5 comments about The Stranger: 30th Anniversary [Limited Edition] (Deluxe Boxed Set - 2 CDs + 1 DVD).

1. Even 30 years after its debut, The Stranger is still a classic. Throw in The Old Grey Whistle Test, a Carnegie Hall poster, a copy of Joel's lyric notebook, a previously un-released live show and a recent interview and what do you get?
   Pure magic...I loved it.
   
   Oh, and can't forget the booklet, either! It has plenty of pictures from The Stranger times and is an amazing addition.
   
   ...He was so good looking. Tee hee. You HAVE to get this!



2. Overall I'm happy with my purchase but in the end all I got was a very expensive dvd that wasn't even remastered in Dolby Digital and a partial live show from Carnegie Hall. Lets start the review off with the remaster of the original album. It's one of the worst remasters ever and I'm very disappointed. I find myself constantly twitching in anticipation of having to continually turn the volume down because the audio hits saturation on a continual basis. It's almost as if the engineer either forgot to compress the soundwave before adding amplitude or this was someones first attempt at remastering a cd. Either way I'm very happy that I own the SACD as it is simply perfection. Next up is the Carnegie Hall concert. This show is very good especially since it has the mini orchestra which adds a uniqueness to owning it and The sound is also very good, but the downfall lies in the fact that they cut about 10 songs from the original show, probably because they didn't want to make the box set larger than it already is. Next they have the audacity to include 5 songs from the Nassau 77 show (purchased at best buy) when in fact the masters for the entire 24 song show is available and has been in circulation as a bootleg for many years. Even if you add the four tracks from Nassau that aren't on the Carnegie Hall show the concert is still not complete. Any Serious Billy Joel fan already owns a high quality bootleg of the Nassau 77 show, so only mastering 5 tracks adds insult to injury. Finally I get to the DVD. Surely they couldn't screw this up. Wrong!! No Dobly Digital??? Just Stereo??? It's still a great DVD but it would have been awesome in 5.1. Take a listen to the Springsteen '75 show that was released in 5.1 several years ago and you will know exactly what is lacking in this stereo only show. How would I done it differently if I was Columbia Records? 1. The remastered album should have been offered as a hybrid SACD or DVD audio that would play on both a conventional CD player or in 5.1 on a SACD\DVD player and packaged as a mini LP with all the original artwork. 2. The Carnegie Hall show should have been the complete show which would have been 2 discs and packaged as a mini LP. Who wants to store their discs in the plastic sleeve of the long box? 3. The DVD should have been mastered in Dolby Digital 5.1. It's 2008 for christ's sake. They should have included the 5 tracks from Nassau 1977 in all the boxes and then offered the remaining tracks from the full show as a download for an additional $8-$10. Other than the replica of Billy Joel's lyric book there was absolutely no creativity or imagination put into this box which is a real shame. Maybe the record labels should ask what the fans would like to see in an anniversary box, similar to what Ford did when they reissued the Mustang. In that case everyone was a winner. In the case of the 30th Anniversary of the Stranger most people will walk away knowing they could have had more but got less.



3. Simply a masterpiece! It was a heralded vinyl in 1977 and is now simply a classic 30 years later! I purchased the legacy addition to get an exclusive 5 song DVD attachment and while that purchase was a joy it does not compare to the deluxe edition!!! The 30 minute documentary is priceless when you have the opportunity to get the inside stuff from Billy and the genius of Phil Ramone! The Old Grey Whistle Test concert on DVD is still giving me chills. I thought I had experienced most of what was on video and this is a must have!!!!!The graphics alone and the boxed set packaging rival the My Life boxed set. I recommend this purchase with two very BIG THUMBS UP!!!! I look forward to "The last play at shea" Doumentary scheduled for 2009 release. Remember Only the Good Die Young and get this before its too late!



4. They had a golden oppurtunity to re-issue this with live footage and a Hybrid SACD of this album. I own the SACD version and a normal cd does not compare to the 5.1 sacd release.
   
   Hybrid Sacd can be played on regular cd players and sacd players.
   They sould have, they didn't ..bad move..I will not be buying the set since the SACD is so much better



