that much either.  There's a farmer's market, a car wash, and a disproportionate number of small Italian restaurants (if you're ever there, go to Scoogi's).   If you turn right into the small cul-de-sac at the top of the hill, you'll find a house with a perfectly symmetrical oak tree in its tiny front yard.
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It's 1970. In the front yard, my mom chases her dog Banjo around the wide Oak tree, its colors shifting into golds and reds. She laughs gleefully as my grandma calls her inside.

In the living room, she gathers in front of the Christmas tree with her brother, my Uncle Mike.  On Christmas Eve, they decorate the tree with homemade ornaments and strings of popcorn, a pot of cheese fondue resting patiently on the mahogany coffee table.

In the dining room, she waits expectantly at the helm of the plaid-drenched dining room table for my Grandma to serve the punch and english muffin pizzas to her and her friends: birthdays always call for a special meal.

In the kitchen, she slides across the tiled floors and sneaks Pepperidge Farm cookies out of the cabinet to enjoy while watching soap operas after school.

Through the narrow hallway and up the stairs, she learns how to waltz with my grandpa; Johnny Cash and the performers of Broadway guide each step through the ever-present mouthpiece of the recordplayer.

In her room, she listens to her own albums on a blue and purple portable turntable.  Learning the chords to James Taylor songs on guitar becomes a principal pursuit.

From downstairs, my grandma calls my mom to hurry: it's time to go.  Back in the front yard, she hugs her boyfriend goodbye and packs into the station wagon filled to the brim with clothes, excitement, and expectations: it's 1979, and a new decade at Penn State awaits my mom as she pulls out of 32 Glenn Circle.
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the Christmas tree, present-day

the view from the window of my mom's room

my mom, ca. 1975

Joel Has Soul Part 4: There's Someplace that He'd Rather Be

"You know those lights were bright on Broadway

That was so many years ago

Before we all lived here in Florida

Before the Mafia took over Mexico"

- "Miami 2017", Turnstiles

Billy Joel is a tried and true New Yorker.  Born in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, Joel has  reflected his love of the Big Apple in a number of his songs, perhaps most notably through "New York State of Mind."  But when he's not crooning about "taking a Greyhound" on the dreamy "Hudson River Line", Billy Joel expresses love for his city in what some may consider an unconventional way: by describing its demise in a natural apocalypse.

That's right, today I'm writing about  the one and only, "Miami 2017."

So you may be wondering,  is this even a song about New York? It's title certainly doesn't suggest that it is. But perhaps you know it by its more commonly-used name, "Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway".

In terms of context, this song is pretty out there for Joel.  It's told from the viewpoint of an old man who experienced a natural disaster in New York that basically ended the city decades earlier.  Everyone fled the city and now he's living in Miami (hence the name, Miami 2017).  The words alone make it one of Joel's most unique songs, but the context and modern relevancy of the song is what really put it over the top.
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First, a history lesson:
In 1974, New York City had pretty much hit the rock bottom of its several year downward spiral.  The city was in the midst of a financial crisis, and was about to default on its debt.  To make matters worse, President Gerald Ford had stated that under no circumstances would the government provide financial aid to the city, inspiring this infamous Daily News headline:

Ouch.
credit: NY Daily News archives

Billy Joel wrote "Miami 2017" in response to all the criticism the city was receiving.  To put it in the words of the Piano Man himself, "if New York's going to go down the tubes, I'm going to go back to New York." "Miami 2017" champions the resiliency of New Yorkers, an idea manifested both in the lyrics ("They turned our power down and drove us underground, but we went right on with the show"), and the song's upbeat melody.  Altogether, it more than holds its own against the ubiquitous "New York State of Mind."

But take a look at the lyrics again:
"I saw the Empire State laid low"
"I saw the ruins at my feet"
"The flames were everywhere"
"I've watched the mighty skyline fall"

I don't know about you, but when I read these descriptions, I don't think of the New York Financial Crisis of 1974.

I think of 9/11.

