It's sooo exciting to hear a RUclipsr like yourself say, "I've never heard of Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." Having grown up with it, I can't fathom NOT knowing it.
This is pure Long Island, NOT the city. I grew up a few miles from where Billy Joel did on Long Island and i always loved that he called out familiar places like The Village Green and Parkway Diner.
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant is my favorite Billy Joel song... and it's also Billy Joel's favorite Billy Joel song. Also, this started as three partial songs that Billy couldn't figure out how to make whole songs out of. But then he took inspiration from the medley of songs on side two of The Beatles' Abbey Road album and combined them jnto one song.
That bass player was really cooking hard during those faster sections. Also check out his work on Only the Good Die Young, from this same album, it was a huge hit and it is a total banger. The Stranger as an album itself became quite iconic. Everything on its great and there were several radio hits. You could just start with the title track as the very first song on the album and just make your way through it; you wouldn't be disappointed.
Can’t argue with those who compliment Billy’s performance of this song in concert. He and his band were absolutely fantastic in concert. Amazing musicians. However, to say that the reviewer made a mistake in using the album track is silly. Every track on the album was beautifully performed and produced.
This is such a brilliant album. This song is basically a mini rock opera, and it tells such an authentic story of an Italian family. One of his best ever.
THE 100TH: BILLY JOEL AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - THE GREATEST ARENA RUN OF ALL TIME will air Sunday, April 14 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/ PT) on the CBS Television Network, and be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.
Billy Joel is a modern-day George Gershwin. If you don't know who he is, look him up. He was a prolific piano song writer in the 1930s. His music is classic, just like Billy Joel. They could make a movie out of this one song. Cheers 😂
such a great big of songwriting, the imagery...Joel said he was inspired by knowing the Beatles had made songs out of various pieces of song ideas they had lying around but didn't know what to do with them as they weren't finished songs. And so, Joel was able to cobble a few song ideas together to make this song in 3 acts, if you will. A beginning, a middle and an end. Great storytelling, great stuff!
Liberty de Vito was his longtime drummer. Very nice guy. The Stranger was produced by Phil Ramone and used some top shelf session guys like Hugh McCracken. Ritchie, Doug, and Liberty was the core of his touring band early on.
Hello Brewster! I grew up near Albany and have been listing to Billy Joel and this song since I was in high school (late 70's). Appreciate your insightful comments based on your musical knowledge.
Hi Lee, I was happy to hear this one tonight. I grew up less then two miles from Billy Joel the village Greens he was taking about in the song is a small set of stores, a park, and a town swimming pool in Levittown Long Island. Oh the stories I could tell
If you decide to review “Goodnight Saigon” (i wish you would) please use the official video version. It is bleak,gut wrenching and touching. At some of his concerts he brings veteran’s groups on stage to sing the chorus with him.
This is one of those few songs where the live version is better than the album recording. The concert at Long Island is best, right after this came out. Even if you can’t play it in the channel you will enjoy watching it.
Lee I was born and raised in New York City and understand exactly what you mean as far as moving furniture. I actually worked in the furniture business for many years.
i'm glad you're listening to Billy, but "We didn't start the fire" is his one song that I got tired of a long time ago, so I think it's great that you already know it and won't be reacting to it, ha ha. I will recommend "Prelude/Angry Young Man" to react to. Billy's long-time drummer, Liberty DeVitto, I recently saw on the Drumeo channel where he had to put it own interpretation on some music that's a lot heavier than Billy's. Even at 70+ years old, he absolutely aced it! I could hardly believe how much energy he had.
Almost a prog song here. Billy Joel knows how to tell a story. The Stranger album is, to understate, a masterpiece. To answer our host's question, yes, an accordian was used
Liberty Devitto is a hell of a good drummer. With Billy's band, he had to play a ton of different styles, and he's got great fills. He really keeps the song moving. You should listen to more Billy Joel just for the drums.