5. I bought this last night and I am very disappointed with the sound.I am not a snob. I am just reporting what I heard after playing this new "Stranger" CD set. My volume level is closed to zero or minimum and the sound that I am hearing is already loud. The midrange and upper midrange are shrill and very fatiguing too. ps. Keep your remastered Billy Joel CD's.-----------------------------------------------------------There's no mention of the remastering engineer in the Deluxe re-issue liner notes.It just says "the original album was mastered by Ted Jensen."To me that information is useless. The buyers are more interested to know who did the remastering for the re-issue and not the mastering credit for the original album.Those are two different things.-----------------------------------------------------------Maybe it was remastered by a new college graduate son of a Sony record executive and that explain why the sound is so loud and annoying and there's no remastering credit.Nowadays, you cannot return an open CD anymore. The only way to dispose it is to re-sell it to music stores that do buy-and-sell for $5 cash or store credit. Now I will be losing at least $25.-----------------------------------------------------------My theory is that Sony has intentionally made it sound loud and shrill to attract a much bigger portion of the population. I am referring to those people who don't have stereo system in their homes and to those who only listen to music through their boomy car stereo.Of course, profit is more important to them than satisfying the ears of the small audiophile niche.Thank goodness that we still have the remastered CD's and vinyl records.I haven't heard the SACD yet but I hope that it's not another example of 'modern' remastering.-----------------------------------------------------------This is very bad news for people who love good sound. If we continue to patronize this 'loud and modern' remastering and then the recording company achieved the sales that they have targeted, there is a great possibility that they will give the same (bad) remastering treatment to any future re-issues.Expect to hear more releases like this in the future. -----------------------------------------------------------The main album sound is really messed up big time and my eardrums are bleeding just listening to the first 30 seconds of it.I won't let Sony do that again for future releases even with tons of footage and rare photos!I really don't know what's in their mind when they released the garbage version of the original album. It's just a useless disc.-----------------------------------------------------------The new Stranger CD is horrible with a capital "H"!I looked at your profile and it seems you have a slightly more revealing sound system than mine but probably the big difference is in our hearing.I can hear better the high frequencies than your ears are capable of.This CD is even worst than the Rhino CTA.----------------------------------------------------------

5 comments about Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002.

1. My first Elton John CD and a double one at that! Why have I waited so long to sit back and be able to enjoy 34 of his unbeatable hits? He is now referred to as Sir Elton with a capital 'S' but I'll go even further and describe him as an Entertainer with a capital 'E'! His style and delivery result in a production number in each and every one of his songs, all of which entertain from beginning to end. You will be glad you added this double CD package to your collection!



2. Great songs just as I expected. EJ is always and without hesitation a great performer. The very reason that he will always be able to demand the best price, the best stage or whatever else he wants. Never fails to deliver.



3. Bought as a gift but ended up ordering another one for myself. Every song brings back great memories!



4. Elton John,...is terrible on this disc. The songs, "Melou, Melou", "Bride with Red", "Threaten Love Bast" and etc, are just too tedious to non Elton Fans. A complete waste of time if you don't read his books first.



5. The song "Daniel" is an inexplicably messed up master that fades out just seconds before the actual ending. Never heard that before... Another reviewer also mentioned that Honky Cat and Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting were edited (early fades). Other reviewers complain about the flat or EQ'd mastering problems. The credits say "various songs" remastered by Gus Dudgeon - this would explain the uneven quality (unacceptable from a major label like Universal/UTV).
   As many have pointed out, this set is missing the #1 hit "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (unforgivable) as well as the top 10 hits "Mama Can't Buy You Love" and "Empty Garden". There's several lame 90's tunes on disc two to make it even worse.
   Universal's Gold series has done many new collections that had EVERY hit by major artists - so it can be done.

5 comments about One Hell Of a Ride (4-CD Box Set).

1. What can you say about Willie. This is a worthwhile set for any Willie fan.
   
   grannysue



2. This is Willie from the beginning to present time and he just keeps getting better! If you like Willie, you will love this set.........



3. This certainly is one hell of a ride!! great set of cds. Gave me a taste...left me wanting more. Great price...a must have for anyone who like Willie.



4. This set has the best of all things Willie Nelson. Nice to hear some old tunes especially the ones with Waylan Jennings.



5. I was quite impressed at the beautiful packaging of this set - wonderful photograph of Willie on the cover. It's a wonderful collector's item for diehard Willie fans. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast).

1. The Phantom Of The Opera soundtrack by Andrew Lloyd Webber is the best and most meaningful music ever created. The music provides story with a catchy tune and still provides a powerful theme. Throughout the songs you can establish a story about a young opera singer named Christine, and how she has encounters with the Phantom. The song, "The Point of no Return", is the most meaningful because it has the Phantom giving Christine a decision to spend her days with him, or watch her boyfriend, Raul, get hung. This part is very suspenseful and is presented in a very awesome way because it has all of the characters singing in a trio.
   The theme of The Phantom Of The Opera is that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The Phantom wears a mask over his face so people won't see how ugly he is. When the mask is on people don't think he's unattractive at all, but just mean. When Christine rips the mask off of his face, she sees how disgusting it looks and she freaks. Then she realizes the theme of this story and she gives him another chance by going back and looking for him so he'd teach her, but mysteriously all she sees when she goes back is his mask lying on a table before her.
   At first riding in the car to see the show, I thought that I would hate it because it was opera but then my mom slipped in the CD and my thoughts about opera totally changed. That's when I finally realized that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover because you never know. Someday you might try deep fried banana.