When you really think about it, it's unbelievable how prophetic the song is- a bit unnerving, almost.  Joel actually performed "Miami 2017" at a benefit concert shortly after the attack on the World Trade Center.  After he finished playing, he noted "I wrote that song 25 years ago.  I thought it was going to be a science fiction song.  I never thought it would actually happen."

And when tragedy struck New York again in 2012 in the form of Hurricane Sandy, Joel performed his unique ode to the 'City That Never Sleeps' once more.  In this way, what started as a snappy resistance to the "hellfire and damnation" sentence that was being handed to New York in the 1970s has evolved into an all-encompassing tribute to the strength of New York in the wake of tragedy.

"To tell the world about the way the lights went out and keep the memory alive" has truly become the legacy of Joel's song.

70s Fever Part 3: The Piano, it Smells Like a Carnival

The TV appearance that started it all

As I write this, I am currently three hours and 40 minutes away from seeing Paul McCartney in concert.  I decided to go on a whim, after my friend told me she had an extra ticket and couldn't find anyone else who wanted to go (I was flattered that she phrased it that way).  It hasn't really sunken in that I'm going to be in the same arena as THE Paul McCartney in just a few hours.

I've always appreciated the Beatles (I know the hits and I have about 10 songs of theirs on my phone) but I never really got into them the way I have with some *ahem* other singers (I wonder who?).  With Paul McCartney and Wings, I'm even less familiar.  The only two songs I know are "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Silly Love Songs" (both of which I love).

So, in order to commemorate this occasion, I've decided to dedicate this post to the music of the 70s other than Billy Joel (I know, I'm as shocked as you right now).  And, I'll also be adding my thoughts about McCartney after the concert (yes, most likely in the early hours of the morning- oh the things I do for my dedicated readers).

But first, the 70s music scene that I'm familiar with**.

Credit: Asylum Records

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Eagles:
If Billy Joel is my favorite singer of all time, then Eagles take the spot for favorite band, hands down.  When it comes to the music of Eagles, most people take one of two stances: either they're Hotel California people, or they're not.  This is actually a point of contention between my mom and I; she is a firm believer in the pre-Hotel California Eagles, while I persistently claim that Hotel California is without a doubt their best record.

What you should listen to: "Take it Easy", "Pretty Maids All in a Row", "Try and Love Again", "Already Gone"

Best Lyric:

"Well, I heard some people talkin' just the other day

And they said you were gonna put me on a shelf

But let me tell you I got some news for you

And you'll soon find out it's true

And then you'll have to eat your lunch all by yourself"

-"Already Gone", On the Border

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James Taylor and John Denver:

Credit: RCA Records

credit: Warner Bros. 

Taylor and Denver have similar sounds, so I decided to group them together for this post (though they most definitely are able to stand alone).  They both embrace a mellow, folksy sound, and have produced great music for my two favorite hobbies: contemplating life and reminiscing about my imaginary 1970s childhood in the country.

What you should listen to:
Taylor- "Fire and Rain", "Sweet Baby James" 
Denver- "Poems, Prayers, and Promises",  
        "Rocky Mountain High", "The Box"

Best Lyric:  

"There's a song that they sing when they take to the highway,

A song that they sing when they take to the sea,

A song that they sing of their home in the sky,

Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep,

But singing works just fine for me."

-"Sweet Baby James", Sweet Baby James

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Credit: Warner Bros

Fleetwood Mac:

Fleetwood Mac holds a special place in my heart.  I actually wrote about the famed 70s band for one of my college essays that helped me in my Penn State application process.  A lot of their songs are so upbeat and fun to jam to, great for pushing through long study sessions and dreary winters.  On a different but equally important note, Stevie Nicks is a 1970s goddess. 

What you should listen to: Literally anything from their 1977 album Rumours

Best Lyric:

                                                                                          "Loving you

Isn't the right thing to do

How can I ever change things that I feel?

If I could

Baby I'd give you my world

How can I 

When you won't take it from me?"

