The Rare Exception

Elvis Presley, American Pie, Billy Joel, The Beatles (especially Paul McCartney’s death and have you read about John Lennon and #9?, Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd and the Wizard of OZ, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, U2, Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Eminem and yes, Britney Spears, Puff the Magic Dragon, The Eagles’ Hotel California, even the Barenaked Ladies are rare exceptions.  These are the greats, not just examples of the premier artists but musicians shrouded in mythology.  Here are the music industry’s greatest rumors, facts and fictions dating back to the 1920’s.

First up…

Which is the better band?

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American Pie Lyrics and Interpretation
Since 1994, The Rare Exception (previously, The Octopus’s Garden) has been the definitive source for the study of the Don McLean hit American Pie. As the first American Pie article published online, we’re able to give you the most comprehensive analysis of the song, complete lyrics, and even a few downloads.


Featured Album
No Beatles’ collection is complete without 1, their #1 hits. This album is a must for the new Beatles fan or the die-hard Beatle Click here to order. Or discover how The Beatles truly are a rare exception.



 We Didn’t Start the Fire
 Piano Rock star Billy Joel put together an interesting perspective of the history of the world  in the form of song. Our article has been referenced in University and school reports  throughout the world; here, we break down the lyrics.



Concert Dates & Tickets
Find live music and bands, concert dates and tour schedules, local live music, artist and band reviews, and tickets.  In a band of your own?  Promote it!


Music is the greatest form of communication. It possesses the information of language, the emotion of poetry, the creativity of art and the passion of love. - Paul L. O’Brien

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    Paul O'Brien is an online marketing executive in his spare time and authors the online marketing blog SEO'Brien. Founded in 1994 as The Octopus's Garden, this site, now known as the Rare Exception, is a reflection of Paul's passions in music and the web.
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