Looking for further suggestions to react to ? Here goes anyway.... "Everytime I Look at You", by Hall & Oates. Yes, I DID say Hall & Oates !! Their 'Abandonned Luncheonette' album is pure greatness (which 'Everytime' comes from- the last track on the album) Check 'er 8 !! 🚬😎👍
First there was Simon and Dylan in the 60’s, then came Joel and others in the 70’s. Boy was growing up a baby boomer grand, as I look back on the music thanks to you reactors, thank you L33 and other punk azz kids;)lol
A TRUE AMERICAN LEGEND,THE SONG SEEMS TO BE ABOUT A COUPLE WHO REUNITE AFTER A LONG TIME,WHILE REFLECTING ON THE LOST LOVE OF THIER YOUTH ,BRENDA AND EDDIE.
I worked for ESPN in the mid 1990s as an editor. My trips to/from Bristol, Ct. to my home here in South Jersey took me through Brewster plenty of times...NJ Turnpike/Garden State Parkway/87 & 287/684 to the Brewster/Danbury EXIT. I've been to a few Newburgh Nighthawk games at Delano-Hitch Stadium & Hudson Valley Renegades ball games in Wappinger's Falls. Nice area.
To those who know... he's singing about growing up on Long Island. In Levittown, where I grew up we have what are called "The Greens". Back in the day they were strip mall-ish... oft with a Grocier, Laundrymat, Deli and other amenities... and always across from the public pools and playgrounds that teens hung out in at night. We also have many Italian restaurants... and the Parkway diner... though named differently, i think he could be referring to The Broadway Diner in Hicksville where he grew up... as the diner is just south of 2 main East/West "highways", the LongIslandEpressway and the Northern State Parkway. But definitely a not to LI!
I usually identify this epic song with another one that came out around the same time-- "Marquee Moon" by Television. The songs aren't even closely similar, but they're both masterpieces.
This was not picked an originally as a single as several others were chosen from this legendary album though it was a favorite of mine it became a huge favorite of his fans as the years passed!
Well, I've heard of Hugh McCracken. He played guitar on Paul McCartney's Ram album and on John Lennon's Double Fantasy and Milk and Honey albums. A lot of classic artists. Paul Simon, Eric Carmen, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, James Taylor....
@@julianbarber4708 Yes, I know. One of the items that Long Islanders / New Yorkers say as part of their accent is to make words that end with an A sound like "ER". Brender, Linder, etc. I went to college with mostly tri-state residents and married a woman from Long Island who was quite close to her cousin Linda (Linder if you heard them say it) from Oceanside.
A bottle of red, a bottle of white(s) what a great word play to get around the 70s censorship...white is a bottle of wine , whites however is a sly reference to pills. ...great songwriter!❤
Why would anyone think that it is a reference to pills!? A couple of friends are having dinner and conversation at their Italian restaurant - so a bottle of wine is to be expected. And what would the point of a sly reference to pills even be? To paraphrase Freud, 'sometimes a bottle of white is just a bottle of wine.'
@@thomasmacdiarmid8251 because Thomas, if you listen closely , the beginning verse is Red , and White..of course red , and white wine...the second verse is Red and Whites! So was the couple slamming a couple of white wine bottles , cuz the single red wasn't doing the trick? Nope , a bottle of whites is a bottle of pills, and as the relationship deteriorated , and the meet again , whoa ho , drink some wine , but Drs pill. WHITES are involved! ..Read the first part of my comment,..WORD PLAY! Sorry you live in this snowflake society. ✌️
My favorite Billy Joel song. If you want to hear music from another great pianist (and one of my “musical geniuses”) check out some Joe Jackson. Start with Soul Kiss off of Big World. Another great Billy Joel song to check out is New York State of Mind.
