Songs in the Attic is the first live album by Billy Joel, released in 1981.
At the time of its release, it was the first widely available appearance of music from his first album, Cold Spring Harbor, released in 1971.
History
In the liner notes, Joel writes that Songs in the Attic introduced his earlier work to fans who had come to know his work after The Stranger. In that earlier work, most of the instruments were played by session musicians while Joel himself sang and played piano, keyboards, and harmonica. But by the late 1970s, Joel had a fairly consistent touring/recording band and wanted to showcase his songs as played by his band.
The single-releases included: "Say Goodbye to Hollywood", which peaked at #17 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100; and "She's Got a Way", which reached #23 on the same chart; and "You're My Home".
Five promotional music videos were filmed: four of them recorded at Sparks Saloon in Huntington, NY, and one in a recording studio. Three were released as worldwide official singles.Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Everybody Loves You Now" (not a single) directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks); "You're My Home" directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks); "Los Angelenos" (not a single, though a Japanese 7" vinyl was in existence) directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks); "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks); "She's Got a Way" live in a studio.
Track listing All songs written by Billy Joel.
Personnel Billy Joel – vocals, piano, synthesizer, harmonica David Brown – lead guitar, acoustic guitar Russell Javors – rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar Doug Stegmeyer – bass Richie Cannata – saxophone, organ Liberty DeVitto – drums, percussion
Technical Produced by Phil Ramone Engineered by Jim Boyer, Bradshaw Leigh, and Larry Franke Mixed by Elliot Scheiner and Jim Boyer Remixed by Phil Ramone Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, NYC Design – Paula Scher Photography – Dan Weaks
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1981–82)PeakpositionAustralian (Kent Music Report)9Canadian Albums (RPM)21Japanese Albums (Oricon)3New Zealand Albums (RIANZ) 30Norwegian Albums (VG-lista) 12Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)38UK Albums (OCC) 57US Billboard 2008West German Albums (Media Control)51
Year-end charts Chart (1981)PositionAustralian Albums Chart53Canadian Albums Chart69Chart (1982)PositionUS Billboard 20098
Certifications/Sales
References