Songs in the Attic [Enhanced] [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com essential recording
After the megasuccess of The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses, Billy Joel decided to draw attention to his often underheard early catalog by re-recording a number of titles on the road. The result was Songs in the Attic, which entertainingly offered a wide variety of tunes, from the melodrama of "Captain Jack" and "Miami 2017" to the tender "She's Got a Way." The latter became something of a standard, seeming to confirm the impulse behind this album. --Rickey Wright

Songs in the Attic,Billy Joel,Sony,Album Rock,Pop,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Soft Rock

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Songs in the Attic [Enhanced] [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: Billy Joel shines a light into his past A deserving mixture of early Billy Joel songs performed live Stunning live set upstages early recordings Flawless You're My Home

Songs in the Attic Billy Joel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Vocal Pop | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Rock General | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Rock General | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Turnstiles [Enhanced Version] The Nylon Curtain Streetlife Serenade 52nd Street Glass Houses ASIN: B00000DCHE Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
2. Summer, Highland Falls
3. Streetlife Serenader
4. Los Angelenos
5. She's Got A Way
6. Everybody Loves You Now
7. Say Goodbye To Hollywood
8. Captain Jack
9. You're My Home
10. The Ballad Of Billy The Kid
11. I've Loved These Days

Amazon.com essential recording

After the megasuccess of The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses, Billy Joel decided to draw attention to his often underheard early catalog by re-recording a number of titles on the road. The result was Songs in the Attic, which entertainingly offered a wide variety of tunes, from the melodrama of "Captain Jack" and "Miami 2017" to the tender "She's Got a Way." The latter became something of a standard, seeming to confirm the impulse behind this album. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Billy Joel shines a light into his past.......2007-06-06

After the huge success of "Glass Houses," "52nd Street" and "The Stranger," many of Billy Joel's early fans were crying 'sell-out.' From the popular success of "Just The Way You Are" to the modern rock of "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," fans that had come up through those early piano-troubadour albums felt Joel had forgotten his roots. Joel even somewhat conceded the point when he released "Songs From The Attic."

"Our intention here is to provide a selective sampling of the earlier stuff, played the right way - with honest road muscle," Joel writes in "Songs From The Attic's" liner notes. He gets that point across right off the top as "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway)" roars forth like the stadium rocker it was always meant to be, with far more punch than its studio version. This is one of the rare live CD's that improves on its originals. The songs from the first four albums are also Joel's picks (hence no "Piano Man," but two songs from "Cold Spring Harbor"), and this way they come off as fresh for those who had only discovered Joel around the time of "52'nd Street."

Even so, there are fan favorites here. "Captain Jack" and "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" both appear, and the hit single of "She's Got A Way" came from this album. Joel was at a crossroads here. After the mega-success of "Glass Houses," he began a string of experiments that - while yielding hits - became more experimental and off the beaten path. (His next album would be the Beatlesque song-cycle "The Nylon Curtain.") Closing "Songs From The Attic" with the prematurely nostalgic "I've Loved These Days" is more than a touch ironic. This wonderful touchstone was Billy Joel both celebrating the youth of his musical career and closing the door before maturing in his pursuits. That the songs hold their vitality some 35 years later ("Cold Spring Harbor" first appeared in 1971) is testimony to the quality of Joel's songs.

A deserving mixture of early Billy Joel songs performed live .......2007-04-04

THE BAND: Billy Joel (piano, vocals, harmonica), Russel Javors (guitars), David Brown (guitars), Ritchie Cannata (sax, flute, organ), Doug Stegmeyer (bass), Liberty DeVito (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1981) 11 tracks clocking in at approximately 48 minutes. Included with the disc is a 5-page foldout containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, assorted family photos of Joel'S childhood, brief notes from producer Phil Ramone & Billy Joel, what songs came from which albums and where these live recordings took place. All songs recorded on tour during 1980; all music & lyrics written by Billy Joel. Digitally remastered in 1998. Label - Columbia / Sony.

ALBUM REPRESENTATION: Cold Spring Harbor (2 songs), Piano Man (3), Streetlife Serenader (2), Turnstiles (4). Songs recorded in various cities: Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, St. Paul, Milwaukee.

