Root Beer Rag
Album: Streetlife Serenade (1974)
“Root Beer Rag” is one of two instrumentals that fill out Streetlife Serenade. It’s a breezy ragtime number that sounds like it could have been inspired by the ragtime piano soundtrack to The Sting, which featured the music of Scott Joplin. Based on the fact that “Root Beer Rag” had been a staple of Billy Joel’s live performances before this record was released I assume Billy Joel was familiar with Scott Joplin’s music before The Sting helped reintroduce ragtime to the movie going public.
On it’s own “Root Beer Rag” is fun little trifle that worked it’s way into my head after one listen. It speeds forward with the same energy as The Sting but in the end it’s as essential as The Sting II. It’s a little piece of musical junk food that comes and goes without saying anything special or new. As part of the larger Streetlife Serenade album it contributes to the overall slight feeling of the record.
The song also lent it’s name to the official Billy Joel fan club newsletter, “Root Beer Rags,” which was available by mail in the 70’s and 80’s. I have to admit that I was disappointed that I couldn’t find any scans of this newsletter online. If you have any hints on where I could find one I’d love to hear it.
