Author: Joe Parker

365 Day Song Challenge: Day 115 – “Prelude/Angry Young Man”

Posted on by Joe Parker

Day 115: A song you like that relies heavily on piano.

“Prelude/Angry Young Man” – Billy Joel

Angry Young ManBilly Joel may be too obvious a selection for this, being the “Piano Man” and all. (But why should he get sole claim to the title just because he wrote a song with that name? Shouldn’t Elton John or Bruce Hornsby or even Liberace have a shot at it as well? These are questions that should be addressed.)

“Angry Young Man,” a song that originally appeared on 1975’s Turnstiles, typically starts Billy Joel’s live shows. I have seen him twice live and I know he played it the first time. I don’t specifically remember him playing it for the second show, but I’m going to assume he did. The energy of the song makes it a great way to start a show with a bang. Instant energy. Read More

365 Day Song Challenge: Day 114 – “You And Me”

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Day 114: A song that you love but rarely listen to.

“You And Me” – The Moody Blues

Seventh SojournI have a second mom who’s going to be very upset by this.

You see, when I was in college I had a work-study job. It was office work, basically, nothing too strenuous. It just so happened that when I was a freshman, the secretary (admin, in today’s parlance) was new to the office, too, and we became a team of sorts. So throughout my four years of college, I had my “second mom” to look out for me.

Over the years we got to know each other fairly well. So, as you’d expect, talk of music inevitably arose. I shared my love of Genesis with her, and, in turn, I learned all about her favorite band: The Moody Blues. Read More

365 Day Song Challenge: Day 113 – “Locked Out Of Heaven”

Posted on by Joe Parker

Day 113: A favorite song from the 10s.

“Locked Out Of Heaven” – Bruno Mars

Locked Out Of HeavenYes, it’s another “decades” entry. And, as before, you should know I’m technically breaking the rules with my dates. For an explanation, go here.

One of the artists emerging in the last few years that has really impressed me is Bruno Mars. This guy has been phenomenally successful in his short recording career, and has shown his talents in many areas. In addition to singing and dancing, he’s an accomplished producer; he’s co-written a slew of international hits both for himself and for others; and he can play multiple instruments. On top of that, he’s got a sense of showmanship that’s amazing. (As evidenced by his Grammy appearances and Super Bowl half-time show.) Read More

365 Day Song Challenge: Day 111 – “Since U Been Gone”

Posted on by Joe Parker

Day 111: A song from your all time favorite American Idol contestant.

“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson

Since U Been GoneOops. I’m out of order. Ah well, it was bound to happen.

So, I’m not a fan of “American Idol.” I don’t watch it and never did. You see, I’m a big believer in working for what you get and learning how to do it right, not winning it in a contest.

And yes, I know there is some work involved in the competition, but still…

I agree with Dave Grohl on the subject: Read More

365 Day Song Challenge: Day 112 – “Dangerous Type”

Posted on by Joe Parker

Day 112: A song by your favorite band/artist whose name begins with “C”.

“Dangerous Type” – The Cars

Dangerous TypeYou really should have seen this one coming. If not the song, at least the band.

The Cars were my first favorite band. While all my friends were oohing and aahing about The Police in 1983/1984, I was telling everyone I knew about The Cars.

Two things about that:

  • I was not doing it to be contrary.
  • The Police are phenomenal, and I have all of their albums, but I really did (and do) prefer The Cars’ music to The Police’s.

After the furor about The Police faded away (and Sting bailed) I was still talking about The Cars. (At least until Ric Ocasek bailed.) Read More