Just in time for the holidays Columbia Records has released Billy Joel “The Vinyl Collection: Vol. 1.”
Finally vinyl enthusiasts can enjoy the Piano Man’s classic albums from the 70’s on 180 gram vinyl. All 6 of Joel’s albums from 1971 through 1978 are included starting with his much sought after debut album “Cold Spring Harbor.” This album has never sounded better and as an added bonus LP cover features the original “uncropped” album photo. “Cold Spring Harbor” includes the original studio version of the now classic track “She’s Got A Way” plus fan favorite “Everybody Loves You Now.”
Next up is Joel’s first multiplatinum masterpiece “Piano Man.” From the title track to “Captain Jack” and “The Ballad Of Billy The Kid” this album is perfect from top to bottom. The under appreciated gems “Streetlife Serenade” and “Turnstiles” are next and if you are unfamiliar then now is the perfect time to enjoy these stellar recordings. Both albums are filled with FM staples such as “The Entertainer” and “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” plus concert favorites “Prelude/Angry Young Man” and “Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway).
The years 1977 and 1978 are represented with Billy’s multiplatinum smashes “The Stranger” and “52nd Street” which are both a must for all music collections. The mastering on these two long players is impeccable and you will be cranking these up and singing along to every hit like “Movie’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” “Big Shot” and “My Life.”
The box set finishes up with 1981’s “Songs In The Attic” which features only LIVE tracks from the 70’s era plus as a bonus Columbia has thrown in the never before released bonus LP: “LIVE From The Great American Music Hall, 1975.” This LP is not available digitally and can only be found in this fantastic box set.
That’s 8 titles spread across 9 vinyl LP’s plus the original artwork and perfect mastering. If you’ve never owned these albums before then what are you waiting for? If you have purchased in the past I can tell you that this set is worth the upgrade!
Pat Francis currently hosts the popular comedy/music podcast “Rock Solid,” called 1 of the 8 great music podcasts to put in your ears by USA Today and featuring artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Sammy Hagar and Susanna Hoffs. His frequent appearances on Jimmy Pardo’s top rated podcast “Never Not Funny” are fan favorites. Pat began his entertainment career as a stand-up comic in Chicago, IL. After touring the country and performing in 42 states at comedy clubs and colleges, he relocated to Los Angeles, CA. There he appeared as a comedian on Comedy Central, AMC, the UCB and is a yearly regular at the San Francisco Sketchfest. For the past 5 years he has also served as Co-Host of the yearly event Pardcast-A-Thon which to date has raised over 700,000 for Smile Train. When not entertaining people in person he also makes his living as a Story Producer for reality television programs. It is also important to know that Pat is a monkey in a human mask.