Cold Spring Harbor Problem
5
By songrevier3701
This was Billy Joel’s first album, originally recorded on vinyl. Famously, the original acetate was broken, and sped up the album, making Billy Joel sound like a girl. When Joel found out, he allegedly threw the disk like a frisbee, and they couldn’t fix the issue because they lost the acetate and had already pressed 1,500 records. Thankfully, in 1981, a “fixed” version of the album was released. This album includes famous hits like “She’s got a Way” and “Everybody loves You Now”, but even after the edited record was released, the damage had been done, and Joel had released 4 albums.
❤️
5
By Trust and Us
❤️
Amazing
5
By yikes 6879
Billy Joel is the greatest
AWESOME
5
By MustangSuzy
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.
One good track, but mostly bad
2
By Mreeves_seattle
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.
I Love It But...
5
By JanDean101
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
Not the best version
3
By ^town
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 a musical prodigy, no doubt!
5
By Cyborg73
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.
its ok
3
By vleon101
not bad but i only listen to 80s doowop billy joel
Brilliant!!
5
By Draven2327
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.
Far and above
5
By 99gumdrops
My favorite BJ album. Pure uncommercial talent, before MTV. Just stellar!
My absolute favorite
5
By Elofanboy
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!
40 Years ago?!
4
By Middle-Age Snow Day
I can't believe this album is 40 years old!
There is nothing dated about it. It easily could have been written last week.
I know in interviews Joel has said this isn't one of his faves (even with the album speed being corrected)
But I think it's got some real gems on it - "You Can Make Me Free" being a real standout.
Cold Spring Harbor is the beginning of an amazing career of one of the planets greatest singer/songwriters.
Just OK
3
By Jes Pinkman
OK
His best work
5
By TomLMC
An easy album to miss, with only one hit on the list, but his best. In spite of the recording problems, this is Billy at his most honest. The album couldn't have more integrity. As his first, you can hear his love for the Beatles in terms of melodic craftsmanship, but his narrative is definitely his own. Some of these songs still hit me right in the guts.
Lost gem is an understatement!!!
5
By wackojacko1997
I think that most people that are remotely familiar with Billy Joel know the songs that show up on the Greatest Hits Vol I & II. I personally think that Billy Joel's best work is the stuff that didn't make for lots of radio play, and I would submit the album as Exhibit A. Great stuff.
Just Buy It!
5
By The Piano Man 2017
Theres a better deal on amazon its $4.97 but anyway you buy it just buy it ! its my 2nd favorite billy joel album
Outstanding!!
5
By TheStuvy
Billy was very young here but the talent is undeniable. its great to hear if you enjoy billys later music, because you can really hear the talent that was about to emerge in the years to come.
Fantastic
5
By MoreCowbell07
This is easily one of the best albums ever done. Billy Joel is a musical genius, and this album proves that. Music doesn't come like this anymore, in one word: beautiful.
