... Here is an 'Ultimate Collection' - a sure sign that he is never going to make a decent record again.
WHERE IS THE PLEASURE? You cry, (playing along with me but generally bored.) Well there is lots of it. Before the Uptown Crime, and the album 'Innocent Man' - how ironic - he had released ... Read review
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exhaustive view of Billy Joel's video output to date. Rather frustratingly compiled with little or no reference to chronology, the collection is still a fine overview of this underrated, US songwriter. His material from the 1970s may be represented by some now-dated visuals (far too many moustaches and skinny ties) but still ranks as some of the best of his career. Be aware, however, that "Leave a Tender Moment Alone", "New York State of Mind" and the classic "Piano Man" are all live versions, with the latter especially replacing the subtlety of the original with a stadium-friendly, slow-motion rock treatment. All was to change in 1983 with the mildly annoying "Uptown Girl": the budgets got bigger as the records sold more, yet the frequent attempts to present the less-than photogenic Joel in a pop-star light are not that successful. Musically, however, he was still able to produce the goods, especially on the likes of "All About Soul", "The River of Dreams" and the infectious "Tell Her About It".And with "Allentown" and "Goodnight Saigon" he proved himself to be a chronicler of blue-collar America more than capable of matching the Springsteens and Mellancamps.On the DVD:Picture and sound quality is excellent, the latter available in PCM stereo or sumptuous Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Extras include an audio enhanced discography and a biographical timeline, enabling the viewer to pinpoint how Joel made the transition from the decidedly dodgy rock of the Hassles to the elegant AOR of later years.--Phil Udell
exhaustive view of Billy Joel's video output to date. Rather frustratingly compiled with little or no reference to chronology, the collection is still a fine overview of this underrated, US songwriter. His material from the 1970s may be represented by some now-dated visuals (far too many moustaches and skinny ties) but still ranks as some of the best of his career. Be aware, however, that "Leave a Tender Moment Alone", "New York State of Mind" and the classic "Piano Man" are all live versions, with the latter especially replacing the subtlety of the original with a stadium-friendly, slow-motion rock treatment. All was to change in 1983 with the mildly annoying "Uptown Girl": the budgets got bigger as the records sold more, yet the frequent attempts to present the less-than photogenic Joel in a pop-star light are not that successful. Musically, however, he was still able to produce the goods, especially on the likes of "All About Soul", "The River of Dreams" and the infectious "Tell Her About It".And with "Allentown" and "Goodnight Saigon" he proved himself to be a chronicler of blue-collar America more than capable of matching the Springsteens and Mellancamps.On the DVD:Picture and sound quality is excellent, the latter available in PCM stereo or sumptuous Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Extras include an audio enhanced discography and a biographical timeline, enabling the viewer to pinpoint how Joel made the transition from the decidedly dodgy rock of the Hassles to the elegant AOR of later years.--Phil Udell
Advantages: It has so much great early stuff. Disadvantages: It has so much poor recent guff.
It all went horribly wrong for Billy Joel when he released 'Uptown Girl' in the 80's. It brought him world fame, but ultimately world ridicule. Being covered by 'Westlife' is the final nail in the coffin. Billy Joel is dead. Here is an 'Ultimate Collection' - a sure sign that he is never going to make a decent record again.
WHERE IS THE PLEASURE? You cry, (playing along with me but generally bored.) Well there is lots of it. Before the Uptown Crime, ... ...had released some excellent stuff. This collection is testament to that.
The 70's were his era. Tracks such as 'My Life', 'Still Rock 'N' Roll To Me,' 'Just The Way You Are,' (Made famous by the love hippo himself, Barry White) are what Joel does best. He can also do cutting edge, paranoid, tormented genius epics like 'Goodnight Saigon' and 'Captain Jack' (It mentions masturbating and drugs, kids! Put that in your bong and smoke it, Eminem!) He ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Classics in one place Disadvantages: Expensive
I have never ben a fan of Billy Joel in any way- never seen him live, never bought an album but I was familiar with some of his work. This is because having a musucian in the family I was exposed to a lot of singer-songwriter stuff. Any way, this new collection of BJ songs is great. I always though of him as a normal type of guy with a talent for writing but this album is great. It has got all of his hits and more from the last 30 years. Classics ... ...Man - the hits just keep on coming - right thru to We didnt start the Fire a modern master piece. & if anyone has ever spent summer in New York I guarantee that this album will make you think of Manhattan on a summer's evening.
A classic collection suitable for anyone who appreciates quality songs ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: All his greatest songs on one Album Disadvantages: couldn't put more songs on.
It is an encouraging sign that this release is available as it will give many younger fans (like myself) who have only just heard the name Billy Joel through the recording of Uptown Girl the chance to see the genius that Billy undoubtedly is! The album is a good mix of Billy's catalogue with lesser known powerful numbers like Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway), Goodnight Saigon, An Innocent Man and The Downeaster "Alexa" alongside the ... ...The Fire, River Of Dreams, You're Only Human (Second Wind), Piano Man, Just The Way You Are, New York State Of Mind, Moving Out (Anthony's Song), Don't Ask Me Why and Allentown. It is a shame though that some of Billy's best tracks like Scenes From A Italian Restaurant, Big Shot, The Ballad Of Billy The Kid, Captain Jack and This Night are missed out but never the less the album is a fine example of his class and is worthy of any 5-star rating. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Label / Distributor: Sony TV / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Pieces in Set: 2
Studio / Live: Studio
Stereo: Stereo
Format: Performer
EAN: 5099749790827
Additional notes
Album Notes: The piano man himself, Billy Joel, presents THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION featuring all his fans' favorites like "New York State of Mind" and "The Longest Time."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Just The Way You Are
2.: My Life
3.: It's Still Rock 'n' Roll To Me
4.: Innocent Man
5.: Piano Man
6.: You're My Home
7.: Everybody Loves You Know
8.: Entertainer
9.: Streetlife Serenader
10.: New York State Of Mind
11.: Say Goodbye To Hollywood
12.: She's Got Away
13.: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
14.: She's Always A Woman
15.: Honestly
16.: You May Be Right
17.: Don't Ask Me Why
18.: Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
Titles on disc 2
1.: Uptown Girl
2.: Tell Her About It
3.: River Of Dreams
4.: Longest Time
5.: We Didn't Start The Fire
6.: Goodnight Saigon
7.: Allentown
8.: All For Leyna
9.: This Is The Time
10.: Leave A Tender Moment Alone
11.: Matter Of Trust
12.: Modern Woman
13.: Baby Grand
14.: I Go To Extremes
15.: Leningrad
16.: Down Easter Alexa
17.: You're Only Human (Second Wind)
18.: All About Soul (remix)
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Listed on Ciao since : 30/03/2001
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