FACING JOEL’S MUSIC

It seems as though no matter how many devoted Billy Joel fans write in to defend the man and his music, it won’t eliminate the hatred Times critics have for his work.

Over the last few years, I’ve had the displeasure of reading nothing but snide remarks about him: his work being called “derivative”; Joel being termed a “pop chameleon” and The Times’ “favorite Ray Charles impersonator”; Steve Pond claiming whenever he goes into the studio, “he always acts as if he has something to prove”; someone even went out of their way to call “Maybe He’ll Know” (off Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors”) “on a par with Joel’s lesser nostalgic forays.”

Fellow Joel fans, we have to face the music. These critics enjoy infuriating us. It’s clear they will never connect to Billy’s poignantly accurate thoughts on life, his raw energy and his sense of humor.

CHRISTOPHER JOYCE

North Hollywood