Comments for Joel, Billy, Turnstiles

I agree with the earlier assessment on the song "James" -- it's one of my favorite "lesser-known" Billy Joel favorites.

You people have taste. Growing up in Long Island, I became a big fan of Billy Joel. If I had to pick a favorite song, and it's not that easy, James would have to be my favorite. I have since left Long Island and often think of my old friends there in much the same way that as Billy sings about James, so I can really relate. The Turnstiles Album is a well written album from beginning to end.

An excellent album through and through. "Summer, Highland Falls" is perfect. Billy finally cuts the country crap and gets down to what he does best...writing terrific Billy Joel songs. Billy himself produced this one, and I really like the sound of the songs. "New York State Of Mind" is an instant classic. "I''ve Loved These Days" is beautiful through and through. "Miami 2017" rocks a bit harder on Songs In The Attic, but is great in its original form. "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" is more classic Joel. "James" is one of the first of many wonderful character tunes Billy would crank out later on, and "All You Wanna Do Is Dance" is witty and fun. Excellent on all counts.

This is, perhaps, the first album of Billy`s for which "Rock" is appropriate. "James" is a beautiful Fender Rhodes-backed lament for a gifted childhood friend (real or fictional?), and "Prelude" showcases Billy`s wonderful rapid-fire piano skill. "Miami 2017" kicks. _Turnstiles_ was recorded at Ultra-Sonic Studios, with Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Howie Emerson and Russell Javors on electric and acoustic guitars, and James Smith on acoustic guitar.