Missed Masterpieces: Billy Joel | Buzz Blog
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Music / Culture

Missed Masterpieces: Billy Joel

Posted By on August 9, 2011, 10:07 AM

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If you think Billy Joel was/is a lightweight, you’re politely dismissed.--- He not only dominated the latter part of the '70s and '80s, but kicked serious ass live. I remember watching him through the binoculars as his fingers literally bled all over the keyboard.

In 1977, I heard the title cut of The Stranger played next to Frank Zappa on Utah’s Best Radio Station Ever – Stereo X.

Piano Man ('73) was where Billy made his initial strike with the title cut, and “Captain Jack,” but that wasn’t my favorite. “The Ballad of Billy the Kid,” especially played live with the drummer flying all over the stage, was mind-blowing.

Streetlife Serenade ('74) was solid and worth listening to, but nothing special. The next album, Turnstiles ('76), is a totally different matter; it had two great songs on it -- “New York State of Mind,” and “Prelude (Angry Young Man),” are great songs. 

There’s not much I can say about The Stranger ('77) that everyone doesn’t already know. It was so platinum I almost was blinded via the reflection.

There IS one thing I want to write about 52nd St. The best song off of that album, kids, is the totally obscure “Rosalinda’s Eyes.” Don’t you dare miss it.

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