Billy Joel’s last album of pop-rock music was 1993’s mediocre ‘River of Dreams,’ but this single shows there is still talent burning.

Nothing in a new Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame exhibit feels dated. Billy Joel’s music, while of a time, is timeless.

Released 45 years ago today, ‘Streetlife Serenade’ arrived at a time when Billy Joel was more singer-songwriter than stadium-filling showman.

Returning to songs by the Beatles, Talking Heads, R.E.M. and others that – despite being pretty much incomprehensible – captured the public’s imagination.

‘A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia’ finds Billy Joel exhibiting an enthusiasm, an utter joy, that’s as contagious as it is seemingly gone forever.

Denny Seiwell had played with Zoot Sims and J.J. Johnson before joining Paul McCartney and Wings. His work on 1971’s Ram, in fact, arrived even as he played dates with Billy Joel and James Brown, among others. You May Also Like: Why ‘Red Rose Speedway’ Ended Up Fracturing Paul McCartneyRead More

It came as something of a surprise to me, but this compilation has a way of illuminating new corners in Billy Joel’s legacy.

My first encounter with the musicianship of fusion guitarist Steve Khan came from Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52nd Street. I still remember a studio picture of Khan in the vinyl record’s sleeve, big black hair, mustache, guitar and all. These days, Khan doesn’t have the big black hair anymore, butRead More

Here was Billy Joel: talented, confident and getting ready to bust out into superstardom.