Search - Billy Joel :: Glass Houses

Blu-spec?

bobby morrow | United Kingdom | 08/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my favourite Joel albums, I have to say. Released in the Spring of 1980 and yeilding a string of hits including 'It's Still Rock And Roll To Me', a #1 ,though to my mind not one of the better tracks, the album sold really well and had a slightly more 'new wave' feel to it than his previous LPs. Perhaps lacking a really strong ballad, the set doesn't seem to be as well regarded as 'The Stranger' or '52nd Street' which is a shame as IMO, it's perhaps his last 'great' album.



I bought the very expensive Blu-spec edition about 2 months ago. I love the album so much I wanted the best version possible. Is it? Well, to be frank, I can't tell much difference between this and my 1998 remastered domestic copy (which the Blu-spec is based on, featuring that edition's artwork). Sometimes I tell myself there are some subtle improvements but I think this is simply because I paid so much for this Japanese import I have to justify it! So, definitely get this album as it's a classic but unless you're a Joel completist, perhaps give this a miss, as much like the other new Japanese format, SHMCD, the 'difference' isn't worth the extra cost."