COMMENTS: I wore this vinyl LP out in decades ago, mainly due to the opening songs "Miami 2017" and "Los Angelenos". For Billy Joel, I thought these two particular songs rocked pretty well. And, they sounded so much better than the studio version from "Turnstiles" and "Streetlife Serenader" respectively. For that matter, ALL the tracks here on "Songs From The Attic" come alive... much more so than their studio recordings. In the same likeness to some of Peter Frampton's early studio material... the 'live' stuff simply sounded jumped out at the listener. The sole purpose of this album was to re-introduce some of Joel's earlier material to the folks that got into Billy Joel after his multi-platinum award winning "The Stranger" came out. Recordings ranged from the packed thousands at Madison Square Garden, to several small intimate performances containing only a few hundred fans. The remastered sound is crisp and the songs still sound fresh decades later. The name "Billy Joel" will always steal the headlines, but his band of unknowns (to most of us listeners) need to be recognized. From the Piano Man's incredible piano playing, the sax on "Say Goodbye To Hollywood", the guitars (especially the cool solo on "Streetlife Serenader"), and the solid drums (highlights are "Miami 2017" and "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid") - a very tight and accomplished band. This is a must have for Billy Joel fans (4.5 stars).

Stunning live set upstages early recordings.......2006-09-10

Truly great live albums are as rare as hen's teeth when scrutinised closely, but this 1981 live recording from Billy Joel could very well be the greatest of them all.

Why? Well, the hardest task in producing a live album is to give it a character of it's own, unique from the albums from which it's songs are derived. It's a great challenge for a live album to hold it's own in the face of better production in the studio, and to give it 'authenticity' when so many of the live elements are doctored with later production. 'Songs in the Attic' packs a punch that it's studio sources cannot match. The reasons for this are owing to four elements:

i) Joel and Producer Phil Ramone went for Joel's 'undiscovered' tracks - the songs that predated BJ's ascendency to fame with the massive success of 'The Stranger' in 1977. By eschewing the last 5 years of hits, the 'Songs in the Attic' album captured fresh and definitive versions of reasonably unheard tracks. Most importantly, these were genuinely great compositions that deserved to be reassessed in the wake of Joel's newfound fame.

ii) These were the first versions of these songs to feature Joel's live band. Ramone knew that Joel's band had the character and passion to belt out better versions of these tracks than the more insipid original studio recordings. It's a rare claim, but I can say without any concessions that these are perfect live performances from the musicians; particularly by De Vito's pounding, atmospheric drumming and Richie Cannata's brilliant multi-instrumental work. There are no better versions of any of these songs on any other live or studio album. 'Captain Jack', 'Miami 2017' and 'I've loved these days' send chills up your spine, and there is NO filler on this record.

iii) So often futzed on live albums, Ramone's production work and mixing here is astonishingly perfect. He wouldn't have done better in a studio. In fact, Ramone's taste for an overly-clean studio sound was nicely tempered by the grit of the live environment. Unwittingly, it might have actually added a dimension to his production style. The decision to capture some tracks in a stadium setting and others in an intimate club works superbly as a production motif.

iv) Billy Joel is caught here at the absolute peak of his powers, both as a singer and instrumentalist. He's completely 'in touch' with the meaning of these songs and the passion is so overt, it can't help but grab you. Anyone intrigued by what has driven Joel's illustrious career should start with this album. It's where he tells all of his old secrets.

This album is so utterly unique it almost deserves to be compared more with his studio output than his other live albums. There are no hits here (excepting perhaps 'Say Goodbye to Hollywood') but every track is magnificent. If you want a live version of his hits, go for the fantastic new release '12 Gardens' (2006). Whilst being a terrific showcase for Joel's hits, it's not quite the equal of the transcendent, perfect live experience of 1981's 'Songs in the Attic' which is unlikely to be equalled by any artist soon.

