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Track Listings
| Disc: 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Prelude/Angry Young Man | |||
| 2. My Life | |||
| 3. Summer, Highland Falls | |||
| 4. Everybody Loves You Now | |||
| 5. Zanzibar | |||
| 6. New York State Of Mind (with Tony Bennett) | |||
See all 14 tracks on this disc
| |||
| Disc: 2 | |||
| 1. Captain Jack | |||
| 2. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) | |||
| 3. The River Of Dreams/A Hard Day's Night | |||
| 4. We Didn't Start The Fire | |||
| 5. You May Be Right | |||
| 6. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant | |||
|
See all 11 tracks on this disc
| |||
| Disc: 3 | |||
| 1. Prelude/Angry Young Man | |||
| 2. My Life | |||
| 3. Summer, Highland Falls | |||
| 4. Everybody Loves You Now | |||
| 5. Zanzibar | |||
| 6. New York State Of Mind (with Tony Bennett) | |||
|
See all 25 tracks on this disc
| |||
Editorial Reviews
A concert celebrating the end of an era: The Beatles opened it and Billy Joel closed it. Built in 1964, Shea Stadium was the home of the New York Mets for 45 years. Designed as a multi-purpose stadium, Shea first met rock 'n' roll when The Beatles appeared there August 15, 1965, establishing Shea as the premier stadium for the world's greatest bands. The Who, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and The Clash all played Shea. The Last Play At Shea, staged on July 16 and July 18, 2008 before a combined 110,000 fans, comprised the final performances ever at the historic stadium. Live At Shea Stadium contains two and a half hours of hits and album favorites, featuring special guests Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, Steven Tyler and Roger Daltrey. Live At Shea Stadium captures the music and memories of a generation. After 45 years, the Mets' two World Series victories, The Beatles and The Last Play At Shea, the final section of Shea Stadium was torn down in 2009. A concert celebrating the end of an era: The Beatles opened it and Billy Joel closed it. Built in 1964, Shea Stadium was the home of the New York Mets for 45 years. Designed as a multi-purpose stadium, Shea first met rock 'n' roll when The Beatles appeared there August 15, 1965, establishing Shea as the premier stadium for the world's greatest bands. The Who, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and The Clash all played Shea. The Last Play At Shea, staged on July 16 and July 18, 2008 before a combined 110,000 fans, comprised the final performances ever at the historic stadium. Live At Shea Stadium contains two and a half hours of hits and album favorites, featuring special guests Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, Steven Tyler and Roger Daltrey. Live At Shea Stadium captures the music and memories of a generation. After 45 years, the Mets' two World Series victories, The Beatles and The Last Play At Shea, the final section of Shea Stadium was torn down in 2009.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 66 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A PHENOMENAL, VITAL, PERFORAMANCE IN GLORIOUS WIDESCREEN AND 5.1 SOUND!
March 8, 2011
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
There are a few artists whose music provides a soundtrack to one's life. As a boomer, The Beatles top my list. As a keyboard player there were only two artists whose music provided the inspiration for me to rock out and believe that I didn't have to wield a guitar to prove my post-adolescent worth as a musician. And those two artists, needless to say, were Elton John (who I chase down Braodway following an early appearance on the Dick Cavett show) and Billy Joel.
I first saw Joel in the early 1970s in Buffalo New York as an undergraduate. For some reason, the Piano Man album was getting early, heavy air play in Buffalo, and Joel broke big there. I mean really big. He was grabbed to open for Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods (Get Together). Joel put on an explosive set, and the audience wouldn't let him off of the stage. Finally someone off of stage right pulled the plug on him. Literally. Amps and sound went off. Joel stormed off the stage, some yelling ensued, the lights on the amps went back on, the audience roared its approval, and Joel uttered his infamous end-of-concert admonishment not to take any, uh, stuff, from anybody. (Words that close this Shea set as well.)
It seems both silly and unnecessary to comment on the musical value of any of Billy Joel at this point in time. However, a few things need to be said. A skilled pianist, a gifted tunesmith, and a profoundly bipolar personality, Joel has had more than his share of hits from rock critics who have decried his music as being unoriginal, uninspired, or at worst, derived from the work and styles of other artists. What is they often fail to mention, is that Joel (who freely acknowledges his debt to other artists) forged his own unique style of American music. And then some. Where do songs like Zanzibar (best Steely Dan song never written by Steely Dan) fit in? Vienna? This Is The Time?