- "Go Your Own Way", Rumours

There you have it: my picks from the greatest decade of music. Up next: Paul McCartney @ the BJC 

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Wow.  That show was on fire.  Literally.  As in actual flames burst from the stage as Paul McCartney belted out his famous "Live and Let Die"chorus to his roaring fans that packed the BJC.

If you think the fireworks at Beaver Stadium are nifty, you obviously haven't seen Paul McCartney in concert.  If you didn't have the good fortune of being there in person, suffice it to say his trick "brought down the house" (figuratively- fortunately the excessive fire rockets mounted to the stage did not actually burn the BJC down).

What else is there to say?  The show was amazing.  McCartney really does know what he's doing up on the stage.  It started out a bit slow, as McCartney was obliged to sing a few of his newer songs in order to promote his album or satisfy the two or three people attending the concert that actually wanted to hear his new songs, or for whatever reason.  But the important part is that he got them out of the way early, and thus really let the show build.

He played "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Something" (on the ukulele!), making sure I met my recommended daily intake of love songs (they're an important part of my diet), "Blackbird" (probably the highlight of the show for me), and "Band on the Run" (I forgot I knew this song! Thank you Guitar Hero).  In a truly touching sequence, he played songs in memory of John Lennon and George Harrison, and his acoustic crooning of "Yesterday" was phenomenal.

Of course, there were many songs I had never heard before, and while I can't remember most of their names now, I am ashamed to admit that I had never heard "The Long and Winding Road" before tonight.  I've already listened to it three times since arriving back at my dorm.

He wrapped up his setlist with "Let it Be" and the classic sing-along "Hey Jude", then came back for not one but two encores, before disappearing into a blizzard of red, white, and blue confetti.

Oh, and he graced us with his rendition of our beloved "We Are" chant.  The 10 seconds occupied by our four word conversation may or may not have been the highlight of my week.

I'm still in a state of awe from what was now just a few hours ago.  I was sitting in the nosebleed section (there was a guy in the row behind me who was literally watching the concert through binoculars), with half of my view blocked by Lady Lions Basketball banners, but I feel so lucky to have been in the presence of one of The Beatles- it's definitely something I never would have imagined happening.

Needless to say I'll be listening to a lot more Beatles and Wings music in the future.  Given that The Beatles were Billy Joel's original inspiration, I don't think he would mind.

To conclude, I apologize for this video, but ever since I wrote about "Live and Let Die" I've been thinking about this scene from Shrek the Third.

**Note: I realize The Beatles were a band of the 1960s; however, Paul McCartney and Wings had a career that spanned from 1971-1979, which is why this post is relevant. #loopholes

Joel Has Soul Part 3: In the Mood for a Melody (again)

Greetings and welcome to part two of “Billy Joel and You: Some Friendly Suggestions”*!  This post is basically all the song recommendations that were simply too lengthy to justify cramming into my original post on the subject.  Below I have sorted some of Joel’s strongest hits into various categories for your perusing.  Joel's music is so diverse and spans such a wide array of subjects that there is literally something for everyone.  Read on, because I can guarantee that your new favorite song is somewhere on this page.

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First up: songs that pander to our age group**

• "Vienna"- The Stranger :  almost everyone my age who I've talked to about Billy Joel has told me that their favorite song is "Vienna", and it’s easy to see why.  The song is about a young adult who is trying to do everything at once and doesn’t know how to slow down and take it easy. This is probably Joel’s most resonating song for America’s hardworking youth.

• "Summer Highland Falls" - Turnstiles: Fluffy and cynical at the same time. Isn’t this the kind    of thing hipsters live for? 
• ** Note- this is in no way a criticism of either song; I love them too and have already managed to quote both of them in two separate blog posts, so I'm speaking from experience

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If you like...try...

       ...“Bubblegum” songs

• "Uptown Girl" and "The Longest Time" - both, An Innocent Man:  These songs are unbelievably bright and cheerful- and incredibly fun.  If you’re in need of an energy boost, these two are the way to go.

