EP 076 – Behind The Nylon Curtain (with Brad Leigh & Larry Franke)
The Nylon Curtain turned 40 last September, and we can’t help but take one last look at it as we start the new year. Back in September, we did our album spotlight where we discussed the history and making of the album along with our track-by-track commentary. This time, we’re speaking with two […]
EP 072 – Billy Joel Live At Yankee Stadium (Unboxing + Track By Track Overview)
Filmed over two nights in June 1990, Live at Yankee Stadium was a hit on VHS and on cable TV upon its release later that year. But, it’s been overlooked in the decades after, with only a handful of songs available and a production style that quickly felt dated. But, that’s all changed […]
EP 068 – Album Retrospective: The Nylon Curtain
The Nylon Curtain wasn’t nearly as popular as Billy Joel’s albums just before and after this release. But, it still spawned a handful of hits, classics, and perennial fan favorites and concert staples. And today, it’s regarded by fans and critics as Billy’s most accomplished artistic statement. Released in 1982, The Nylon Curtain came […]
EP 054 – Album Retrospective: Piano Man
Billy Joel’s second solo album included his most iconic song. And the one that provided his breakthrough success and pointed the way for his post-West Coast work. But surrounding the title track and “Captain Jack” are the sounds of a songwriter still finding his way. Fortunately for us, that path is still pretty exciting. […]
EP 042 – Album Retrospective: The Bridge
Almost a decade after the breakout hit album The Stranger, the Billy Joel machine was showing some signs of wear. That strain was evident on his 1986 album The Bridge. After a string of multi-platinum, chart-topping, and award-winning records, Billy was worn out and wanted to be home with his family instead of back […]
EP 034 – Album Retrospective: 12 Gardens Live
Usually, a late-career live album is a victory lap, an excuse to tour, or at worst, an excuse to make some extra cash. For Billy Joel, however, it was a sign that he was back on the scene. Released on June 13, 2006, 12 Gardens Live is a two-disc set. It features performances from […]
EP 029 – Album Retrospective: River of Dreams
Billy Joel’s last album is a study in contrasts. It sounds like a new beginning, when it was really the end of an era. It alternated between gritty, angular rhythms and sweet, flowing melodies. It’s arguably one of his most divisive albums. Yet it earned him a handful of award nominations, a new generation of […]
EP 017 – Album Retrospective: Streetlife Serenade
1974 saw Billy Joel back in the studio mere months after 1973’s Piano Man. Billy wasn’t ready for a new album but pushed his way through to complete Streetlife Serenade which was released October 11, 1974 on Columbia Records. The album peaked at #35 on the album charts and featured the single “The Entertainer,” which […]
EP 008 – Album Retrospective: Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume I & II
1985 brings us Billy Joel’s first Greatest Hits release with Greatest Hits Volume I & II which covered songs from 1973’s Piano Man through the two new songs for 1985, “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” and “The Night Is Still Young.” Greatest Hits Volume I & II has gone on to be one of the […]
EP 007 – Live Album & Video Retrospective: Live At Shea Stadium
Michael & Jack revisit the historic 2008 Shea Stadium concerts from Flushing, New York in Queens. The Beatles performed the first concert at Shea and New York’s son, Billy Joel, appropriately closed out the stadium with the final two concerts before the Shea’s ultimate demolition. This viewing / listening companion goes song by song through […]
EP 003 – Album Retrospective: Cold Spring Harbor
Michael & Jack revisit Billy’s first album, from its pre-production demos, to the botched finished product under Artie Ripp’s Family Productions, Columbia’s 1983 remix and reissue, and everything in between.