Locals Only -- Billy Joel

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Subject:

Locals Only

Author:
Nancy K aka Mulholland Sound

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Date Posted: 23:18:31 08/11/02 Sun

I know Billy has a bigger east coast following than west coast and I was wondering does anyone here find themselves prefering an artist based on where they are from?

I never used to be able to understand why there was such a rivalry and why Billy wasn't as big here as he is in the east. But I've become very enlightened over this past year and I now understand it. I once believed that music was the universal language and that it could topple barriers and bring people together. But I don't think that's the case.

I find these days that it's harder for me to relate to Billy and his music due to the fact that he's a New Yorker and I'm a Californian. After my visit there last year, I discovered it's like two different worlds. There's such a different attitude and way of life.

Now understand, I'm not slamming any east coast people. I don't hate anybody. (not trying to start a fight here, so don't knock my head off). Just I have a new perspective now. After being in NY and seeing what Billy sings about made the songs more real, brought life to them. It made them more "New York" to me. Not that any of that is bad, but it made me realize how far removed from many of these songs I really am.

I appreciate California a lot more these days. There's so much great stuff here that you can't get anywhere else. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Sadly, Billy's music doesn't have any western, country or California essence or flavor to it.

My question is has anyone else experienced this? Do you find that you need or prefer the music of your region over others?

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Replies:

[> Subject: Re: Locals Only

Author:
Paula
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Date Posted: 05:20:00 08/12/02 Mon

Hi Mul,

I'm sure Billy's following is a bit larger out East because he is from here. But it appears to me that he has a following wherever he goes (his concerts are always sold out). Some of his songs are about the City just as Bruce Springsteen's are about Asbury Park and the Jersey shore, but I think that that is only normal also. A songwriter is going to write about those places and things he/she has experienced.

And I truly do believe that music is a universal language and is able to bring people to the same level in many instances and I'm not just speaking of BJ's music. I like different types of music, but just happen to be a long time admirer of BJ's. I think that many of us can relate to the words he uses in his writing (and not only those of us from the East Coast) and to me that's what makes it a universal language.

I feel bad that your experience out here was not a good one, people are different no matter where you go, even from city to city. As individuals our lifestyles are different, attitudes are different, the way we think is different (thank goodness for that, wouldn't it be a boring world if we all acted and thought the same!). And maybe sometimes we go into something with our expectations being way to high....and what a giant letdown that can be.

Do I like the songs about the region I live in? Sometimes. I'll use Bruce as an example again, I am not a big fan of Springsteen but I absolutely love his songs about the Jersey Shore!!!!!

Paula

[> Subject: Re: Locals Only
Author: Tony [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 09:57:24 08/12/02 Mon Those two Michael Stewart albums certainly have a western flavor to them. By the way, if you ever hear anyone say that music is a universal language be aware you're talking to a diplomat. It's not and never has been.

[> Subject: Re: Locals Only

Author:
debwhit
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Date Posted: 16:11:34 08/12/02 Mon

I visited Manhattan back in march for the first time, and absolutely loved it. It makes hearing certain songs more fun cause now i know what they are talking about a little more. Living in Kansas City I don't hear a lot of songs referring to this town--a couple by Melissa Ethridge---so it's fun to hear references to NYC in songs now. It is a vastly different town from mine, maybe from any other, I think mostly because most poepole take public transportation and it gets poeple out into the world more. Most of us are so tied to our cars that we can go places and never interact with anyone else. I loved the idea of walking and taking hte subway, buses etc, and met lots of nice people that way---and did not meet one rude or mean person the whole time. deb