Why did Sinatra sing Just The Way You Are? And Mel Torme and Tony Bennett sing New York State Of Mind? And Twyla Tharp staging/choreographing Joel's music - how can there be any question about this man's contribution to American popular music? There isn't. It's case closed. Slate article be damned. Billy Joel is American music. A cloaked-in-rock amalgam of Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers, Carole King/Gerry Goffen, Brian Wilson, and Aaron Copland. Copland? Yes - those instrumental breaks in Billy The Kid - Copland by way of Elmer Bernstein's score for The Magnificent Seven. Billy Joel is nothing less then the last of the great American Tin-Pan-Alley songwriters. His songs are the fabric of American music and American life, more specifically the fabric of an American Life on Long Island. The songs are rock solid in construction, singable, and memorable. In other words they are written in the popular style. The critics hate him for it. But the people love him him for it.
But just in case you need further convincing - this remarkable DVD and CD set should end all further questioning. First, I strongly suggest, no I urge you to purchase another DVD - one that should have been included in this set - Last Play At Shea - in order to set the stage The Last Play at Shea This remarkable documentary creates an over-arching framework to understand Joel, his music, and the grand old stadium that was Shea. It's not a New York State Of Mind - it's a Long Island State Of Mind. This extraordinarily entertaining DVD places it all in historical context, and helps you appreciate what you are about to see and hear in this DVD/CD set. And what you're about to see is - in the best sense of the word - historic.
The selection of songs is broad and eclectic but ultimate, it's the hits. But there is no Just The Way You Are, No Uptown Girl (not, as we find out in Last Play At Shea due to anger at Christie Brinkley, but simply due to age - Joel can't go falsetto any more). Instead we open with a ferocious Angry Young Man, an out-Stelly Dan'd Zanzibar, a positively enthralling New York State Of Mind (with the jaw-droppingly, ageless, powerfully musical Tony Bennett who seems to be having the time of his life) and it goes on and on and on....all in state of the art widescreen and well-mixed 5.1 Dolby. (You may get more mileage from a cheap pair of speakers, but you need at least 5.1 good ones - cranked up - to hear the magnificent mix of this recording!)
Joel is in fine voice throughout the lengthy set. He's workin' his mojo hard - sweating profusely. The guest artists come and go (in the special features section of the DVD Steve Tyler, Roger Daltry, and John Mellencamp - each of whom, especially Tyler, seems to be in his own world.....) a testimonial to the respect that Joel engenders as a songwriter and musician as well as his extraordinary grace and generosity in sharing this historic moment on stage with other artists - artists who are clearly having great fun singing with Joel and his large, hot band at Shea.
And then of course there is Paul McCartney. Again, you simply have to see Last Play At Shea to get the amazing back story on McCartney's miraculous appearance at the concert (clearing airspace at the airport, helicopters and police escorts getting him to Shea, finally being driven on to the playing field in the nick of time by the same gentleman who drove The Beatles out on the field for their historic 1965 concert at Shea...amazing!) And the roar when the tired McCartney takes the stage has to be heard to be believed ("OMG - he's really here" says a woman in the Last Play DVD) And when he closes the concert with Let It Be, Joel just lays on top of his grand piano, watching and listening, taking it all in. The Beatles were the first concert at Shea, and Joel, a life long Beatles fan, lets McCartney close the show to achieve a perfect symmetry.
Billy Joel, as he coyly says, hasn't released a new album in "fifteen frickin years", yet 100,000 tickets were sold for these two shows in a total of about 90 minutes. There is a reason for that ladies and gentlemen. As Joel acknowledges, it was not rocker looks. It was not the marriages. It was not the insecurities, and the resultant escapades that do not need enumeration once again in this review. (You can Google Elton John's recent expression of concern for his erstwhile touring partner). No - the reason those tickets sold was the music. Only the music.
