Cold Spring Harbor

Billy Joel is the greatest

One of his best! Billy is one of the few music legends we still have left in this world. He sends me. This is a wonderful album.

Billy Joel was a great musician trying to find his way to be a star. The end result was a OK album with only one worthy track: She's Got A Way.

Ok, so...let me just say I think this album is awesome, all of the songs are fantastic. However, I really don't the 'fixed' version of this album. Billy Joel hated it when it came out in 1971 on the Family Productions lable , cause recorded at the wrong speed and came out a bit faster than it was, also a few of the song had things added that he didn't want like an orchestra on "Tomorrow Is Today". In 1981, his new label Columbia records, released a 'fixed' version, and thats's what this is. Billy Joel has said he didn't care much for that one either. I think it's pretty good but I personally think the oringinal wrong speed version is better, but that's only cause I grew up (says the 15 year old) listening to the original Family Productions vinyl copy so it's weird for me to hear all the songs a tiny bit slower, no orchestra on "Tomorrow Is Today", and "You Can Make Me Free" with 2 and a half minutes cut from the oringinal release but I still think it's great. It's an amazing debut album, and show just how good a singer, piano player and songwriter Billy Joel is. I say buy it! but if you can find the original incorrect speed version on vinyl or on a bootleg CD, i recommend that too. It's worth if for any die-hard Billy Joel fan to hear the 5 minute and 40 second version of "You Can Make Me Free" P.S. Sorry, I ramble a lot

This album is my personal favorite of Joel's, but this version from Columbia doesn't do it justice. The original version was sped up slightly due to an inconsistency between the speeds of the two mastering tape machines, yet it had more orchestration and percussion than this "stripped down" version made by Artie Ripp w/o Billy's involvement in 1983. He added new rhythm sections on "Everybody Loves You Now" and "Turn Around." In addition, "You Can Make Me Free" was truncated by nearly three minutes (removing most of the original tail-end, fadeout jam), and the bass, drums, and orchestration on "Tomorrow Is Today" were removed. The 1971 version slowed down is so much better. It can be found on YouTube-- Google it and don't waste your time with this crappy re mix.

Joel was only 22 years old at the time that he released this debut album, and with hits like "Everybody Loves You Now", that he still plays live to this day, the talent was undeniable! Any fan who has listened to all of his music will agree that his musical style evolved slowly over the years as the 80's approached.But Cold SPring Harbor was as good as anything he released 10, 20, even 30 years later.

not bad but i only listen to 80s doowop billy joel

I used to listen to this cassette all the time and it sounds great now. I can't really listen to it now because it takes me back to a place I don't want to go but such a beautifully written record. Tomorrow is today is especially great.

My favorite BJ album. Pure uncommercial talent, before MTV. Just stellar!

This album is absolutely timelss Billy Joel. I love the simplicity of much of the orchestration and the heart wrenching songs are some of Billy Joels most relatable. I can't believe this is his debut album! What an amazing man and talent. I love how purely is piano and songwriting (not to mention singing) skills come out. If you want quality, unflitered Billy Joel this album is a must! "You Can Make Me Free" and "Got to Begin Again" far exceed some of his later hits in my opinion!