Flawless.......2006-07-20

I'm not kidding. I think this is probably the best live CD I own. I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought this, and did so on somewhat of a whim. The entire CD is incredible, not a weak track on there. The sound quality is astounding, the shows were recorded so well you often forget you are listening to a live performance (and the remastering sounds good too). But really its Billy and the band that make the album what it is, and this disc contains versions of Billy's songs that have never sounded better. Yes, I would say all the songs on this CD are far superior to their original album versions (which were excellent to begin with), especially tracks like Ballad Of Billy The Kid and Miami 2017. Do yourself a favor and get this CD, its only 9.99 and you won't be disappointed. Oh and listen to it LOUD. On a good system. Then pick your jaw up off the floor.

You're My Home.......2006-03-15

We bought the CD because You're My Home is our wedding song, but there are so many great songs that you don't hear on the radio on this disc. For my money, it's the best Billy Joel disc for true fans of the man, not the fans who just love the hits.

Average customer rating: Billy Joel shines a light into his past A deserving mixture of early Billy Joel songs performed live Stunning live set upstages early recordings Flawless You're My Home

Songs in the Attic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Turnstiles [Enhanced Version] The Nylon Curtain Streetlife Serenade 52nd Street Glass Houses ASIN: B0000025NU

Amazon.com essential recording

After the megasuccess of The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses, Billy Joel decided to draw attention to his often underheard early catalog by re-recording a number of titles on the road. The result was Songs in the Attic, which entertainingly offered a wide variety of tunes, from the melodrama of "Captain Jack" and "Miami 2017" to the tender "She's Got a Way." The latter became something of a standard, seeming to confirm the impulse behind this album. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Billy Joel shines a light into his past.......2007-06-06

After the huge success of "Glass Houses," "52nd Street" and "The Stranger," many of Billy Joel's early fans were crying 'sell-out.' From the popular success of "Just The Way You Are" to the modern rock of "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," fans that had come up through those early piano-troubadour albums felt Joel had forgotten his roots. Joel even somewhat conceded the point when he released "Songs From The Attic."

"Our intention here is to provide a selective sampling of the earlier stuff, played the right way - with honest road muscle," Joel writes in "Songs From The Attic's" liner notes. He gets that point across right off the top as "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway)" roars forth like the stadium rocker it was always meant to be, with far more punch than its studio version. This is one of the rare live CD's that improves on its originals. The songs from the first four albums are also Joel's picks (hence no "Piano Man," but two songs from "Cold Spring Harbor"), and this way they come off as fresh for those who had only discovered Joel around the time of "52'nd Street."

Even so, there are fan favorites here. "Captain Jack" and "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" both appear, and the hit single of "She's Got A Way" came from this album. Joel was at a crossroads here. After the mega-success of "Glass Houses," he began a string of experiments that - while yielding hits - became more experimental and off the beaten path. (His next album would be the Beatlesque song-cycle "The Nylon Curtain.") Closing "Songs From The Attic" with the prematurely nostalgic "I've Loved These Days" is more than a touch ironic. This wonderful touchstone was Billy Joel both celebrating the youth of his musical career and closing the door before maturing in his pursuits. That the songs hold their vitality some 35 years later ("Cold Spring Harbor" first appeared in 1971) is testimony to the quality of Joel's songs.

A deserving mixture of early Billy Joel songs performed live .......2007-04-04

THE BAND: Billy Joel (piano, vocals, harmonica), Russel Javors (guitars), David Brown (guitars), Ritchie Cannata (sax, flute, organ), Doug Stegmeyer (bass), Liberty DeVito (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1981) 11 tracks clocking in at approximately 48 minutes. Included with the disc is a 5-page foldout containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, assorted family photos of Joel'S childhood, brief notes from producer Phil Ramone & Billy Joel, what songs came from which albums and where these live recordings took place. All songs recorded on tour during 1980; all music & lyrics written by Billy Joel. Digitally remastered in 1998. Label - Columbia / Sony.

ALBUM REPRESENTATION: Cold Spring Harbor (2 songs), Piano Man (3), Streetlife Serenader (2), Turnstiles (4). Songs recorded in various cities: Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, St. Paul, Milwaukee.

