I’m no big fan of Billy Joel (like a few of his songs very mildly) but this loathing of him is waaaay over the top. Yes, he’s a pop musician not Tolstoy. Rosenbaum tries to put so much weight on everything, when it’s all meant to be enjoyed more “lightly”.... yes sometimes Billy Joel has big pretensions in his lyrics but I just don’t take him so seriously, so he does not crush me with disappointment. He has some catchy tunes. I can’t understand putting so much time and attention into him if you (Rosenbaum) already know you loathe him.
... and I have never sensed all this “contempt” that some seem to find oozing forth from Billy Joel. Some sardonic amusements and mild social commentary, sure, but not of the searing contempt that Rosenbaum et al. get so offended by.....