This set captures some of the best of that music. The strength and accuracy of Joel's voice belies the years, his relative inactivity, and his personal escapades. It is strong and with amazing depth and resonance. (Although, applying along with the CD, it did seem like a few songs had been transposed down a little bit to allow for age). The rockers really rock. The gentle ballades (Always A Woman, This Is The Time) don't fare quite as well and his voice wobbles a bit (it is, after all, Shea Stadium) and Joel - let's face it - is no longer the young man he was. But when the crowd joins in the bridge, you'll find yourself doing the same. And when some of New York's finest join Joel for the chorus of Goodnight Saigon ("...and we will all go down together...") in front of the eerily green backlighting reminiscent of the twin towers - well, it's hard not to choke up.
As I started this review in saying - this is the soundtrack to our lives. ("Are you going to marry him?" Joel says in response to a fan's sign "Congatulations (wait a beat) Get a prenup!") We're all Brenda and Eddie - aren't we? We're raising our own Brendas and Eddies - and chances are that THEY know these songs as well because they've grown up listening to us play them on CDs. Or vinyl.
Do yourself a favor - this is a joyous set of discs. That's the only way to describe it - joyous and celebratory. The camera work on stage, in the stadium, and over the stadium, is some of the finest I have seen in any concert film. The sound, through a fine sound system, is spectacular. The times seem to be so difficult now. The economy is tanking (again), gas is heading skyward (again), and the Middle East is heating up. We Didn't Start The Fire. Or did we? We need some joy and happiness - through the DVD in your projector and watch it on widescreen. This show will bring 2+ hours of joy into your life. Then you can load the CDs onto your iPod and listen to them over and over (as you have in other incarnations during the past 3+ decades) as you drive down the highway.
Billy, we're all in the mood for a melody - and you've got us feelin' all right. (And listen to Elton: get your butt into gear and write some new tunes!)
Buy this set. It will be the best $15 bucks you will have spent this year. Hell - it's worth twice as much. At this price it's a no brainer.
UPDATE 4/1/11 - Some folks have commented on Joel's recorded performance not being his best. Others have accused me of getting this set for free through the Amaozn's Vine program (for the record, I didn't. I pre-ordered it and purchased it myself). To the critics: look at the title of this review, and its broad content. As a DVD, I stand by my rating of the performance. It is both powerful and moving, I also stand by the central thesis of the review which addresses Joel's place in the pantheon of rock composers/performers. I agree that the 12 Gardens contains (essentially) the same set list, and more adventurous performances of the material. I state it again: Agreed. But that does not detract from my argument that this is a powerful summation of an amazing performers career, with this culminating performance at the age of 60. It is precisely this type of carping about the ups and downs of Joel's life - both on and off the stage - that has lead Joel to make the unfortunate decision to cancel the pending publication of his autobiography in June. Read more ›
I first saw Joel in the early 1970s in Buffalo New York as an undergraduate. For some reason, the Piano Man album was getting early, heavy air play in Buffalo, and Joel broke big there. I mean really big. He was grabbed to open for Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods (Get Together). Joel put on an explosive set, and the audience wouldn't let him off of the stage. Finally someone off of stage right pulled the plug on him. Literally. Amps and sound went off. Joel stormed off the stage, some yelling ensued, the lights on the amps went back on, the audience roared its approval, and Joel uttered his infamous end-of-concert admonishment not to take any, uh, stuff, from anybody. (Words that close this Shea set as well.)
It seems both silly and unnecessary to comment on the musical value of any of Billy Joel at this point in time. However, a few things need to be said. A skilled pianist, a gifted tunesmith, and a profoundly bipolar personality, Joel has had more than his share of hits from rock critics who have decried his music as being unoriginal, uninspired, or at worst, derived from the work and styles of other artists. What is they often fail to mention, is that Joel (who freely acknowledges his debt to other artists) forged his own unique style of American music. And then some. Where do songs like Zanzibar (best Steely Dan song never written by Steely Dan) fit in? Vienna? This Is The Time?