COMMENTS: I wore this vinyl LP out in decades ago, mainly due to the opening songs "Miami 2017" and "Los Angelenos". For Billy Joel, I thought these two particular songs rocked pretty well. And, they sounded so much better than the studio version from "Turnstiles" and "Streetlife Serenader" respectively. For that matter, ALL the tracks here on "Songs From The Attic" come alive... much more so than their studio recordings. In the same likeness to some of Peter Frampton's early studio material... the 'live' stuff simply sounded jumped out at the listener. The sole purpose of this album was to re-introduce some of Joel's earlier material to the folks that got into Billy Joel after his multi-platinum award winning "The Stranger" came out. Recordings ranged from the packed thousands at Madison Square Garden, to several small intimate performances containing only a few hundred fans. The remastered sound is crisp and the songs still sound fresh decades later. The name "Billy Joel" will always steal the headlines, but his band of unknowns (to most of us listeners) need to be recognized. From the Piano Man's incredible piano playing, the sax on "Say Goodbye To Hollywood", the guitars (especially the cool solo on "Streetlife Serenader"), and the solid drums (highlights are "Miami 2017" and "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid") - a very tight and accomplished band. This is a must have for Billy Joel fans (4.5 stars).

Stunning live set upstages early recordings.......2006-09-10

Truly great live albums are as rare as hen's teeth when scrutinised closely, but this 1981 live recording from Billy Joel could very well be the greatest of them all.

Why? Well, the hardest task in producing a live album is to give it a character of it's own, unique from the albums from which it's songs are derived. It's a great challenge for a live album to hold it's own in the face of better production in the studio, and to give it 'authenticity' when so many of the live elements are doctored with later production. 'Songs in the Attic' packs a punch that it's studio sources cannot match. The reasons for this are owing to four elements:

i) Joel and Producer Phil Ramone went for Joel's 'undiscovered' tracks - the songs that predated BJ's ascendency to fame with the massive success of 'The Stranger' in 1977. By eschewing the last 5 years of hits, the 'Songs in the Attic' album captured fresh and definitive versions of reasonably unheard tracks. Most importantly, these were genuinely great compositions that deserved to be reassessed in the wake of Joel's newfound fame.

ii) These were the first versions of these songs to feature Joel's live band. Ramone knew that Joel's band had the character and passion to belt out better versions of these tracks than the more insipid original studio recordings. It's a rare claim, but I can say without any concessions that these are perfect live performances from the musicians; particularly by De Vito's pounding, atmospheric drumming and Richie Cannata's brilliant multi-instrumental work. There are no better versions of any of these songs on any other live or studio album. 'Captain Jack', 'Miami 2017' and 'I've loved these days' send chills up your spine, and there is NO filler on this record.

iii) So often futzed on live albums, Ramone's production work and mixing here is astonishingly perfect. He wouldn't have done better in a studio. In fact, Ramone's taste for an overly-clean studio sound was nicely tempered by the grit of the live environment. Unwittingly, it might have actually added a dimension to his production style. The decision to capture some tracks in a stadium setting and others in an intimate club works superbly as a production motif.

iv) Billy Joel is caught here at the absolute peak of his powers, both as a singer and instrumentalist. He's completely 'in touch' with the meaning of these songs and the passion is so overt, it can't help but grab you. Anyone intrigued by what has driven Joel's illustrious career should start with this album. It's where he tells all of his old secrets.

This album is so utterly unique it almost deserves to be compared more with his studio output than his other live albums. There are no hits here (excepting perhaps 'Say Goodbye to Hollywood') but every track is magnificent. If you want a live version of his hits, go for the fantastic new release '12 Gardens' (2006). Whilst being a terrific showcase for Joel's hits, it's not quite the equal of the transcendent, perfect live experience of 1981's 'Songs in the Attic' which is unlikely to be equalled by any artist soon.

Flawless.......2006-07-20

I'm not kidding. I think this is probably the best live CD I own. I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought this, and did so on somewhat of a whim. The entire CD is incredible, not a weak track on there. The sound quality is astounding, the shows were recorded so well you often forget you are listening to a live performance (and the remastering sounds good too). But really its Billy and the band that make the album what it is, and this disc contains versions of Billy's songs that have never sounded better. Yes, I would say all the songs on this CD are far superior to their original album versions (which were excellent to begin with), especially tracks like Ballad Of Billy The Kid and Miami 2017. Do yourself a favor and get this CD, its only 9.99 and you won't be disappointed. Oh and listen to it LOUD. On a good system. Then pick your jaw up off the floor.