Far be it from me to tell you what to do but maybe you should put the phone in another room while filming a video. Us watching you check your messages is not the content we come here for. Otherwise, great stuff as usual
I never complain about missing the lyrics as I’m mostly about the music, but it sure is a shame you got distracted during one of the best stories in a rock song you can find. You completely missed it. Oh well…onwards and upwards
A bottle of Red a bottle of White...first verse, second verse a bottle of White( s) ...so the red wine wasn't good , so they slammed a couple of White wine bottles? Nope...Whites, for the uninitiated, pre 1980s , WHITES ARE PILLS..!! Hence the Word play of a master songwriter!!! Billy backs it up by saying whatever your appetite....( Wasn't talking the bread) ...SO before you snowflakes attack me for pointing out the genius of a songwriter capturing the era, time , and think this song is about dinner...listen to the entire song! ....✌️
While it’s nice to be on one of the many top lists from Rolling Stone, most of those lists are garbage. Music and musician’s greatness are relative and surely personal. For me Scenes is far better than somewhere in the 300s. And, likely there are dozens that I think shouldn’t be anywhere near their list. I took the long way around to say: Take any Rolling Stone list with a grain of salt.
A bit disappointed with this reaction. The lyrics tell such a story, but you missed so much while talking about phone calls and dry mouth etc. I’m a big fan, but I don’t think you really heard the song… which is a shame … ‘cause it’s great
Well, not exactly rock 'n roll. Although nothing captures the spirit of rebellious youth like an Italian restaurant. In NYC. Joel is/was a talented guy but..how depressing. Just me. I hate NYC. An open sewer
It's sooo exciting to hear a RUclipsr like yourself say, "I've never heard of Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." Having grown up with it, I can't fathom NOT knowing it.
The Stranger is one of those perfect albums. Every song is great.
Except the last song I forgot exactly what its called
This is pure Long Island, NOT the city. I grew up a few miles from where Billy Joel did on Long Island and i always loved that he called out familiar places like The Village Green and Parkway Diner.
East green 60 year old here, I was Levittown he grew up in Hicksville. The stories I could tell…
@@lauracarlo1262 my ex is from Levittown.
I’ve lived in quite a few places on Long Island. Love me some Billy Joel.
My favorite Billy Joel song! The Stranger album is a classic, awesome tunes throughout.
Agreed!
Someone turned this song into a Broadway show several years ago where they danced and acted the whole thing out. It was fabulous.
Saw it! It was amazing!
Funny, I couldn’t have disliked that show more. They changed keys, changed tempos, whole show was just a bad Billy Joel cover band with dancing.
Yes I saw it didnt like it @@jmverlin
@@jmverlin
Yeah. I found it somewhat enjoyable in some parts, but overall disappointing.
New York state of mind..live in the day..blow your mind ❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
That dude is a modern day Mozart, with lyrics that are as impactful as the sound. He was in rare territory back then.
Billy Joel, this has to be his best peace of work 👏 🙌 🎉
52nd Street is an amazing album from Billy. Came out right after this one. It’s even jazzier and grittier. It’s beautiful
Great writer, singer, player and composer! Beatles, then Joel for me! Thanks
He was inspired to write this by the 2nd side of Abbey Road, tying several song fragments together...
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant is my favorite Billy Joel song... and it's also Billy Joel's favorite Billy Joel song.
Also, this started as three partial songs that Billy couldn't figure out how to make whole songs out of. But then he took inspiration from the medley of songs on side two of The Beatles' Abbey Road album and combined them jnto one song.
That bass player was really cooking hard during those faster sections. Also check out his work on Only the Good Die Young, from this same album, it was a huge hit and it is a total banger.
The Stranger as an album itself became quite iconic. Everything on its great and there were several radio hits. You could just start with the title track as the very first song on the album and just make your way through it; you wouldn't be disappointed.
The first sax solo makes me want ravioli.
Love your vids, man. Just honest reactions, no hyperbolic, performative responses. Good stuff.
I love Billy! Listen to the Stranger, I think you will like it.
💯
You need to go back and watch this "Live in Long Island ". Soooo worth it to see Billy rock out at a. Piano. You wont regret it. 😂❤❤
Great pick as the title song “The Stranger” is worthy of airtime as well 😊
You should really check out the live version. An amazing performance!!!
Hugh McCracken later went on to play on John & Yoko’s Double Fantasy album. He was a session player and played with a huge selection of artists.
Piano Man was his big hit that got him notoriety.
