Billy Joel

Thanks to the hit title track, Billy Joel's breakthrough album remains a radio staple. Joel brought an old fashioned sense of Broadway flair to the sensitive singer-songwriter genre, and the album has aged very well. "The Ballad of Billy The Kid" remains one of his best numbers.

Billy Joel's music has suffered in comparison to better established acts. His group Hassles
were a Vanilla Fudge/Rascals spinoff, his work with Attila was bettered by Lee Michaels,
and his only semi-hit was a bit of pop schlock. Recent gigs at a piano bar on the seamy side
of L.A. have given him a new perspective and his Piano Man reflects a new seriousness and
musical flexibility. Its production is reminiscent of Elton John's, and his music ha... More >

Joel's Cold Spring Harbor was recorded in the vicinity of 38-rpm to fit all the material on--he's one of these eternal teenagers who doesn't know how to shut up. Stubborn little bastard, too--after his bid stiffed, he worked a Los Angeles cocktail lounge soaking up Experience. Here he poses as the Irving Berlin of narcissistic alienation, puffing up and condescending to the fantasies of fans who spend their lives by the stereo feeling sensitive. And just to remind them who's boss, he hits them with a ballad after the manner of Aaron Copland. (Grade - C)