Why did Sinatra sing Just The Way You Are? And Mel Torme and Tony Bennett sing New York State Of Mind? And Twyla Tharp staging/choreographing Joel's music - how can there be any question about this man's contribution to American popular music? There isn't. It's case closed. Slate article be damned. Billy Joel is American music. A cloaked-in-rock amalgam of Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers, Carole King/Gerry Goffen, Brian Wilson, and Aaron Copland. Copland? Yes - those instrumental breaks in Billy The Kid - Copland by way of Elmer Bernstein's score for The Magnificent Seven. Billy Joel is nothing less then the last of the great American Tin-Pan-Alley songwriters. His songs are the fabric of American music and American life, more specifically the fabric of an American Life on Long Island. The songs are rock solid in construction, singable, and memorable. In other words they are written in the popular style. The critics hate him for it. But the people love him him for it.
But just in case you need further convincing - this remarkable DVD and CD set should end all further questioning. First, I strongly suggest, no I urge you to purchase another DVD - one that should have been included in this set - Last Play At Shea - in order to set the stage The Last Play at Shea This remarkable documentary creates an over-arching framework to understand Joel, his music, and the grand old stadium that was Shea. It's not a New York State Of Mind - it's a Long Island State Of Mind. This extraordinarily entertaining DVD places it all in historical context, and helps you appreciate what you are about to see and hear in this DVD/CD set. And what you're about to see is - in the best sense of the word - historic.
The selection of songs is broad and eclectic but ultimate, it's the hits. But there is no Just The Way You Are, No Uptown Girl (not, as we find out in Last Play At Shea due to anger at Christie Brinkley, but simply due to age - Joel can't go falsetto any more). Instead we open with a ferocious Angry Young Man, an out-Stelly Dan'd Zanzibar, a positively enthralling New York State Of Mind (with the jaw-droppingly, ageless, powerfully musical Tony Bennett who seems to be having the time of his life) and it goes on and on and on....all in state of the art widescreen and well-mixed 5.1 Dolby. (You may get more mileage from a cheap pair of speakers, but you need at least 5.1 good ones - cranked up - to hear the magnificent mix of this recording!)
Joel is in fine voice throughout the lengthy set. He's workin' his mojo hard - sweating profusely. The guest artists come and go (in the special features section of the DVD Steve Tyler, Roger Daltry, and John Mellencamp - each of whom, especially Tyler, seems to be in his own world.....) a testimonial to the respect that Joel engenders as a songwriter and musician as well as his extraordinary grace and generosity in sharing this historic moment on stage with other artists - artists who are clearly having great fun singing with Joel and his large, hot band at Shea.
And then of course there is Paul McCartney. Again, you simply have to see Last Play At Shea to get the amazing back story on McCartney's miraculous appearance at the concert (clearing airspace at the airport, helicopters and police escorts getting him to Shea, finally being driven on to the playing field in the nick of time by the same gentleman who drove The Beatles out on the field for their historic 1965 concert at Shea...amazing!) And the roar when the tired McCartney takes the stage has to be heard to be believed ("OMG - he's really here" says a woman in the Last Play DVD) And when he closes the concert with Let It Be, Joel just lays on top of his grand piano, watching and listening, taking it all in. The Beatles were the first concert at Shea, and Joel, a life long Beatles fan, lets McCartney close the show to achieve a perfect symmetry.
Billy Joel, as he coyly says, hasn't released a new album in "fifteen frickin years", yet 100,000 tickets were sold for these two shows in a total of about 90 minutes. There is a reason for that ladies and gentlemen. As Joel acknowledges, it was not rocker looks. It was not the marriages. It was not the insecurities, and the resultant escapades that do not need enumeration once again in this review. (You can Google Elton John's recent expression of concern for his erstwhile touring partner). No - the reason those tickets sold was the music. Only the music.
This set captures some of the best of that music. The strength and accuracy of Joel's voice belies the years, his relative inactivity, and his personal escapades. It is strong and with amazing depth and resonance. (Although, applying along with the CD, it did seem like a few songs had been transposed down a little bit to allow for age). The rockers really rock. The gentle ballades (Always A Woman, This Is The Time) don't fare quite as well and his voice wobbles a bit (it is, after all, Shea Stadium) and Joel - let's face it - is no longer the young man he was. But when the crowd joins in the bridge, you'll find yourself doing the same. And when some of New York's finest join Joel for the chorus of Goodnight Saigon ("...and we will all go down together...") in front of the eerily green backlighting reminiscent of the twin towers - well, it's hard not to choke up.