Can’t argue with those who compliment Billy’s performance of this song in concert. He and his band were absolutely fantastic in concert. Amazing musicians.
However, to say that the reviewer made a mistake in using the album track is silly. Every track on the album was beautifully performed and produced.
This is such a brilliant album. This song is basically a mini rock opera, and it tells such an authentic story of an Italian family. One of his best ever.
THE 100TH: BILLY JOEL AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - THE GREATEST ARENA RUN OF ALL TIME will air Sunday, April 14 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/ PT) on the CBS Television Network, and be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.
Billy Joel is a modern-day George Gershwin. If you don't know who he is, look him up. He was a prolific piano song writer in the 1930s. His music is classic, just like Billy Joel.
They could make a movie out of this one song.
Cheers 😂
such a great big of songwriting, the imagery...Joel said he was inspired by knowing the Beatles had made songs out of various pieces of song ideas they had lying around but didn't know what to do with them as they weren't finished songs. And so, Joel was able to cobble a few song ideas together to make this song in 3 acts, if you will. A beginning, a middle and an end. Great storytelling, great stuff!
"Angry Young Man" live. If not for Billy's absolutely smokin piano, then for Liberty DeVito's incredible drumming.
If I recall, Billy has stated that, of all the songs he's written, this is his personal favorite.
Billy is a home town favorite of us Long Islanders
you have great "omg this song has recalibrated my DNA" thumbnails, I gotta say
Liberty de Vito was his longtime drummer. Very nice guy. The Stranger was produced by Phil Ramone and used some top shelf session guys like Hugh McCracken. Ritchie, Doug, and Liberty was the core of his touring band early on.
Hello Brewster! I grew up near Albany and have been listing to Billy Joel and this song since I was in high school (late 70's). Appreciate your insightful comments based on your musical knowledge.
I’ve always admired Liberty DiVito’s drumming.
I worked in Brewster, small world Lee!!
The Stranger is arguably Billy’s best album! All 9 songs are fantastic! I would recommend you listen and react to the title track next
There are no artists like Billy anymore. We've gone back to finger paintings.
Try Gavin DeGraw...he's quite god and a great voice. T
I love epic songs like this.
You should see the live version of this song!
Hi Lee, I was happy to hear this one tonight. I grew up less then two miles from Billy Joel the village Greens he was taking about in the song is a small set of stores, a park, and a town swimming pool in Levittown Long Island. Oh the stories I could tell
Please React to all his hits!!! One of the best for sure! 👍
If you decide to review “Goodnight Saigon” (i wish you would) please use the official video version. It is bleak,gut wrenching and touching. At some of his concerts he brings veteran’s groups on stage to sing the chorus with him.
Hint: strong natural light on your paintings Will fade them over time.
This is one of those few songs where the live version is better than the album recording. The concert at Long Island is best, right after this came out. Even if you can’t play it in the channel you will enjoy watching it.
Such a great album.
Lee I was born and raised in New York City and understand exactly what you mean as far as moving furniture. I actually worked in the furniture business for many years.
i'm glad you're listening to Billy, but "We didn't start the fire" is his one song that I got tired of a long time ago, so I think it's great that you already know it and won't be reacting to it, ha ha. I will recommend "Prelude/Angry Young Man" to react to.
Billy's long-time drummer, Liberty DeVitto, I recently saw on the Drumeo channel where he had to put it own interpretation on some music that's a lot heavier than Billy's. Even at 70+ years old, he absolutely aced it! I could hardly believe how much energy he had.
Almost a prog song here. Billy Joel knows how to tell a story. The Stranger album is, to understate, a masterpiece. To answer our host's question, yes, an accordian was used
Liberty Devitto is a hell of a good drummer. With Billy's band, he had to play a ton of different styles, and he's got great fills. He really keeps the song moving. You should listen to more Billy Joel just for the drums.
Billy has endless hits. We Didn't Start the Fire is incredible! I highly recommend the title song from this album The Stranger. I'm from Queens, NY
He has a live performance on RUclips of this song, you really need to watch it
Lee, when did you live in Brewster, NY ? I lived in that area for 54 years before moving to Florida 6 years ago.