        ...Deep, cynical, brooding lyrics

• "I’ve Loved These Days"- Turnstiles: a nostalgic song about the soon-to-be good old days that packs a punch, if you really listen to the lyrics
• "The Stranger"- The Stranger: The song itself is not as creepy as the album cover it inspired, but it’s still about not knowing your significant other as well as you think you do

        ...Love Songs (because everybody loves love songs)

• "She’s Always a Woman"- The Stranger: I love this song.  Joel basically describes all the ways in which his wife can be ruthless and cold to others, but then ends every verse with “she’s always a woman to me”- beautiful
• "She’s Got A Way"- Cold Spring Harbor: Oh man, this is one of the gooiest love songs I’ve ever come across, but then again, isn’t that what you want in a love song anyway?

         ...Songs with Attitude

• "Movin’ Out" (Anthony’s Song)- The Stranger: This song has all the narrative finesse of “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”, plus the bad temper of “Pressure”; it’s a wonderful combination
• "My Life"- 52nd Street: “I don’t care what you say anymore this is my life… go ahead with your own life, leave me alone” - this is basically on repeat in my head

          ...History 

• "Goodnight Saigon" - The Nylon Curtain: The Vietnam War from a soldier’s perspective- this one is unnerving and incredibly moving at the same time. I always get goosebumps when I listen to it.
• "Allentown" - The Nylon Curtain & "The Downeaster Alexa" - Storm Front: Two songs about the plight of American workers that showcase Joel's ability to be a man of the people

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The Classics (no explanation required- just listen to them)

• "Piano Man" - Piano Man
• "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" - The Stranger
• "Only the Good Die Young" - The Stranger

And finally... My Obscure Favorites! (as if anyone cares, but hey it’s my blog so I can pretend I’m important)

• "You’re My Home" - Piano Man: This song is just adorable, and has such a nice, simple message behind it- the people in our lives are most important
• "Somewhere Along the Line" - Piano Man: “It’s a rainy night in Paris…It’s a pleasure to be soaking in the European rain” As a French major, I love that Billy Joel occasionally incorprates French/France into his music.  Also, his voice really shines in this song.
• "You Can Make Me Free" - Cold Spring Harbor: This is a dead ringer for a Beatles song, which makes sense considering the Beatles were Joel's initial inspiration
• "Zanzibar" - 52nd Street: This is just a great song to groove to.

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*This concludes my beginner's guide of sorts to the music of Billy Joel.  From now on, Joel Has Soul posts will be less about introducing Joel's music, and more about discussing it in various contexts.

70s Fever Part 2: Forget About Life for a While

Are you pumped? Because I'm pumped.  Let's talk about how 70s film mirrored the societal and political atmosphere of 1970s USA.

But first, an observation:
Most, if not all, movies have heroes and villains.  After all, it is these polarizing characters that are most often credited with giving plot motion and meaning.  And in this way, movies mirror real life; modern culture, in all of its intricacies and subsets, often begins with a simple conflict of interests between two politicians, entertainers, or other public figures.  And from these conflicts, a hero and villain often emerge.

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In the 1970s, the lines between the "good" and "bad" public figures were not so clearly drawn.  In the United States, the public had become largely disillusioned with President Nixon, the war in Vietnam, and the American Dream as a whole.  This nationwide confusion and pessimism was not lost on Hollywood, and the iconic films of the 1970s are now most clearly defined as either "hyper-heroic" or ultra ambiguous to the point that the main characters could be viewed as villains or heroes.  While the 70s certainly produced their fair share of classics, I've picked four to discuss in detail: Rocky, Star Wars, and the Godfather films (parts I and II).

The Godfather movies, released in 1972 and 1974, are dark and brooding films, in which the hero(es) are not obvious and possibly nonexistent, depending on one's view. This ambiguity of character, applied mainly to Michael Corleone, perfectly mirrored the uncertainty of the early 1970s.  1972-1974 marked the years at which the Watergate Scandal was at its peak, and the years when President Nixon's reputation quickly began to deteriorate.  All of a sudden, it seemed to the American public that the man who had been leading them- a "good guy" if you will, was now an insecure criminal, and a villain to American ideals.