You're My Home.......2006-03-15

We bought the CD because You're My Home is our wedding song, but there are so many great songs that you don't hear on the radio on this disc. For my money, it's the best Billy Joel disc for true fans of the man, not the fans who just love the hits.

Average customer rating: Billy Joel shines a light into his past A deserving mixture of early Billy Joel songs performed live Stunning live set upstages early recordings Flawless You're My Home

Songs in the Attic Billy Joel Manufacturer: Sony/Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Vocal Pop | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Turnstiles [Enhanced Version] The Nylon Curtain Streetlife Serenade 52nd Street Glass Houses ASIN: B00002467G Release Date: 1999-01-04

Tracks:

1. Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
2. Summer, Highland Falls
3. Streetlife Serenader
4. Angelenos
5. She's Got a Way
6. Everybody Loves You Now
7. Say Goodbye to Hollywood
8. Captain Jack
9. You're My Home
10. Ballad of Billy the Kid
11. I've Loved These Days

Amazon.com essential recording

After the megasuccess of The Stranger, 52nd Street, and Glass Houses, Billy Joel decided to draw attention to his often underheard early catalog by re-recording a number of titles on the road. The result was Songs in the Attic, which entertainingly offered a wide variety of tunes, from the melodrama of "Captain Jack" and "Miami 2017" to the tender "She's Got a Way." The latter became something of a standard, seeming to confirm the impulse behind this album. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Billy Joel shines a light into his past.......2007-06-06

After the huge success of "Glass Houses," "52nd Street" and "The Stranger," many of Billy Joel's early fans were crying 'sell-out.' From the popular success of "Just The Way You Are" to the modern rock of "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," fans that had come up through those early piano-troubadour albums felt Joel had forgotten his roots. Joel even somewhat conceded the point when he released "Songs From The Attic."

"Our intention here is to provide a selective sampling of the earlier stuff, played the right way - with honest road muscle," Joel writes in "Songs From The Attic's" liner notes. He gets that point across right off the top as "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway)" roars forth like the stadium rocker it was always meant to be, with far more punch than its studio version. This is one of the rare live CD's that improves on its originals. The songs from the first four albums are also Joel's picks (hence no "Piano Man," but two songs from "Cold Spring Harbor"), and this way they come off as fresh for those who had only discovered Joel around the time of "52'nd Street."

Even so, there are fan favorites here. "Captain Jack" and "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid" both appear, and the hit single of "She's Got A Way" came from this album. Joel was at a crossroads here. After the mega-success of "Glass Houses," he began a string of experiments that - while yielding hits - became more experimental and off the beaten path. (His next album would be the Beatlesque song-cycle "The Nylon Curtain.") Closing "Songs From The Attic" with the prematurely nostalgic "I've Loved These Days" is more than a touch ironic. This wonderful touchstone was Billy Joel both celebrating the youth of his musical career and closing the door before maturing in his pursuits. That the songs hold their vitality some 35 years later ("Cold Spring Harbor" first appeared in 1971) is testimony to the quality of Joel's songs.

A deserving mixture of early Billy Joel songs performed live .......2007-04-04

THE BAND: Billy Joel (piano, vocals, harmonica), Russel Javors (guitars), David Brown (guitars), Ritchie Cannata (sax, flute, organ), Doug Stegmeyer (bass), Liberty DeVito (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1981) 11 tracks clocking in at approximately 48 minutes. Included with the disc is a 5-page foldout containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, assorted family photos of Joel'S childhood, brief notes from producer Phil Ramone & Billy Joel, what songs came from which albums and where these live recordings took place. All songs recorded on tour during 1980; all music & lyrics written by Billy Joel. Digitally remastered in 1998. Label - Columbia / Sony.

ALBUM REPRESENTATION: Cold Spring Harbor (2 songs), Piano Man (3), Streetlife Serenader (2), Turnstiles (4). Songs recorded in various cities: Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, St. Paul, Milwaukee.