Looking for further suggestions to react to ? Here goes anyway....
"Everytime I Look at You", by Hall & Oates. Yes, I DID say Hall & Oates !!
Their 'Abandonned Luncheonette' album is pure greatness (which 'Everytime' comes from- the last track on the album)
Check 'er 8 !!
🚬😎👍
Billy had a monthly engagement at Madison Square Garden.
First there was Simon and Dylan in the 60’s, then came Joel and others in the 70’s.
Boy was growing up a baby boomer grand, as I look back on the music thanks to you reactors, thank you L33 and other punk azz kids;)lol
☮️💙💙💙😎morning friend!
Billy Joel has said that this is his favorite song he has written.
A TRUE AMERICAN LEGEND,THE SONG SEEMS TO BE ABOUT A COUPLE WHO REUNITE AFTER A LONG TIME,WHILE REFLECTING ON THE LOST LOVE OF THIER YOUTH ,BRENDA AND EDDIE.
Lee, I lived on the Brewster/Carmel line for 6 years. Anyway, Billy Joel is brilliant. No clue why so many self-proclaimed music 'experts' rag on him?
I worked for ESPN in the mid 1990s as an editor. My trips to/from Bristol, Ct. to my home here in South Jersey took me through Brewster plenty of times...NJ Turnpike/Garden State Parkway/87 & 287/684 to the Brewster/Danbury EXIT. I've been to a few Newburgh Nighthawk games at Delano-Hitch Stadium & Hudson Valley Renegades ball games in Wappinger's Falls. Nice area.
Now you’re talking! This song is to Billy Joel as stairway to heaven is to Led Zeppelin
To those who know... he's singing about growing up on Long Island.
In Levittown, where I grew up we have what are called "The Greens".
Back in the day they were strip mall-ish... oft with a Grocier, Laundrymat, Deli and other amenities... and always across from the public pools and playgrounds that teens hung out in at night.
We also have many Italian restaurants... and the Parkway diner... though named differently, i think he could be referring to The Broadway Diner in Hicksville where he grew up... as the diner is just south of 2 main East/West "highways", the LongIslandEpressway and the Northern State Parkway.
But definitely a not to LI!
He did this one when we saw him a few weeks ago
You should really check out the video Live from Long Island. The band act out the scenes and the whole thing is FIRE!!!
I usually identify this epic song with another one that came out around the same time-- "Marquee Moon" by Television. The songs aren't even closely similar, but they're both masterpieces.
ruclips.net/video/nA8oIK0NmKc/видео.html your welcome ;)
This was not picked an originally as a single as several others were chosen from this legendary album though it was a favorite of mine it became a huge favorite of his fans as the years passed!
Checkout 'Leningrad' by Billy.....outstanding and very moving.
My favorite BJ song.
Well, I've heard of Hugh McCracken. He played guitar on Paul McCartney's Ram album and on John Lennon's Double Fantasy and Milk and Honey albums. A lot of classic artists. Paul Simon, Eric Carmen, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, James Taylor....
Billy Joel is great natural whistler, you can hear it on The Stranger
youve got to see te live version
Captain Jack from the Piano Man album is awesome
Billy Joel's cover of "Hey Girl" -- written by Carole King and Jerry Goffin, and available on RUclips -- is simply gorgeous.
"Brender and Eddie...."
'Brenda' surely.
@@julianbarber4708 Yes, I know. One of the items that Long Islanders / New Yorkers say as part of their accent is to make words that end with an A sound like "ER". Brender, Linder, etc.
I went to college with mostly tri-state residents and married a woman from Long Island who was quite close to her cousin Linda (Linder if you heard them say it) from Oceanside.
@@nflr92 Aah!
Long Island accents are great. Suzanna becomes Suzanner, saw becomes sawr, toilet becomes terlet. 😂
Those early albums are all good, Turnstiles and Streetlife Serenader are both worth checking out. The Stranger is hard to fault.
You really don’t know your woodwind instruments too well. It’s funny.