 Fittingly, the Godfather movies are made in such a way that it is- at varying parts of the films- difficult to determine who is the hero and who is the villain.  In the Godfather Part II, for example, we are kept in the dark about the intentions of two major characters, Roth and Pentangeli, for much of the movie.

Rocky and Star Wars are films of the latter 1970s, produced at a time when American citizens were still weary from the recent Vietnam War, and soured by the Nixon conspiracy.  At a time when it seemed there were no real-life heroes to balance the real-life villains, Rocky and Star Wars stepped in with grandiose plots about overcoming adversity and rooted by heroic characters to compensate.

Both Rocky Balboa and Luke Skywalker embody the idea of "finding oneself" and "discovering greatness"- both concepts that America struggled with at a time when our nation was unsure of what side of morality it was actually on.  Rocky and Star Wars are films of hope, where the main characters start in the dark and end in the light.  They are the very manifestation of the journey the United States was about to take to right the wrongs of the villains of the past decade, and become heroes once again.

The Godfather films of the early 1970s begged the question (in relation to the Watergate Scandal and the Vietnam War) who are our heroes? And are we still heroes to the world? Then, in the late 1970s, after those questions had been answered with raw brutality, Rocky and Star Wars imbued Americans with the idea that heroes could still exist, and that greatness could come from darkness.
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photo credit: 
Michael Corleone- http://fsustudentlifecinema.tumblr.com/post/110087564394/5-facts-about-the-godfather-part-ii
Luke Skywalker- http://starwarsgroup.tumblr.com/post/64722026782

Joel Has Soul Part 2: In the Mood for a Melody

In case you were wondering, Billy Joel has recorded 121 songs (not including his album of piano compositions).  His songwriting career spans three decades, and he has released 12 studio albums.  For anybody trying to get into Billy Joel's music for the first time, the sheer volume of his work can certainly be a bit daunting- which is why I've compiled some tips and tricks for you!

For anyone new to Billy Joel, you might utilize this post as a reference point or starting block for your listening endeavors.  For those of you who already love the Piano Man, let me know what you think! (Are my suggestions on point, or am I way off?) So without further ado...

To start, I guess I should tell my Billy Joel story.  How did I become such a Billy Joel fanatic? I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that I was not always the super fan I am today.  An anecdote will illustrate this nicely.

Pro Tip: this is not Billy Joel

My first hazy and obscure memory of hearing Billy Joel dates back to my elementary school years.  My mom and I had just pulled into the grocery store parking lot when "Piano Man" came on the
radio, and my mom, being the one who introduced me to the glory of the 1970s music scene, insisted that we sit in the car 'just a few more seconds' to listen to the duration of the song.  And this is where it gets weird.

For some reason, nine year old me thinks that I am listening to someone called "Penguin Man", and all I know is that I think Penguin Man is very strange and I do not want to listen to him any longer.

Alas, since then my relationship with Penguin Man Billy Joel has only improved.  I hope that with the help of this post, your introduction to Billy Joel will be much more enlightening than mine.
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Billy Joel and You: Some Friendly Suggestions

1. Listen to his older songs first.

Billy Joel has one of the most distinct voices to have ever been recorded.  And while his voice has aged amazingly (he can still hit the high notes!), it's deeper and a bit raspier now.  Listen to any song from his early 1970s albums, and prepare to be liberated by his soaring falsettos and crystal clear vocals. "Somewhere Along the Line" is a good place to start- it's a bit obscure now, but still one of my favorites.

2. Appreciate Billy Joel first as a writer/composer, then as a musician, then as a performer.

So remember those 121 songs that I was telling you about?  Fun fact: he wrote every one of them himself, and it shows in the authenticity of his songs. Many of his songs are about his own life and his home- New York City, most of his love songs are dedicated to one of his three ex-wives, and he often wrote for the everyman in America.  Most notably, "Allentown" and "The Downeaster Alexa" demonstrate's Joel's ability to write knowledgeably and poetically about situational hardships that in many ways connect to the American experience.