2. I purchased this CD because I have heard so much about 'Phantom of the Opera' being an avid Josh Groban fan. I have heard the songs 'Music of the Night' and 'All I ask of You' but never experienced the entire musical score. Once I heard the whole thing I was immediately taken over by the beauty of it all!!
   I am lucky enough to live in New York City where 'Phantom' is still playing on Broadway and I took my family to see it, we all loved it! Even my teenage Jonas Bros. fan is asking to hear more of 'Phantom'.
   If you've never seen the show or have seen it twenty times this is one CD you MUST have! It brings back all those wonderful memories! I still get teary eyed!



3. I felt it was a "must have" after seeing the play live and I enjoy most of it. However, I find myself having to listen to it alone, because I'm told you need to have a like and appreciation for Opera in order to like it. I would not buy this as a gift for someone who has not seen the play or you don't know for sure likes Opera.



4. I grew up with this music! These performers excell at their roles, especially Steve Barton as Raoul and the beautiful, amazing, and brilliant Michael Crawford as the Phantom. Beautiful music takes you through the entire play, and this CD highlights most of it. Highly reccommended!



5. I loved the music and performers. I read all the reviews before I recently bought it. I wish someone had told me how bad the audio recording was because I cannot play it again! It has been miked in the orchestra and you have to have your finger on the volume in order to enjoy it at all. You can barely hear some of the singers but you go deaf listening to the orchestra. Too bad. I will have to find another recording....

5 comments about 1973-97-Complete Hits Collection.

1. I purchased this for my mom who is a huge Billy Joel fan! She has seen him in concert so many times throughout her life (I've seen him a few times along with her). I know that every one of Billy's albums are her favorite, but I wanted to buy her a cd with most of his greatest hits so she could keep them in her car. She is very happy with this set. She loves the information in the booklet/sleeve. Her only complaint was that her all-time favorite song was missing from this collection..."You're My Home". But, luckily she has that song on another cd. :) I plan on buying this set for myself in the near future.



2. I always loved Billy Joel and was looking for a collection of his greatest hits. From what I see on this compilation, there is no need to purchase additional CD's to "fill in the gaps." I am quite pleased with the sound quality as well.



3. I purchased this collection to prepare for seeing Billy Joel in his 1st appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.Despite monsoon conditions THE PIANO Man proved to be quite THE ENTERTAINER!
   Now I can listen to Captain Jack whenever.......



4. 1973-97-Complete Hits CollectionIf one is "searching" for a Good Sampling of Billy Joel songs, one need look no further. THIS Compilation features ALL "his hits"; and THEN SOME. I 'recommend' A Matter Of Trust, All About Soul AND The Stranger. These are "my" favorites; exemplifying Mr. Joel AT HIS BEST. "Live" material ALSO is included 'in this compilation' (including Billys' take on the Beatles "A Hard Days' Night".) BUY; and ENJOY !!!



5. I previously wrote reviews for the three greatest hits discs so I won't elaborate on them(see my reviews for the individual albums). The fourth disc contains some non-musical storytelling with some live performances and demos. This collection does span a quarter-century(calendar years 1973-97) of Bronx,New York native and Grammy-winner Billy Joel's career. To date,he has sold over 110 million albums worldwide and I guarantee you,over the next quarter-century,that number will be doubled. Not only does Joel hold a place in the Rock 'n Roll Hall Of Fame,he holds a place in the Songwriters' Hall Of Fame since he has written almost every song he has ever recorded.

5 comments about Live: 1975-85 (3CD).

1. This album has taken all the best live performances and put them into one album... since they are all live the have woven the tracks from one to the other seamlessly so this album seems like a live concert...
   great album.



2. The BOSS is the best in the BIZ. I love his music and I finally wore out the cassette copy of this music I recieved from my sister back in the early 90's. I am sure I will listen to this CD for decades to come.



3. 
   I ordered the boxed set of Springsteen Live: 1975-85. I had this set on casette years ago when it came out. I literally wore it out.
   This item was delivered to me promptly and I am well on my way to wearing it out....Thank you .....Velma



4. The product arrived in good time and was exactly as described. I wouldn't hesitate to buy again from this vendor.



5. While I cannot comment on the remastering as I have the original set (a gift from a now lost touch with but still remembered friend), this is the perfect gift for anyone who loves this greatest of live performers at his peak.

5 comments about All Things Must Pass [BOXED EDITION].

1. The 30th anniversary boxed-set edition was remastered by George Harrison and is much better than the original 1970 release. As a bonus you get a booklet written by George, explaining his views about the old and new versions. Plus, you get bonus tracks not included on the original release.
   