As I started this review in saying - this is the soundtrack to our lives. ("Are you going to marry him?" Joel says in response to a fan's sign "Congatulations (wait a beat) Get a prenup!") We're all Brenda and Eddie - aren't we? We're raising our own Brendas and Eddies - and chances are that THEY know these songs as well because they've grown up listening to us play them on CDs. Or vinyl.
Do yourself a favor - this is a joyous set of discs. That's the only way to describe it - joyous and celebratory. The camera work on stage, in the stadium, and over the stadium, is some of the finest I have seen in any concert film. The sound, through a fine sound system, is spectacular. The times seem to be so difficult now. The economy is tanking (again), gas is heading skyward (again), and the Middle East is heating up. We Didn't Start The Fire. Or did we? We need some joy and happiness - through the DVD in your projector and watch it on widescreen. This show will bring 2+ hours of joy into your life. Then you can load the CDs onto your iPod and listen to them over and over (as you have in other incarnations during the past 3+ decades) as you drive down the highway.
Billy, we're all in the mood for a melody - and you've got us feelin' all right. (And listen to Elton: get your butt into gear and write some new tunes!)
Buy this set. It will be the best $15 bucks you will have spent this year. Hell - it's worth twice as much. At this price it's a no brainer.
UPDATE 4/1/11 - Some folks have commented on Joel's recorded performance not being his best. Others have accused me of getting this set for free through the Amaozn's Vine program (for the record, I didn't. I pre-ordered it and purchased it myself). To the critics: look at the title of this review, and its broad content. As a DVD, I stand by my rating of the performance. It is both powerful and moving, I also stand by the central thesis of the review which addresses Joel's place in the pantheon of rock composers/performers. I agree that the 12 Gardens contains (essentially) the same set list, and more adventurous performances of the material. I state it again: Agreed. But that does not detract from my argument that this is a powerful summation of an amazing performers career, with this culminating performance at the age of 60. It is precisely this type of carping about the ups and downs of Joel's life - both on and off the stage - that has lead Joel to make the unfortunate decision to cancel the pending publication of his autobiography in June. Read more ›
30 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By HurrikaneX
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
* DVD *
Masterfully shot and probably the only reason why someone should buy this collection. Accurately captures a post-2005 Billy Joel concert in all its glory. The only thing missing (for obvious time constraint reasons) is more of Joel's hilarious in-between banter, which only adds to the entertainment of seeing him live. However, there are many great, memorable moments that are not present on the CDs, stunning visuals, and three incredible bonus songs. Watching this successfully conveys the message of any great concert DVD: Yes, this concert was a blast!
* CDs *
I'll put the bulk of my energy here, as this is the meat of the package. But first, let's rewind through time:
Songs in the Attic: Probably the most beautiful, complete Billy Joel live album in existence - something which came at a pivotal time in Joel's ever-growing career. Old singles and back-catalog material were suddenly brand new. And the album's pacing was incredible, switching from small club shows to monstrous stadium shakers every other track. One could get instant chills during "Captain Jack," "She's Got A Way," and "Streetlife Serenader," and this album quickly became the fan favorite - the pure Billy Joel experience. (A similar thrill came from hearing the live disk in the Legacy Edition of The Stranger, released in 2008.)
Kohuept: Garbage. Washed-out, clanky mixing with mediocre-to-terrible performances.
2000 Years: Better, but not great by a long shot. An interesting mix of many amazing songs, but not consistently good. If this had been trimmed down to a single disk of the night's most memorable performances, it would have been infinitely more valuable.
12 Gardens Live: Transposed songs? Two disks of material with almost a whole disk of album cuts? Yes. And it was a collection to behold. Comparing this to Songs in the Attic was literally impossible, though they were the two best live albums in Billy's catalog. More importantly, 12 Gardens Live proved something. Where Songs in the Attic succeeded in unearthing some of Billy's best older pieces and making them new again, 12 Gardens Live showed that Billy's work actually stood the test of time. He could still rock crowds, break records, and produce a masterful review of his work.
Which brings us to Live at Shea Stadium.
I wanted this album to be great. The duets, the energy, the appearance of some fan favorites that were absent from 12 Gardens Live (I'm looking at you, "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Captain Jack") - everything seemed in place for another great live album.
