Following the highly anticipated premiere of the second part of Billy Joel's documentary, And So It Goes, the iconic Piano Man has unveiled a remarkable 155-song companion album. This extensive collection is now available on various digital platforms and features a treasure trove of unreleased recordings and more.
The HBO documentary, spanning over five hours, is enriched with never-before-heard music drawn from Joel's vast archives. The documentary takes viewers on a journey through his early career, starting with his time as a member of the Long Island rock band, the Hassles. It also showcases his diverse orchestral and instrumental works, providing a comprehensive view of his musical evolution.
In total, the seven-hour And So It Goes serves as a "musical companion" to the documentary, featuring dozens of unreleased live recordings and demo versions. Among these historic moments is Joel’s first-ever live performance of his iconic song, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, which was recorded on May 6, 1977, at Long Island’s C.W. Post College. This performance is just one example of the captivating content listeners can expect from this extensive album.
The soundtrack not only includes a variety of tracks from Joel’s illustrious catalog but also features his own introductions to several songs. For instance, he reflects on his hit Big Shot, stating, “‘Big Shot’ was a hangover song. I don’t know how many times I woke up in the morning realizing I was an idiot the night before, felt like hell, had a hangover. You look in the mirror and you go, ‘You had to be a big shot, didn’t you?’” This personal insight adds a unique dimension to the listening experience.
On Joel's YouTube channel, fans can explore the compiled 155-song playlist, where each song is accompanied by corresponding visuals whenever available. This includes live concert footage and some of Joel’s nostalgic music videos, enhancing the overall experience for viewers and listeners alike.
With this grand release, Billy Joel continues to captivate audiences, making And So It Goes not just a documentary but a comprehensive musical journey through one of the most celebrated careers in music history.
