Jokermen Podcast Episode Summary: "Teaser // Billy Joel: TURNSTILES"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Jokermen
• Host/Author: Jokermen
• Episode: Teaser // Billy Joel: TURNSTILES
• Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction

In the "Teaser // Billy Joel: TURNSTILES" episode of the Jokermen Podcast, hosts Alex and Blake delve into a nuanced analysis of Billy Joel's song "Turnstiles." Positioned as a spirit guide to the worlds of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, Jokermen expands its musical exploration to encompass iconic artists like Billy Joel, offering listeners deep insights into Joel's artistry and creative processes.

Analyzing "All You Want to Do is Dance"

The discussion kicks off with an examination of Billy Joel's classic track "All You Want to Do is Dance." Alex expresses his skepticism about the song's depth, stating, "All you want to do is dance is like, yeah, this is low middle brow. Like, I don't think this. I really know what this song's about." (00:00).

Blake counters by suggesting that the song is more layered than Alex perceives. He posits, "He's talking about character a little bit. He's doing... the character and music." (00:16). This indicates that Joel may be using the song to explore broader themes beyond just dancing, intertwining character studies with musical expression.

Themes in "Turnstiles" and Billy Joel's Musical Canon

Blake further contextualizes "All You Want to Do is Dance" within Billy Joel's larger body of work, highlighting Joel's engagement with the canon of pop music. He notes, "I think he's very conscious of the canon of pop music up until this point at least, and is interested in... pointing at it, you know, and being like, hey, look at that." (00:16). This awareness is evident in songs like "The Entertainer," "Piano Man," and "Goodbye to Hollywood," where Joel references and pays homage to influential figures like Phil Spector.

Alex brings up a specific lyric from "Turnstiles": "timing tomatoes being you wish tomatoes were cheaper." (01:22), prompting Blake to interpret it as a reflection of nostalgia and questioning societal changes. He elaborates, "The subject of this song is someone who's just sorta... maybe a little hopelessly nostalgic, you know, asking questions about why." (01:32). This analysis underscores the song's contemplative nature, addressing themes of change and loss.

Billy Joel's Songwriting Process

Transitioning to Joel's creative methodology, Alex and Blake discuss the spontaneity versus structured approach in songwriting. Blake contrasts Billy Joel’s process with Bob Dylan’s, stating, "The song's always there, and I just... put it down on paper. Like, that is not... Billy Joel's songwriting process." (05:15). He suggests that Joel may not always rely solely on inspiration but often constructs songs based on outlines or musical ideas, refining them through his adept arranging skills.

Alex adds, "I don't think that he writes from inspiration every time." (04:09). This perspective highlights Joel's versatility and perhaps a more pragmatic approach to songwriting, where he balances creative impulses with structural composition.

Comparison with Bob Dylan

A significant portion of the conversation contrasts Billy Joel with Bob Dylan, particularly in their approaches to music and performance. Alex observes, "With Bob, I think that maybe... he just wants to have the experience of playing music that he actually is actively inspired by." (05:30), pointing out Dylan’s tendency to perform music that resonates personally, such as blues or folk, without the pressure of conforming to pop standards.

Blake complements this by noting the differences in their live performances: "Bob Dylan, he's playing... for 1500 people. And Billy Joel plays Madison Square Garden and football stadiums across the country." (07:33). He interprets this as Bob focusing on personal musical expression, while Billy aims to engage and entertain larger audiences, influencing the distinct sounds and arrangements of their records.

Live Performance Styles and Musical Impact

The hosts explore how live performance preferences reflect each artist's creative output. Blake mentions Billy Joel's recent step back from the stage, expressing well-wishes: "Billy has recently stepped away from the stage... may he get better as soon as possible." (07:33). He contrasts this with Dylan’s intimate yet expansive concert settings, suggesting that Joel's preference for grand venues necessitates a different musical approach—one that prioritizes audience engagement and larger-scale arrangements.

Conclusions on Billy Joel's Artistic Identity

In wrapping up their discussion, Alex and Blake acknowledge the complexity of understanding Billy Joel as an artist. Blake admits, "I was just gonna say... I don't have a good sense for who it is behind the piano." (02:33), indicating that Joel maintains a level of personal privacy that makes it challenging to fully grasp his motivations and perspectives.

Despite these uncertainties, both hosts agree on Joel's significant place in the pop music canon. They recognize his ability to craft songs that resonate with broad audiences while subtly commenting on cultural and musical trends. Joel's balance between personal expression and audience appeal positions him as a versatile and enduring figure in the music industry.

Notable Quotes

• Alex (00:00): "All you want to do is dance is like, yeah, this is low middle brow. Like, I don't think this. I really know what this song's about."

• Blake (00:16): "He's talking about character a little bit. He's doing... the character and music."

• Alex (01:22): "What's that line here about the timing tomatoes being you wish tomatoes were cheaper?"

• Blake (01:32): "The subject of this song is someone who's just sorta... maybe a little hopelessly nostalgic..."

• Blake (05:15): "The song's always there, and I just... put it down on paper. Like, that is not... Billy Joel's songwriting process."

• Alex (07:33): "Bob Dylan, he's playing... for 1500 people. And Billy Joel plays Madison Square Garden and football stadiums across the country."

This episode of the Jokermen Podcast offers a thoughtful exploration of Billy Joel's "Turnstiles," intertwining lyrical analysis with broader discussions on songwriting and live performance dynamics. Through engaging dialogue, Alex and Blake provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of Joel's artistry and his place within the pop music landscape.