However, note the obvious. As another reviewer pointed out, you are getting, essentially, the same track list from 12 Gardens Live. And when compared to that monumental live album, these versions are terrible.
Yes, I love the playful intro in "My Life" and the hilarious marital advice in "She's Always a Woman," but this is not the rowdy, show-stopping Billy we heard in 2006. His singing and piano playing went from perfect to sloppy in a matter of two short years (the Shea shows took place in 2008). Listen to the uninspired piano solos in "The River of Dreams" - what a change from the tremendous, vicious performance of 12 Gardens Live!
The duets, quite unexpectedly, are hit-and-miss. Tony Bennett's performance is interesting, but lacks any memorable moments; Garth Brooks sounds surprisingly bad. And yes, John Mayer is a great guitarist, but "This Is the Time" cannot be saved. By the time you arrive at this point in the first disk, you will be asking yourself why you purchased the collection at all. Skip ahead to Paul McCartney, and you have yourself one amazing performance; however, that may be the only true high point.
Even though this album is quite the disappointment, I will give my advice to those still on the fence:
- Buy Songs in the Attic.
- Buy 12 Gardens Live.
- And if you absolutely must have some of Live at Shea Stadium, download my ideal track list (which, incidentally, starts at disk two):
1. "Captain Jack" - Wait until after the first verse. Billy's inflections and new, bluesy melody make this song brand new again.
2. "The River of Dreams/A Hard Day's Night" - Yes, this is not the best version of "The River of Dreams" (see 12 Gardens Live), but "A Hard Day's Night" gets you riled up and ready to rock! Awesome!
3. "I Saw Her Standing There" - A true showstopper, even though Paul takes lead.
4. "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" - Arguably the best intro to "Piano Man" ever. This one gives me chills every time.
5. "Piano Man" - A good penultimate song, despite Billy's tired, inconsistent voice. (Although, I guess after three hours of singing, anyone would be tired!) To be truthful, I only included this on my list because the aforementioned intro is pure dynamite.
6. "Let It Be" - Yes, Paul takes lead again, and yes, Billy messes up the words, but it's still a solid performance. You can feel the importance of the moment, which is paramount.
And there you have it. A 25-song set boiled down to six. Why did I exclude "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"? YouTube them and see. There is nothing special or magical to be found, and the only bigger disappointment than missing them on 12 Gardens Live is seeing them lifeless and present on Live at Shea Stadium.
My honorable mention goes to "The Ballad of Billy the Kid," which is actually a standout performance. However, its previous incarnation on 12 Gardens Live still tops this by a long shot.
Overall, Live at Shea Stadium is not a good buy unless you (1) were there for one of the concerts, (2) love concert DVDs, or (3) are a Billy Joel completist. Otherwise, do not be fooled into this purchase.
There are many great reviews posted here, praising this package to no end, and I cannot help but wonder: Were we listening to the same collection?
Masterfully shot and probably the only reason why someone should buy this collection. Accurately captures a post-2005 Billy Joel concert in all its glory. The only thing missing (for obvious time constraint reasons) is more of Joel's hilarious in-between banter, which only adds to the entertainment of seeing him live. However, there are many great, memorable moments that are not present on the CDs, stunning visuals, and three incredible bonus songs. Watching this successfully conveys the message of any great concert DVD: Yes, this concert was a blast!
* CDs *
I'll put the bulk of my energy here, as this is the meat of the package. But first, let's rewind through time:
Songs in the Attic: Probably the most beautiful, complete Billy Joel live album in existence - something which came at a pivotal time in Joel's ever-growing career. Old singles and back-catalog material were suddenly brand new. And the album's pacing was incredible, switching from small club shows to monstrous stadium shakers every other track. One could get instant chills during "Captain Jack," "She's Got A Way," and "Streetlife Serenader," and this album quickly became the fan favorite - the pure Billy Joel experience. (A similar thrill came from hearing the live disk in the Legacy Edition of The Stranger, released in 2008.)
Kohuept: Garbage. Washed-out, clanky mixing with mediocre-to-terrible performances.