COMMENTS: I wore this vinyl LP out in decades ago, mainly due to the opening songs "Miami 2017" and "Los Angelenos". For Billy Joel, I thought these two particular songs rocked pretty well. And, they sounded so much better than the studio version from "Turnstiles" and "Streetlife Serenader" respectively. For that matter, ALL the tracks here on "Songs From The Attic" come alive... much more so than their studio recordings. In the same likeness to some of Peter Frampton's early studio material... the 'live' stuff simply sounded jumped out at the listener. The sole purpose of this album was to re-introduce some of Joel's earlier material to the folks that got into Billy Joel after his multi-platinum award winning "The Stranger" came out. Recordings ranged from the packed thousands at Madison Square Garden, to several small intimate performances containing only a few hundred fans. The remastered sound is crisp and the songs still sound fresh decades later. The name "Billy Joel" will always steal the headlines, but his band of unknowns (to most of us listeners) need to be recognized. From the Piano Man's incredible piano playing, the sax on "Say Goodbye To Hollywood", the guitars (especially the cool solo on "Streetlife Serenader"), and the solid drums (highlights are "Miami 2017" and "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid") - a very tight and accomplished band. This is a must have for Billy Joel fans (4.5 stars).

Stunning live set upstages early recordings.......2006-09-10

Truly great live albums are as rare as hen's teeth when scrutinised closely, but this 1981 live recording from Billy Joel could very well be the greatest of them all.

Why? Well, the hardest task in producing a live album is to give it a character of it's own, unique from the albums from which it's songs are derived. It's a great challenge for a live album to hold it's own in the face of better production in the studio, and to give it 'authenticity' when so many of the live elements are doctored with later production. 'Songs in the Attic' packs a punch that it's studio sources cannot match. The reasons for this are owing to four elements:

i) Joel and Producer Phil Ramone went for Joel's 'undiscovered' tracks - the songs that predated BJ's ascendency to fame with the massive success of 'The Stranger' in 1977. By eschewing the last 5 years of hits, the 'Songs in the Attic' album captured fresh and definitive versions of reasonably unheard tracks. Most importantly, these were genuinely great compositions that deserved to be reassessed in the wake of Joel's newfound fame.

ii) These were the first versions of these songs to feature Joel's live band. Ramone knew that Joel's band had the character and passion to belt out better versions of these tracks than the more insipid original studio recordings. It's a rare claim, but I can say without any concessions that these are perfect live performances from the musicians; particularly by De Vito's pounding, atmospheric drumming and Richie Cannata's brilliant multi-instrumental work. There are no better versions of any of these songs on any other live or studio album. 'Captain Jack', 'Miami 2017' and 'I've loved these days' send chills up your spine, and there is NO filler on this record.

iii) So often futzed on live albums, Ramone's production work and mixing here is astonishingly perfect. He wouldn't have done better in a studio. In fact, Ramone's taste for an overly-clean studio sound was nicely tempered by the grit of the live environment. Unwittingly, it might have actually added a dimension to his production style. The decision to capture some tracks in a stadium setting and others in an intimate club works superbly as a production motif.

iv) Billy Joel is caught here at the absolute peak of his powers, both as a singer and instrumentalist. He's completely 'in touch' with the meaning of these songs and the passion is so overt, it can't help but grab you. Anyone intrigued by what has driven Joel's illustrious career should start with this album. It's where he tells all of his old secrets.

This album is so utterly unique it almost deserves to be compared more with his studio output than his other live albums. There are no hits here (excepting perhaps 'Say Goodbye to Hollywood') but every track is magnificent. If you want a live version of his hits, go for the fantastic new release '12 Gardens' (2006). Whilst being a terrific showcase for Joel's hits, it's not quite the equal of the transcendent, perfect live experience of 1981's 'Songs in the Attic' which is unlikely to be equalled by any artist soon.

Flawless.......2006-07-20

I'm not kidding. I think this is probably the best live CD I own. I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought this, and did so on somewhat of a whim. The entire CD is incredible, not a weak track on there. The sound quality is astounding, the shows were recorded so well you often forget you are listening to a live performance (and the remastering sounds good too). But really its Billy and the band that make the album what it is, and this disc contains versions of Billy's songs that have never sounded better. Yes, I would say all the songs on this CD are far superior to their original album versions (which were excellent to begin with), especially tracks like Ballad Of Billy The Kid and Miami 2017. Do yourself a favor and get this CD, its only 9.99 and you won't be disappointed. Oh and listen to it LOUD. On a good system. Then pick your jaw up off the floor.

