There’s something very powerful and reminiscent in this song for me. Years ago in college when I was a music major, I’d go to the concert hall and lock myself away in one of the small and intimate piano auditoriums. I would turn out all the lights and just play the piano. No words. No light. Only music. I will forever remember how the echoing chords touched me in a very literal sense. The notes would hang in the air forever as if they didn’t want to leave that dark room. The beginning of this song reminds me of what I used to play in that dark room. I hope you let the first few chords seep into you.
Just when I thought this song couldn’t get any better, the harmonica rings out. It’s brilliant.
On a side note, I thought the production of this song was interesting - especially the ending. He sings an octave above and at a much louder dynamic (as you should be able to tell in his vocal inflections), but he’s standing further away from the microphone, and it is almost like he’s singing in a room too small for his voice.
By the way, this version of the song isn’t the same one as on the CD attached to this post. I honestly can’t tell you where to get this copy. (other than here)
I hope you enjoy.
All my things, melt away.
Only love… love remains.
Billy Joel holds a special place in my heart. I’ve listened to his music with great fondness since I was a young child. For some reason, listening to him reminds me of my dad. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that dad and I (and my brother) often took long weekend trips in a car to see his mom (my grandmother). On the way, we would regularly hear a Billy Joel song. Dad’s favorite (if memory serves) was “piano man”.
Aside from the fond memories, Billy Joel is an amazing pianist and singer/songwriter. This song is so honest and so powerful.
The closing phrases…hit so hard…
so I would choose to be with you
That’s if the choice were mine to make.
but you can make decisions too
and you can have this heart to break.
And so it goes, and so it goes…
and you’re the only one who knows.
Honorable mention: If you dig choral groups, You’ve got to hear the King’s Singers version of this song. It’s pretty amazing.
Matt finally gets posted here with this amazing guitar/piano/vocal combo. This is no cheap radio song, but I’m sure I’ll be singing it (or at least humming). It’s a great, wonderful song about fixating on the wonderful times summer gave us, only to realize they’re now gone, and being sadly nostalgic.
Ahh, summer love. :) Enjoy, and thank Matt Nathanson by buying his new CD.
This one’s feels like a soulful gospel song. I know very little about this guy. I ran across him through a suggestion from a friend and I’ve been very impressed with a few songs on this CD. You should give it a listen. He apparently tours with Andy Davis, Will Hoge, and others.
Loquat is based out of San Francisco. They’re named after a fruit? I wonder if it’s citrusy. This song is one of few by Loquat that I like. I feel like I’m walking toward a desert wasteland where no music exists. If you know of excellent music I haven’t posted, please let me know. I need it like a wanderer needs an oasis of water.
He is? No. This is a track from his new album, “Release the Stars” coming out on May 15th. The whole CD is pretty good. It’s what you’d expect from Rufus - ornate, unique, and with a bit of classical flair.
I’ve known about this song forever. I don’t know why I’m posting it now other than to say that I’ve been listening to it more recently. Go out and buy Billy Joel’s greatest hits CDs. They’re quite amazing, and well worth the purchase price.
I’ve listened to this song a few times since Easter. I’ve been wanting to play it, but needed a good time to do so. This ends girl power week, and better way than to post a song about girls having fun? :)
I might have to continue this trend and post songs about girls. We’ll see. I have a day to mull it over.
This song was written in 1931. I used to be in like with Lisa Loeb when I was in high school (10 years ago). I still think she’s awesome. I wish she would come out with more music.
By the way, Lisa was also a part of Lilith Fair. Go go gadget girlpower.
Griffin House
Billy Joel
Sara Bareilles
Matt Nathanson
Ernie Halter
Loquat
Rufus Wainwright
Billy Joel
Greg Laswell
Lisa Loeb