2000 Years: Better, but not great by a long shot. An interesting mix of many amazing songs, but not consistently good. If this had been trimmed down to a single disk of the night's most memorable performances, it would have been infinitely more valuable.
12 Gardens Live: Transposed songs? Two disks of material with almost a whole disk of album cuts? Yes. And it was a collection to behold. Comparing this to Songs in the Attic was literally impossible, though they were the two best live albums in Billy's catalog. More importantly, 12 Gardens Live proved something. Where Songs in the Attic succeeded in unearthing some of Billy's best older pieces and making them new again, 12 Gardens Live showed that Billy's work actually stood the test of time. He could still rock crowds, break records, and produce a masterful review of his work.
Which brings us to Live at Shea Stadium.
I wanted this album to be great. The duets, the energy, the appearance of some fan favorites that were absent from 12 Gardens Live (I'm looking at you, "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Captain Jack") - everything seemed in place for another great live album.
However, note the obvious. As another reviewer pointed out, you are getting, essentially, the same track list from 12 Gardens Live. And when compared to that monumental live album, these versions are terrible.
Yes, I love the playful intro in "My Life" and the hilarious marital advice in "She's Always a Woman," but this is not the rowdy, show-stopping Billy we heard in 2006. His singing and piano playing went from perfect to sloppy in a matter of two short years (the Shea shows took place in 2008). Listen to the uninspired piano solos in "The River of Dreams" - what a change from the tremendous, vicious performance of 12 Gardens Live!
The duets, quite unexpectedly, are hit-and-miss. Tony Bennett's performance is interesting, but lacks any memorable moments; Garth Brooks sounds surprisingly bad. And yes, John Mayer is a great guitarist, but "This Is the Time" cannot be saved. By the time you arrive at this point in the first disk, you will be asking yourself why you purchased the collection at all. Skip ahead to Paul McCartney, and you have yourself one amazing performance; however, that may be the only true high point.
Even though this album is quite the disappointment, I will give my advice to those still on the fence:
- Buy Songs in the Attic.
- Buy 12 Gardens Live.
- And if you absolutely must have some of Live at Shea Stadium, download my ideal track list (which, incidentally, starts at disk two):
1. "Captain Jack" - Wait until after the first verse. Billy's inflections and new, bluesy melody make this song brand new again.
2. "The River of Dreams/A Hard Day's Night" - Yes, this is not the best version of "The River of Dreams" (see 12 Gardens Live), but "A Hard Day's Night" gets you riled up and ready to rock! Awesome!
3. "I Saw Her Standing There" - A true showstopper, even though Paul takes lead.
4. "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" - Arguably the best intro to "Piano Man" ever. This one gives me chills every time.
5. "Piano Man" - A good penultimate song, despite Billy's tired, inconsistent voice. (Although, I guess after three hours of singing, anyone would be tired!) To be truthful, I only included this on my list because the aforementioned intro is pure dynamite.
6. "Let It Be" - Yes, Paul takes lead again, and yes, Billy messes up the words, but it's still a solid performance. You can feel the importance of the moment, which is paramount.
And there you have it. A 25-song set boiled down to six. Why did I exclude "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"? YouTube them and see. There is nothing special or magical to be found, and the only bigger disappointment than missing them on 12 Gardens Live is seeing them lifeless and present on Live at Shea Stadium.
My honorable mention goes to "The Ballad of Billy the Kid," which is actually a standout performance. However, its previous incarnation on 12 Gardens Live still tops this by a long shot.
Overall, Live at Shea Stadium is not a good buy unless you (1) were there for one of the concerts, (2) love concert DVDs, or (3) are a Billy Joel completist. Otherwise, do not be fooled into this purchase.
There are many great reviews posted here, praising this package to no end, and I cannot help but wonder: Were we listening to the same collection?
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By camelnate
Format:Audio CD
Let me begin my saying how much I LOVE Billy Joel, always have and always will. I'm also proud to say that I attended the 7/18/08 show at shea and was the best concert I ever attended. The quality of this album is beyond excellent, the songs sounds amazing, BUT, the track list is almost verbatim of the "12 Gardens Live" album, even down to the very little details. Example: Opening the album with Angry Young Man and My Life, and opening the second disc with Goodnight Saigon. Of course the McCartney stuff on this album is very good and VERY emotional, especially if you were there on that very exciting and humid night. Also, John Mayer's solo on Time to Remember is cool. Overall, if you went to one of the shea shows, you'll love this album, if you have listened to the 12 Gardens album a million times, you'll find yourself wondering why you bought this album.
