Billy Joel Boxes 'The Stranger'

Posted on Mar 26th 2008 12:00PM by John D. Luerssen
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Although it's a year too late, Billy Joel's classic 1977 album 'The Stranger' will be repackaged and re-released on July 8 as a four disc deluxe box set commemorating its 30th anniversary. Boasting three CDs and a DVD, the forthcoming set counts a remastered version of the original album by its original producer, Phil Ramone, plus an assortment of extras.

Most notable among them is a previously unreleased CD, 'Live at Carnegie Hall 1977,' which captures Joel and his band performing at the world famous New York venue on June 3 of that year, one month prior to the recording of his historic album. A bonus CD of a second live show by Joel circa 'The Stranger' tour will also be included, alongside a 48-page booklet by Rolling Stone editor David Fricke, which also includes unseen photos from the project's original photo shoot.

The DVD, is culled from a special appearance Billy Joel made on the BBC2 television music program 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' in early 1978. Approximately 60 minutes long, the program ran just once on BBC2 and includes performances of early Joel tunes like 'Miami 2017,' 'New York State of Mind' and 'The Entertainer,' as well as signature tracks from 'The Stranger' like 'Movin' Out,', 'She's Always a Woman,' 'Only the Good Die Young' and 'Just the Way You Are.' Live promotional videos for the latter, and the album's title track are also included.

According to the RIAA, 'The Stranger' has sold in excess of ten million copies in the alone, having earned its Diamond Sales certification on September 26, 2003.