Yeah billy Joels the best!

Vienna: I'm with you. Although, having seen both Billy and Bruce in concert, I have to admit that Bruce gives a more ... energetic performance. I'm not going to say the concert was better, because that would imply that Bruce could turn out a 'New York State of Mind', but he definitely puts a hundred and ten percent into everything he does. I do kind of wish I could have seen him in the eighties, but I was busy not being alive then.

But, see, I've noticed that Bruce and Billy write generally about the same sort of thing, at least occasionally. That's some sort of contention between the two, I guess? But the two are supposedly fans of each other's work, so.... Argh. Riven confused.

Riven, what you said about not seeing Springsteen in the '80s because you were busy not being alive during that time... struck a chord with me. I went through much the same for a good part of the '90s.

I saw Springsteen perform at an Amnesty International concert in Montreal back in the mid- to late-eighties, I think it was 1986 or '87, and I found (and I still find) that he yells more than he sings. I think he sang more when he first started out... Still, I like a lot of his stuff and he's a wonderful songwriter.

I saw Joel perform in the late '70s and he was phenomenal, definitely one of my favourite artists.

headphonegirl, I think you're right about the critics liking Springsteen more than Joel. From what I've heard and read, they've always had a bias against Joel. I also agree that it's difficult to compare the two. To me it would be like comparing Joel to Paul Simon, who is also one of my favourites. Their styles are so different, why compare? I just go along for the musical ride and enjoy.

Monique: That's my dad's big complaint, really. He's not a Bruce fan either - he likes 'Glory Days' and that's about it. And whenever a slow song comes up, he skips it immediately because "Bruce can't do ballads". I agree, they are relatively different styles of music - Bruce is much more arena rock than Billy has ever been - but I think mostly the critics compare them for other reasons. Like I said, they do sort of write about the same thing (Bruce, we all know, is the working man's hero, and Billy has several songs that deal with the same sort of thing). But I think it might also have to do with their both coming from America, being top-shelf artists who sing about Americana and all that. According to the critics, I guess Billy just falls short in that field. (It's become a running joke in our household. "Oh look, Rolling Stone left Billy out of another list!")

Brookylyngirl: ...well, you've become the first person I've ever met who has even heard of Frankie Valli. Congratulations! As far as I'm concerned, Bruce is the best thing that New Jersey has turned out at least as far as music is concerned, but I'm not too ashamed to admit that I try to hit a falsetto in 'Sherry'. (Point of interest: I do not, and never have, had a falsetto. Neither does anyone in my family, but we sing along anyway.) Granted, I've never heard Bon Jovi, although I have read some good things about them. Maybe I should spend a little time on YouTube.

..Bit late to add to this really but I wanted to stick my two penneth in ( oldey worldey uk speak ). Seen Bruce I think 3 times in the 80's plus maybe 3 in the 90's/00's -spent many a ridiculous time singing along with our sleeves rolled up and towels on our heads in homage ( maybe that was just my odd family tradition ). His live shows were just superb. Seen BJ too many times to remember ( in the US and UK ) and he remains my personal favourite ( it's all subjective so no right/wrong answer to who is better..)
Here's the thing:
Have you heard Bruce interviewed at length ? If you did. did you stay awake to the end ? Bless him he ain't no talker he's a performer.
BJ on the other hand is such an interesting and engaging speaker who always has a twinkle in his eye followed by a seering observation - just fantastic to listen to and this comes across in the variety and depth of his work.
Anyway that's wot I think - not had chance to log in for months - was interesting to read some of the posts!

Now, I'll disapear off again in to the swine flued, credit crunched, kid swamped depths of my liille ol UK home..
I will be back..
xxx

Far and away my two favorite performers. Have seen both over thirty times and saw them together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show. Bruce puts more into his shows now but musically I feel they are on an even plane and above all others.