BTW, after reviewing Joel's set lists of these shows and all his shows of the past 4 or so years, one thing is very clear, he's very redundant in writing his set lists. The SAME songs, in the SAME order for every show, and very rarely changing it up in between. I strongly recommend that Billy Joel, on his next tour, once a night, throw in a real rarity, such as, All for Lenya, Roberta, Los Angelinos, Traveling Prayer, That's Not Her Style, etc. And record those songs to make sort of "Beyond Greatest Hits Live" type of album. I know he kind of approached this on 12 Gardens and the My Lives boxset, but didn't really push the petal to the metal, I know bad choice of words, but the thought remains valid. Don't get me wrong, I love Angry Young Man, We Didn't Start the Fire, and all those, I just think there's a lot more to choose from and by not performing those rarities, Mr. Joel is just holding his catalog back and not sharing all he really has. LOVE YOU BILLY!!!!!
BTW, after reviewing Joel's set lists of these shows and all his shows of the past 4 or so years, one thing is very clear, he's very redundant in writing his set lists. The SAME songs, in the SAME order for every show, and very rarely changing it up in between. I strongly recommend that Billy Joel, on his next tour, once a night, throw in a real rarity, such as, All for Lenya, Roberta, Los Angelinos, Traveling Prayer, That's Not Her Style, etc. And record those songs to make sort of "Beyond Greatest Hits Live" type of album. I know he kind of approached this on 12 Gardens and the My Lives boxset, but didn't really push the petal to the metal, I know bad choice of words, but the thought remains valid. Don't get me wrong, I love Angry Young Man, We Didn't Start the Fire, and all those, I just think there's a lot more to choose from and by not performing those rarities, Mr. Joel is just holding his catalog back and not sharing all he really has. LOVE YOU BILLY!!!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Piano Man Music
Was very happy with the album. Love Billy Joel and this album did not disappoint. And great memories of Shea came home to me.
Published 11 days ago by Genevieve R. Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars
WHO DOESNT LIKE BILLY JOEL
I LIKE LIVE CONCERT CDS SO THIS ONE IS VERY GOOD I FEEL LIKE IM THERE
LSTENING TO BILLY JOEL
LSTENING TO BILLY JOEL
Published 29 days ago by mary harris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great concert!!
Saw the concert on PBS but it is better without the donation requests. Great interaction with the audience, Tony Bennett and Sir Paul.
Published 1 month ago by A. M. Byramjeeagya
4.0 out of 5 stars
Music from the Video
This was a combined purchase with the DVD. Billy sounds just as good as ever. Haven't listed to the entire concert CD yet but have watched the video several times.
Published 1 month ago by Toys_n_Games
1.0 out of 5 stars
Only one song
This CD only had one song on it. I was very disappointed as Billy Joel is one of my favorite entertainers. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Judith Lackey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Billy Joel Live!
Billy Joel is the greatest writer, performer and piano player ever. Sounds as great live as in the studio! Read more
Published 2 months ago by sjlapoint
5.0 out of 5 stars
Made a great gift for Dad.
My dad has always been a big Billy Joel fan and had recently watched a PBS or similar broadcast special. I know he was looking for a live collection and I came across this one. Read more
Published 2 months ago by GO
5.0 out of 5 stars
Billy Joel Live at Shea Stadium
I got this as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend. It arrived quickly and before Christmas, good price and packaged good.
Published 3 months ago by Christine Rahgozar
5.0 out of 5 stars
BILLY JOEL AT HIS BEST
Awesome compact disc-It is a must have for any Billy Joel fan-All the songs are Great especially GoodNight Saigon!!!Tony and Paul-John sound Awesome !!!!!! Read more
Published 3 months ago by JIM J
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining
How much Billy Joel can one listen to? My wife, a lot, me, not so much. Entertaining, but repetitive. It would be nice if he would do something new every 20 years or so
Published 4 months ago by Warren Steffey