In general, Joel's melodies are amazing and tend to steal the show, but next time really listen to the lyrics too. (and watch him work his magic on the piano- it's enthralling)

The piano solo at the end of "Miami 2017" is my personal favorite.

3.  On a similiar note, learn some backstory behind his songs.

Because so much of Billy Joel's music is taken straight from his life experiences, there are some super interesting tidbits of trivia floating around about the inspiration for some of his most well-known songs.  For example, did you know that "Uptown Girl" was written about Christie Brinkley, Billy Joel's second wife? Or that "Captain Jack" is based on a heroin dealer who lived across the street from Joel in the 70s? There's an interesting story for almost all of Joel's songs.

4. Take a gander at the album covers.

     



                                               
My favorite is Turnstiles, with Piano Man and River of Dreams tying for a close second. Listen to Joel talk about the fascinating stories behind the album covers here and here.

Along the same lines: start with the right album.  If you prefer to listen to an artist's entire album instead of individual songs,  don't just pick any Billy Joel record at random. Take my advice: choose The Stranger.  Anyone might mistake this album for a Billly Joel greatest hits compilation- it's amazing how many of Joel's most enduring songs are packed into one studio album.  Absolutely not to be missed!
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And that's it! I hope you guys enjoyed this post, see you back here next week!

70s Fever Part 1: Play Me a Memory

So remember last week when I professed my love of Billy Joel in the form of an in-depth analysis of Piano Man? Well get ready, because it's about to happen again, but this time I'm going to be writing about an entire decade (this half of my blog will be known as "70s Fever").  In case you're super confused and wondering what the set up of my blog is going to be from here on out, I'm planning on alternating Billy Joel and 1970s posts each week (but honestly, every post is going to have some Billy Joel in it- it's bound to happen Somewhere Along the Line). But I digress.  It's showtime.

Please enjoy some Saturday Night Fever John Travolta to ease into the right frame of mind:

Hey guys.  Welcome to the 1970s.

What is there to say for a decade that so effortlessly speaks for itself? All I can tell you is that from the political drama to the music to the idea of growing up in my mom's childhood home in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania, I am completely enamored with the times and culture of 1970s America. My hope is that by the end of this series, you will be too.  For the first post of this series, we're going to start where any self-respecting history lesson should: with the people.  

Eagles, Desperado (1973)

The people. What were they fighting for? The 1970s heralded a new era of the civil rights movement, one that brought the focus back on women's rights, and for the first time shone the spotlight on gay rights in the United States.  Long-standing beliefs were being challenged, and in many ways real progress was being made- spearheaded in the form of grassroots efforts by ordinary people.  And...*Looks forebodingly towards the moonlight as a strange mist rises and a violin solo is heard in the distance*...perhaps most tellingly, snow fell for the first and last time (thus far) in Miami, Florida.

But anyways, back to the people.  In the mid-1970s disgruntled citizens took to the streets of San Francisco to protest Anita Bryant's anti-gay Save Our Children campaign, and women's rights were being fought for on an even larger scale.  Across the country, women were campaigning for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, and the first National Women's Congress in a century was held in Houston, Texas in 1977.  

Announcement: The other day I wrote an essay using only feminine pronouns, and it was one of the most liberating moments of my life (really).  I can only imagine what it would have been like to be a part of those rallies for change- to be one of the 20,000 women who gathered in Texas to pass a National Plan of Action, or one of the many who fought against intolerance in California.  

In today's world, the old Tears for Fears tune (not from the 1970s and not Billy Joel, consistency is obviously not my forte) rings painfully true: "everybody wants to rule the world"- or perhaps everybody wants to save the world.  Most change occurs as a result of a group working together, and many of us seem to have forgotten that.  In the 1970s, passionate people found strength in numbers- and they were heard, at least as a rumble of things to come.  The gay rights movement picked up speed, and serious conversations were being held on women's reproductive health; however, discrimination based on gender and sexuality continued and intolerance has persevered to today.  

