Billy Joel 52nd Street 45RPM (2 LP)

Numbered, Limited Edition! 180g 45rpm Edition!
Half-Speed Mastered From Original Master Tapes! Pressed at RTI!
Mainstream Perfection: Melodic Devices, Passionate Singing, Sophisticated Arrangements, Jazzy Backdrop Walk Down 52nd Street
Commanding Sonics: Mobile Fidelity Edition Sets the New Standard in How Joel’s 1978 Classic Should—and Does—Sound
Chart-Topper Certified Seven-Times Platinum: Includes “Big Shot,” “Honesty,” “My Life”
Some artists enjoy their success by repeating the steps that originally helped them achieve fame. Billy Joel did the opposite and refused to be limited or even defined by labels. "52nd Street", the follow-up to "The Stranger", with which the American musician made his breakthrough, further expanded on the bold production techniques and innovative arrangements of its predecessor, incorporated more refined textures and reflected the jazz influence that Joel had absorbed in New York's vibrant club scene. "52nd Street" was Billy Joel's sixth album, released on October 13, 1978 on Columbia Records. Although the record company was skeptical about the expected success due to the musical orientation, the album quickly developed into a worldwide million-seller and has now won 15 times platinum and 4 times gold! In addition, "52nd Street" also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
For the recordings, Joel teamed up with producer Phil Ramone again. The singer's conciseness and concentration is evident in the length of the songs, of which only "Until The Night" exceeds the six-minute mark. The three singles, especially the hit singles "Big Shot" and "My Life", sparkle with an urgency and intensity that Joel had not shown before. The combination of passionate vocals, sarcastic undertones and haunting grooves prepares the ground for what was to follow later. The Latin American and jazzy touch is certainly also due to the contributions of Dave Grusin and Freddie Hubbard, who, together with a team of great background singers and horn players, contribute to the unmistakable flair of the album. Everything is tastefully arranged, and yet the singer's typical Broadway look and his flair for grand gestures fit perfectly with the straightforward self-confidence of the production.
Lovingly mastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl (45 rpm) in MoFi's Californian studio, the strictly numbered double LP presents this classic in captivating audiophile quality and with a sound balance that is lacking in previous editions. With this reissue of "52nd Street", everything is just right: You will quickly hear why the album helped to redefine mainstream pop-rock and why Billie Joel would become the most successful musician of the late 70s!

Features:

• Numbered, Limited Edition
• 45rpm Speed Edition
• Half-Speed Production and Mastering by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
• Specially Plated and Pressed on 180 grams of High Definition Vinyl
• Pressed at RTI
• Special Static Free - Dust Free Inner Sleeve
• Heavy Duty Protective Packaging
• Mastered from the Original Master Tapes
• Full Lyrics Included
• Gatefold Jacket

Musicians:

• Doug Stegmeyer, bass, backing vocals
• Liberty DeVitto, drums
• Steve Khan, electric guitar, acoustic guitar
• Billy Joel, piano, vocals
• Richie Cannata, saxophone, organ, clarinet

Selections:

Side A
1. Big Shot
2. Honesty
3. My Life
Side B
1. Zanzibar
2. Stiletto
Side C
1. Rosalinda's Eyes
2. Half A Mile Away
Side D
1. Until The Night
2. 52nd Street