Anyone who knows me knows my real love of music started back when I was five years old. My older brother brought home Billy Joel's The Stranger LP in '77 and that was that. I dunno. The first time I heard "Movin' Out" I was struck by a feeling of the this is it variety. And so every music fan has a true beginning somewhere, and for me that was it.
Back in 1998, Billy Joel's entire catalog was remastered and reissued. Each disc had lyric sheets, some rare photos where applicable, and videos for the songs that had clips made for 'em. They sounded great and I was happier with them than the original CBS/Sony discs that were originally issued.
Not too long ago, The Stranger was reissued in an anniversary package. I was lucky enough to get the boxed set version for nada to review over at Bullz-Eye.com. I was also sent the two-disc "Legacy Edition" as well. I thought that remaster sounded even better than the '98 disc, although some audiophiles disagreed. I recall in my review saying it would be nice if Billy's stuff could be remastered again.
Well, lo and behold here in 2011 that is what's going to happen. Discs, DVDs, a box set, you name it, it's coming out. No word on whether or not the fan fave Live from Long Island video will be reissued, but one can only hope. There's also a "Legacy Edition" of Piano Man slated for release, which I find a little odd considering it's not one of Billy's most solid releases, but god knows I'll be buying all this stuff again regardless. Hey, when you have musical tastes such as mine, or are around the same age bracket, these things are exciting. It's getting harder and harder to find musical artists worth a damn anymore, so if I have to dole out for The Nylon Curtain, et al another time, I'm there. I mean, I already gave Billy some more of my money the other week when his pack o' tunes came out on Rock Band.
Good shit, indeed.