Would anything be different if one more person had joined the fight? Probably not. But then again, is that a real reason not to stand up for what you believe in?  As my favorite philosopher Billy Joel once crooned, "you've got your passion /you've got your pride/ but don't you know that only fools are satisfied" ("Vienna" The Stranger). Technology and social media have made it simple and temporary to advocate for oneself and others; in the 1970s, people acted on their convictions in a meaningful and public way- and the world has not yet outgrown their efforts.

LGBTQ rights (increasingly emphasizing transgender rights) and gender equality (the ERA never passed) still have a long way to go in the United States and the world, but if the 1970s have taught us anything, it's that snow can happen in Miami. *cue collective gasp*

Isn't that something you'd like to experience?

        John Travolta and snow in a sub-tropical climate?! The 70s prove you can have it all.

Joel Has Soul Part 1: Sing Us a Song...

Hello and Welcome to my contribution to the vast and bountiful expanse that is the internet! 

Seeing as this is my first post on a blog called "Gospel of the Piano Man"(which is really a 1970s blog with heavy emphasis on Billy Joel), I figured I should start things off right and give the people what they want (and need). Without further ado, here is part one of the "Joel Has Soul" miniseries.

In the latter parts of this series, we will be exploring the meanings and historical context (get excited) of Billy Joel’s songs. But before that, it only seems right to begin with an overview of who the Piano Man really is.

Let’s start with the basics.

If you know nothing else about Billy Joel or his music, chances are you’re at the very least aware of his most popular hit “Piano Man”, which effectively launched his career in 1973.  Besides the catchy tune and soaring chorus, what really sets this song apart is the stories that it tells.

This brings us to Billy Joel Fact #1: Billy Joel is first and foremost a storyteller.

In my opinion, people love Billy Joel for the same reason people love J.K. Rowling or C.S. Lewis: they love and relate to his stories. In life, we all have our own stories to tell, but sometimes we need someone else to tell them for us.  In "Piano Man", we get to hear snippets of other people’s stories.  “John at the bar” and the waitress dream of more fulfilling careers, Paul and Davy are consumed by their work, and the businessmen need a release from reality. 

Does any of this sound familiar?

 While we may not all be waitresses or bartenders, we can all relate to that intense yearning to have/become that inexplicable something more in life, and ultimately we realize that the stories we are hearing are our own.  In this way, Billy Joel’s music stories make us aware of our similarities rather than our differences, and remind us of the power of a shared experience.

Wow, that was deep.  Here is a relevant cat cartoon:

Okay, let’s move on.  I’m just going to jump right into this one.

Billy Joel Fact #2: Billy Joel keeps it REAL. (I know, that was eloquent)

No piece of art-whether it be a painting, a piece of literature, or a musical composition- is ever created in a vacuum, but it seems that Joel was especially observant to the world around him when he was writing his songs during the 1970s.  

If you’re not already aware, the 1970s were not exactly a highlight in America’s history.  While the 70s did produce some of the best music of the century of all time, there were several political dark spots that disillusioned much of the general public.  Always a man of the people, Billy Joel reflected this by incorporating cynicism and seriousness into some of his songs.  But at the same time, he also released songs that are almost giddy with hope and straight-up emotional sappiness.  Other times, as is the case with "Piano Man", which is probably best summed up by this lyric-"yes they’re sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it’s better than drinkin' alone" -Joel toes the line between the two extremes with resonating finesse.  

In this way, the very nature of Joel’s music mirrors both the conscience of America and the ebb and flow of our everyday emotions, our defeats, and our dreams for the future.  In my humble opinion, no other artist has mastered this so well.

At this point, you may be expecting me to end this long-winded post with a nice quote from "Piano Man" to wrap everything up neatly.  However, this is my blog and I get to choose when to make sense, so here is a quote from "Summer Highland Falls", off of Turnstiles, 1976: 

"And so we'll stand upon the ledges of our lives,

With our respective similarities...

It's either sadness or euphoria."

There’s no way around it: Joel Has Soul.