He was married to Christie Brinkley and they had a daughter together.
Liberty one of my Top 5 drummers. Not technically as good as others, but always perfect for the song.
I'd also recommend watching the Live from Long Island video from 1982 to see these guys live in their prime.
You lived in Brewster? I'm just a few miles south of Brewster.
Yup I lived there for about a year! Beautiful area.
A bottle of red, a bottle of white(s) what a great word play to get around the 70s censorship...white is a bottle of wine , whites however is a sly reference to pills. ...great songwriter!❤
Why would anyone think that it is a reference to pills!? A couple of friends are having dinner and conversation at their Italian restaurant - so a bottle of wine is to be expected. And what would the point of a sly reference to pills even be? To paraphrase Freud, 'sometimes a bottle of white is just a bottle of wine.'
@@thomasmacdiarmid8251 because Thomas, if you listen closely , the beginning verse is Red , and White..of course red , and white wine...the second verse is Red and Whites! So was the couple slamming a couple of white wine bottles , cuz the single red wasn't doing the trick? Nope , a bottle of whites is a bottle of pills, and as the relationship deteriorated , and the meet again , whoa ho , drink some wine , but Drs pill. WHITES are involved! ..Read the first part of my comment,..WORD PLAY!
Sorry you live in this snowflake society. ✌️
My favorite Billy Joel song. If you want to hear music from another great pianist (and one of my “musical geniuses”) check out some Joe Jackson. Start with Soul Kiss off of Big World. Another great Billy Joel song to check out is New York State of Mind.
Listen to Uptown Girl
Far be it from me to tell you what to do but maybe you should put the phone in another room while filming a video. Us watching you check your messages is not the content we come here for. Otherwise, great stuff as usual
Like McCartney he can string together several melodies in the same song
I think he once said he was inspired by McCartney and that's why he did it. Very successfully, imo.
Do yourself a favor & check out the Live on Long Island 1977 version on RUclips, Killer Band Live👌
Errore da principiante non mettere la versione live 😔😔😔
“…..Rosé instead.”
I never complain about missing the lyrics as I’m mostly about the music, but it sure is a shame you got distracted during one of the best stories in a rock song you can find.
You completely missed it.
Oh well…onwards and upwards
How did I get distracted from the story? I literally talked about in the recap lol
@@L33Reacts believe you said he painted a perfect picture of a night in NY.
A bottle of Red a bottle of White...first verse, second verse a bottle of White( s) ...so the red wine wasn't good , so they slammed a couple of White wine bottles? Nope...Whites, for the uninitiated, pre 1980s , WHITES ARE PILLS..!! Hence the Word play of a master songwriter!!! Billy backs it up by saying whatever your appetite....( Wasn't talking the bread) ...SO before you snowflakes attack me for pointing out the genius of a songwriter capturing the era, time , and think this song is about dinner...listen to the entire song! ....✌️
Are you in a basement
While it’s nice to be on one of the many top lists from Rolling Stone, most of those lists are garbage. Music and musician’s greatness are relative and surely personal. For me Scenes is far better than somewhere in the 300s. And, likely there are dozens that I think shouldn’t be anywhere near their list. I took the long way around to say: Take any Rolling Stone list with a grain of salt.
Billy Joel is getting ready to end a ten year once a month residency at NY Madison square garden. Every show a sellout
Mi dispiace ma live è tutta un'altra cosa ... Nettamente meglio ... Piano Man da giovane "live" era un vero portento .... 🎹👏
Live is much better
A bit disappointed with this reaction. The lyrics tell such a story, but you missed so much while talking about phone calls and dry mouth etc. I’m a big fan, but I don’t think you really heard the song… which is a shame … ‘cause it’s great
Well, not exactly rock 'n roll. Although nothing captures the spirit of rebellious youth like an Italian restaurant. In NYC. Joel is/was a talented guy but..how depressing. Just me. I hate NYC. An open sewer
Always the same = you should be paying attention to the song and you’re talking over the singer about nothing. No like no subscribe
Bro stay off the fucking phone