906. Billy Joel / Songs in the Attic. 1981. 3.5/5

Songs in the Attic indeed. Releasing a live album at this stage of his career was a no brainer, not only because it would give him and the band a break from writing new material, but it also gave them the opportunity to showcase their wares in the live environment. What it also did was to bring to light songs from the early albums of his career that for the most part would have been almost unknown for many of his fans who had only come to discover him through the success of The Stranger.

Perhaps the best part of this album is that almost all of the songs sound much better in their live setting here than they necessarily do from their studio versions on the albums they originate. Perhaps it could be argued that the production here, helmed by Phil Ramone once again, is part of that process. but it is hard to argue that the band sound great live on stage, and the larger and fuller piano sound along with Billy's vocals when singing to an audience rather than an empty studio are also major factors in this.
The songs that appear here are, for the most part, the best songs from his early work, though most were (and probably still are) relatively unknown to his fan base. And they sound better, fuller. "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" opens the album in style and sounds terrific here. "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Streetlife Serenader" are also upgraded here from their excellent studio versions, and given more life in the process without harming their initial fabric. "Los Angelenos" perhaps drags a little, but still sounds good. Two of Billy's early notable tracks, "She Got a Way" and "Everybody Loves You Now" are given a prominence here that they deserve. This live version of "She's Got a Way" made it into the charts upon its release, more so for the fact it was a "new" song to many who heard it.
The second side of the album is kicked off by the heavyweight duo of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" and "Captain Jack", which both crackle on these live versions. Billy's vocal enthusiasm along with that of his band draw the best out of both these excellent songs, and the albums would have been worth it for these two songs alone. The final three songs are still hit and miss, and while the live renditions sound great, the trio of "You're My Home", "The Ballad of Billy the Kid" and "I've Loved These Days" aren't quite the dynamite finish you would prefer on an album of note.

When this was released it was an excellent way to get a taste of those early Billy Joel songs, and a feel for his writing in those days. Strangely enough, it is perhaps still the best way to experience his early work, as the majority of his best songs from that period are here, and performed wonderfully well.

Rating:  "Captain Jack will get you high at night, and take you to your special island".  3.5/5