![]() The song itself is not really a joking matter. The likeness is enhanced by the fact that somber and simply chorded is the only way Mac can do it, clearly being unable to hack the cabaret piano crochets of Joel’s original version.īut somber is the right way to do it, if you have to err on one side. But underneath the effects rack, it sounds like the guy is delivering this as sincerely as you’d expect Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon to. Miller’s piano-and-vocal cover of “Vienna” is totally unlistenable - a bit of studio foolishness attributed to his production alias Larry Fisherman. People love Billy Joel, a lot of people love Mac Miller - and gradually, everyone seems to be becoming less and less ashamed, or at least reassess whether or not they are missing the point. Is it as simple as calling Billy Joel awful, or is there more to the story? This is in essence, the same question people have been asking about Mac in the past two years. Recently, his legacy was interrogated in a length New Yorker piece and his catalogue ranked in full- all this around the time that it became clear that his monthly gig at Madison Square Garden was going to be a indefinite staple. This prevailing dismissive attitude at Joel has persisted for decades, but in an age when Just Good Pop Songs are more likely to be treated with respect, the cult of Joel seems to be strengthening, or at least given its due. We simply can’t lose sight of who we are and who we love while we’re making our dreams come true.Like Miller, Joel has been an object of excoriation well beyond the critical realm - with Joel, the stigma came with plenty of Long Island mockery, to boot. Call your mom, call your dad, call your best friend, call your brother whom you haven’t seen in a year. “When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?” Devoting a bit of time here and there to catching up with a loved one might just be the most imperative action we ever take. Not taking the most important things in our lives for granted is something most of us struggle with. But I happen to think I’m right (and if I think I’m right, I must be. It’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two.” “Slow down, you crazy child, and take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while. We have to go, go, go there is no stopping for fear of falling short. We all feel like we have to get everything we want, right now. ![]() ![]() Think about it - we’re all in such a damn rush to grow up, we could be missing everything wonderful that’s happening around us today. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time.”Įvery single line in this song is raw with honesty. Joel can amaze all with his piano and voice alone, but it’s the lyrics that truly showcase his star quality. I could rave about him for days, but I’ll get to the point: One of the best songs that I had the privilege of watching him perform was “Vienna.” I’ve always loved the song, but I’ve developed an even deeper appreciation for it after seeing it live. He’s almost 65, has been in the business for 50 years, and that dude can still rock. There were three elderly ladies a few rows down from me, leaning over the balcony with their arms around each other, sporting Billy Joel t-shirts and dancing and singing and screaming. The stadium was packed with people of many ages I could feel the buzzing elation of all who were there that night. I was lucky enough to see him in concert a few weeks ago. I think the man is great, without a doubt, one of the most talented artists in the industry. You’ve got so much to do and only so many hours in a day.” “Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about? You’d better cool it off before you burn it out.
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