(But) It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
Published 2022-12-13
The USA's culture is replete with amazing artists in sound and lyricism. One of my favorites is Billy Joel, a consummate pianist, singer, lyricist and performer. The song which titles this article is a wonderful example of his art.
He is protesting a change in the popular music form, a little. What he is really doing is affirming the nation's popular music culture. "Hot funk, cool punk, even if its old junk, Its still rock and roll to me".
The structure of the song is pure rock'n'roll with a middle eight. The sounds of the rhythm section change, but its all straight down the line 4/4. The clap rhythms ask you to clap (like at a concert) and the middle eight rhythm makes you move your hips. Dance! Seriuosly, clap time to the song as you listen to it. Keep clapping during the odd bar with no percussion. It returns exactly on time.
"Don't waste your money on a new pair of speakers, you get more mileage from a cheap pair of sneakers. Next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyway its still rock and roll to me."
[Sax solo to the same rhythm of the middle eight]
This article's inspiration are the two closing bars. They are straight out of 50's era "rock and roll". All of the elements are there in this song. Magnificently performed and recorded (pre-digital), and wonderful lyrics.
It's all rock and roll.
I love finding new elements in art as I learn to see more of what the artist has offered.
Billy Joel - It's Still Rock And Roll To Me (Audio), Billy Joel, Youtube channel, uploaded 2013-04-03