Billy Joel - 2000 Years: Millennium Concert
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Free Music Notes for 2000 Years: Millennium Concert
Free Music Review: Listen for fun, and for the basis in Beethoven
Hit: 5 Stars
I think Billy Joel is great, and I think this concert was great. Beyond that, I wish lovers of classical music who don't like rock would listen carefully to this album, because of all Billy Joel's recordings, this is the one in which he brings out most clearly the roots of his music in Beethoven's music. There are a couple of explicit doodlings of Beethoven, and one or two songs with Beethoven themes, but in many of the songs the influence of Beethoven is structural, rather than in theme or harmony; for example, "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" has a strong structural resemblance to Beethoven's Piano Sonata Opus 110. I think Beethoven would have loved this music; in his last years Beethoven was trying to break out of the mould of European music of his day, especially in the late sonatas and the late string quartets. But of course, Beethoven couldn't imagine as far ahead as rock.It's not surprising that Billy Joel picks up so much from Beethoven and moves on from it; after all, Joel was originally trained as a classical pianist. But it's fascinating to listen for the allusions and what he does with them. It's the clearest example I know of that there really is no division between "classical" and "popular" music. Great music evolves; Beethoven lifted from Bach and created new forms; Billy Joel lifts from Beethoven and creates new forms. So, let the university professors listen to Charles Ives; I'll listen to Billy Joel as well.
Free Music Review: A must for any Billy Joel fan, esp. if you've seen him live
Hit: 5 Stars
As a longtime Billy fan, and having seen a few of his shows, I heartily recommend this item. There's everything you'd want -- some concert standards ("Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," "Allentown"), some surprising old stuff ("I've Loved These Days," "Summer Highland Falls"), some talk, some random bits of Billy playing classical. And this live version of "Movin' Out," the best I've ever heard it performed, is worth the price of admission all by itself.It's clearly a good crowd, cheering heartily after the first couple of notes of each song. On some of the more popular songs it's hard to tell if it's the backup singers or the crowd singing along.
My only slight beef is that I prefer the first CD to the second, and that i was a little disappointed on the first listen-through because I felt it tailed off a little bit. But it's still all great Billy. Also, "Piano Man" isn't on the CD (did he play it at the show?), which might upset some people but I'm not all that upset about it (I think he should end shows singing "Souvenir" with just a solo piano).
At any rate, if you like him and his music, and/or you wish you had been there on New Year's Eve, then this album is a must-have.
Free Music Review: A Great End
Hit: 5 Stars
Billy Joel's millennium concert cd is a marvelous addition to his incredible career. It is, by far, his best live album. "Live In Russia" was a travesty. This one, however, is filled with life and spunk. Billy is in incredible voice, and his piano playing is as masterful as ever. One of the better things about this album, is how we get older songs like "I've Loved These Days", "Summer Highland Falls", "Angry Young Man" and others that he doesn't normally play. That was a stand out. His versions of "Honkytonk Woman" and "Dance To The Music" were incredible and rocking. The only real negative thing I have against this album is the songs that are missing. Songs that should've been on here. "Piano Man", "Just The Way You Are", "Pressure", "Uptown Girl", "Tell Her About It", and a slew of others. This is quite disappointing. I, for one, found his talking in between songs quite amusing. I don't believe he's full of himself, I just think he likes what he likes and he stands up to things. There's a difference. Anyways, this is a must for any Billy Joel fan. If he is no longer putting out albums, then this is a great way to go out on.Free Music Review: It's either sadness or euphoria
Hit: 5 Stars
The strength of this album is that it gives a flavor of the passion and energy of a Billy Joel concert - no one except Springsteen even comes close on stage to matching Billy. However, make no mistake about it - this album is strictly for die-hard BJ fans who want something to remind them of incredible concerts of years past, something to complete their BJ collection. Do we really need another version of "Allentown?" The weirdest part is in the extended intro to "My Life," you hear Billy babble about bringing someone on stage to join in, a friend from way back. But he has the wrong song so they have to wait. BUT THE FRIEND NEVER APPEARS. Who was he? My only real gripe about the CD is the bargain-basement packaging job. No real liner notes, no fancy casing. It was like someone decided to keep costs down and maximize profits. But these are minor quibbles - anyone serious about Billy needs to have this in their collection. The voice is there for the most part, the energy never wavers. He's one of a kind and I listen to this CD daily. Favorite cut: I've Loved These Days.Worst cut: 2000 Years.Free Music Review: Billy's Definitive LIVE release !
Hit: 5 Stars
An excellent concert, an excellent cd !This was the final show of the tour that started in January 1998 after the release of Greatest Hits Volume 3. His performance is truly intense with lots of energy and his voice is stronger than ever with a range that is unprecedented. Listen to his singing on New York State Of Mind, Big Man On Mulberry Street, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant and even River Of Dreams and I'm sure you'd agree. A good example of a true artist becoming only better with age and time.
My hope is that after Billy puts out a classical album, he will release pop music again so that we will have a chance to see him (or at least hear him) on stage again in the years to come.
Needless to say, a big must for all Billy Joel fans, and even a bigger must for all those who aren't yet. It's simple, if you listen to music at all, you've got to listen to Billy Joel. Get this one at least to begin with, if you like what you hear, then go backwards and get his entire collection and it will no doubt lift your music collection at home to a whole new level.