   This was and is George's best solo album and this version is as good as it gets. As you may know, the original recordings made shortly after the Beatles dissolved, featured Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Klaus Voorman. Dave Mason, Badfinger, Billy Preston, Ginger Baker, Phil Collins, Bary Brooker and others.
   
   I could go on endlessly trying to explain why this album is great and worth purchasing or repurchasing if you still have the original version. All I can say is, spend the twenty dollars. You will not regret it. This album will last a lifetime. Thank you George. We miss you.



2. From what I've been able to understand,Harrison released this immediately upon his departure from The Beatles. These are the songs he had been sitting on during the denouement of the band,and when the band finally split,out came these songs. This shows that George,in addition to being "the spiritual one" was also a very talented one. THere are a few "B Sides" ("From Behind that Locked Door", "It's Johnny's Birthday") but there are a lot of strong songs here too. Check out "Wah Wah" (my 4 year old son's favorite).
   
   All in all,The Dark Horse did good for his first time out!



3. I would have given this 2 1/2 stars if I could. I would like to see a "naked" version like they did with Let It Be. Make this a one CD release with all of Specter's horrible production removed. Harrison can write some great tunes, but he is hit and miss--mostly miss.



4. I first bought this while in the U.S. Navy. Now I have it on CD.



5. This product came in great time, and was in perfect condition and the music that George has on this two disc set is phenomenal anyone who enjoys a broad horizon of music will love this.

5 comments about Creedence Clearwater Revival.

1. This box set gives you all studio and live albums in one, compact and uniform looking box set. CCR has many good songs, all of their popular ones are very good, but there are lots of other good ones that are not so popular. It comes with 6 discs. One disc is pre-creedence material that is actually very worthwhile. Two of the discs are kind of a live version of songs. The set also comes with a 20-30 page booklet with all kinds of commentary on what CCR was and how they came to be.
   To me, discovering CCR was like finding something new and fresh when looking back in time. They are a definitive band of the 60s and 70s and I really can't understand why the radio stations I hear don't play more of them...



2. This set has to be the best historical set of Creedence Clearwater Revival.The remix is excellent which allows you to enjoy this "classic" compilation in digital sound.If you are a CCR fan this is a must have set!!



3. Creedence never die.
   I'm a big fan of their music, and now with these cd pack i can feel the firsts sounds of the band.
   I'm realy enjoying the firsts achords of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
   And btw it sounds really great. High definition sound without "back rain".



4. Fantastic remastered sound, even in the earlier recordings; great photos and comentaries; nice box presentation, you really must hear and have it!
   Paulo Vitor.



5. Although I like to have all the seperate albums the same as the vinyl ones I ordered this box for a price worth it. What's making it really worth is that you have all the recordings from CCR (even the live-ones) and pre-CCR at once in a very high (remastered) quality. Listen how good John Fogerty (and his bandmembers) really were at that time and still is after all those years!

5 comments about Joshua Tree (Remastered / Expanded) (Super Deluxe Edition) (2CD/DVD).

1. Once again, a classic album falls victim to the idiotic modern trend of maxing everything out in the mix to create a muddled, lifeless sound. All the atmosphere and nuance of the original album is lost in this remaster; Bullet the Blue Sky sounds especially awful. Stick with the original album.



2. is worth its price, a beauty!
   for me one of the 10 best records ever!
   and now with an incredible presentation.
   makes me agree to the box anniversary of "Aqualung" Jethro Tull



3. This is an excellent box set. The pictures, the booklet, the dvd, and b side cd and of course the Joshua Three album makes for an excellent package. I love U2! I recommend this to anyone who loves U2!



4. It's a great cd, with excelent sound and great images. The best rock and roll band.



5. THE SOUND OF THIS EDITION IS GORGEOUS.
   AN EXCELENT CONCERT IN FRANCE (1987) AND AN EXCELENT B-SIDES.
   THE BEST OF THE BEST

5 comments about Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads.

1. I bought this as a replacement for the ones my husband already had and used until they no longer sounded like CD's rather old 8-track tapes. Thank you very much for having the 4-CD set. He really liked them.



2. Love this product! I bought it after I had borrowed it from my boyfriend. I purchased it for my father who had come out of the hospital. It lifted our spirits and is just some really great listening music. I highly recommend it!



3. Great set of CDs. Glad to get them in my collection. Great delivery time.



4. I bought this boxed set over 10 years ago in high school and have easily listened to these cds more than any others in my 400 cd collection. While there are a handful of forgettable songs, there are too many good ones to name. These discs never fail to leave me feeling lighthearted. Boats, Bars, Beaches, and Ballads is the perfect place to start if you're interested in Buffett. I went on to buy every cd he put out after getting hooked.



5. while the songs are great, and the collection contains some titles that are seldom heard, the arrangements are not as full-bodied in sound as his more recent music.