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Billy Joel <\/a>explained why he thinks the Beatles<\/a>\u2019 White Album<\/a> is a poor album, while sharing his personal theory about the British band\u2019s history.<\/p>\n He revealed his thoughts on a recent edition of Bill Maher\u2019s Club Random<\/em> podcast (video below), during a conversation about the best and worst double albums in history.<\/p>\n Asked about the Beatles\u2019 self-titled ninth release from 1968 \u2013 their only double-length LP \u2013 Joel said: \u201cI\u2019m not a big fan of the White Album\u2026 I hear it as a collection of half-assed songs that they didn\u2019t finish writing, because they were too stoned or they didn\u2019t care anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> The White Album Song That Nearly Tore the Beatles Apart<\/a><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cI think John<\/a>\u00a0[Lennon] was kind of disassociated somewhat at that point. I think Paul<\/a>\u00a0[McCartney] was carrying the weight.\u201d He agreed with Maher\u2019s assertion that both songwriters were probably pursuing hit singles in an era before albums became the focus of record sales, with Maher pointing out that, towards the end of the band, McCartney\u2019s compositions were more successful on the 7-inch vinyl format.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a theory,\u201d Joel added. \u201cI think they almost broke up a couple of times. Just like a marriage. But it was never talked about \u2013 it had to look smoothed over for the 10 years that they were famous.\u201d<\/p>\n He reported that he could hear the results of his theorized disputes within the Beatles\u2019 output.<\/p>\n Joel also explained why he\u2019d refused the chance of working with Beatles producer George Martin<\/a> \u2013 even though he agreed that it would have helped him in his early career.<\/p>\n \u201cI loved the Beatles more than anybody\u2026 and he was the fifth Beatle,\u201d Joel said. \u201c\u2018Wait, you\u2019re not going to have George Martin produce you? Your big problem is production.\u2019 \u2026 \u2018I know, but he wants to not use my band, and that\u2019s part of my sound.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Elsewhere in the interview he hailed Cream<\/a>\u2019s Wheels of Fire<\/em> and Jimi Hendrix<\/a>\u2019s Axis: Bold As Love<\/em>, both of which Maher dismissed. They both agreed, however, with Maher\u2019s contention: \u201cYou cannot \u2013 and people try to do it all the time \u2013 tell a person, \u2018You should like this\u2019 \u2026 It either hits me or it doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Joel also admitted that he\u2019d attempted to emulate other artists while he was searching for his own sound, noting: \u201cI\u2019m not Zeppelin<\/a>\u2026 I tried to [be]; it was a complete disaster<\/a>!\u201d<\/p>\n Watch Billy Joel on Bill Maher\u2019s Club Random Podcast<\/strong><\/p>\n For a guy who hasn’t released an album in over three decades, the Piano Man sure loves touring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Mike Duquette<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy Billy Joel Refused to Work With George Martin<\/h3>\n
Billy Joel Live Albums Ranked<\/h2>\n