Billy Joel - The Ultimate Collection DVD

The visual companion to his compilation album, The Ultimate Collection provides an 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 [show more]

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