You're My Home.......2006-03-15

We bought the CD because You're My Home is our wedding song, but there are so many great songs that you don't hear on the radio on this disc. For my money, it's the best Billy Joel disc for true fans of the man, not the fans who just love the hits.

Average customer rating: A Stellar Indie Group That's the way the guitars should sound wow. this is the one. Could be their strongest album yet

Ship in the Attic, Birds in the Subway Red Thread Manufacturer: Badman ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tension Pins After the Last ASIN: B000AA7GUC Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

1. Long Arm
2. Wax Museum
3. A Distance
4. Treasure Island
5. Kindling Forts
6. Ship In The Attic
7. Sleepwalker
8. In Return
9. Birds In The Subway
10. Constant Fires
11. Owl Painting

Customer Reviews:

A Stellar Indie Group.......2006-04-24

The guitar blows you away, great rhythm great sound. Saw them live last night and ACTUALLY paid the $10 for the album (usually CD is given away free). This is just really innovative, chill music that you can't go wrong with. Check it out and tell me otherwise.

That's the way the guitars should sound.......2006-01-07

Great cd. The sound of the guitars is exactly as it should be. The vocals are also very good. The songs are really touching. Slightly reminds "Red house painters".
Don't miss this one.

wow. this is the one........2005-09-04

I loved their last couple cds, but this one is the one. The Red Thread really seem to have hit their groove on this one. Every song is meticulously crafted, but none sound alike. They have a sound of their own but incorporate so many influences. A must have.

Could be their strongest album yet.......2005-09-01

This album has it's own sound. Some might say that it shares a musical space alongside artists like The Sadies, Calexico (but more upbeat) and the Pernice Brothers. Jason Lakis' vocals pull you right in and at times are reminiscent of Evan Dando. There is a good balance between up tempo -almost pop tunes, and the deeper dimensions of a slower introsepective.

This album could be the strongest of their three, with winners like "Wax Museum,"
"Ship in the Attic" and "Treasure Island."

Average customer rating:

Songs in the Attic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000EGCZTE Release Date: 2006-04-25

Average customer rating:

Opening Guy-Live at Eddies Attic Manufacturer: Authentic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAELEO Release Date: 2003-03-18

Average customer rating:

Songs in the Attic Billy Joel Manufacturer: Sony Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music Vocal Pop | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0002ZEZBI Release Date: 2004-11-15

Tracks:

1. Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
2. Summer, Highland Falls
3. Streetlife Serenader
4. Angelenos
5. She's Got a Way
6. Everybody Loves You Now
7. Say Goodbye to Hollywood
8. Captain Jack
9. You're My Home
10. Ballad of Billy the Kid
11. I've Loved These Days

Album Description

Japanese remastered reissue of 1981 live album packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. CBS. 2004.

Album Details

Special Japanese Limited Edition in an LP Sleeve Replica with the Original Artwork.

Average customer rating:

In the Attic Manufacturer: Turtle Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAK594 Release Date: 2004-07-06

Average customer rating: A great collection of traditional songs!!

A Swingin' Christmas in the Attic Michelle Malone Manufacturer: Strange Bird Songs ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B00003G1JQ Release Date: 1998-12-01

Tracks:

1. Santa's Coming to Town
2. Santa Baby
3. Please Come Home for Christmas
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas
5. Twas the Night Before Christmas
6. Here Comes Santa Claus
7. Christmas Song
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
9. Let It Snow
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Customer Reviews:

A great collection of traditional songs!!.......2002-12-24

I've listened to Michelle Malone for about 10 years and have always loved her voice. I had meant to pick this up a couple years ago, and finally got it. It's now my favorite Christmas CD, bar none! She has a great vocal range that is nicely shown here. The band (piano, bass and drums) do a great job. This is a live recording from 1992, as some of the comments between and during the songs reflects.

My favorites are "Santa Baby", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas". The reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" does have some commentary and political notes added. In all, a great live recording and a very nice collection of traditional songs.

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