We often record way more than we can release on our bi-weekly episodes. That's why we always save the last episode of the year for odds and ends

It's our collection of outtakes and diversions that made for great conversation but wouldn't find a home in the episode we were recording.

This year we've got two heaping spoonfuls: First is an impromptu discussion about record collections that became a eulogy of sorts for a musical Legend who passed away earlier this year. 

Then we've got a second helping of our great conversation with Dan Orlando. It's a continuation of our previous episode with the piano player and singer for the Lords of 52nd Street that we published a few weeks ago.

The turkey may need to be microwaved, but there's still plenty of meat on that bone. So join us as we raid the Tupperware for some great leftovers from 2024.

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Since joining the Lords of 52nd Street in 2021, Dan Orlando's post as piano player and lead singer has become much more than a job, albeit a crucial one, in a legacy act.

The group features the music of Billy Joel played by Liberty DeVitto, Richie Cannata and Russell Javors, who played live and in the studio on most of Billy's biggest hits. Over the last few years, the ties between Dan and his bandmates have extended far beyond their performances. The experience also rejuvenated his passion for writing, recording and producing new music.

That includes Heritage Trail, Dan's most recent album, released earlier this year, and more recordings and collaborations on deck for 2025.

In our conversation, Dan speaks about the impact his bandmates have had on him, discovering new aspects of songs he grew up on, and creating music for himself and others. 

Join us as we catch up with The Lords of 52nd Street’s own Dan Orlando.

More from Dan Orlando: https://danorlandojr.com

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The third disc of Billy Joel's My Lives Box Set reveals an aspect of his performances that the previous tracks only hinted at: His ability to channel other artists. 

The first two discs of the four-CD/one-DVD set focuses on unreleased songs, alternate versions of well-known tracks, and compositions that evolved into songs that Billy eventually released. 

Moments on those tracks hint at Billy's ability to mimic other singers. And the fact that his first drafts of songs are often written with different artists in mind. 

These points come to the forefront on Disc Three, which spotlights cover songs that BIlly released in the 90s. They include cuts for movie soundtracks and additional tracks for his Greatest Hits Volume III release. 

These previously-rare tracks offer a glimpse into how Billy could approach someone else's work. And, perhaps, an alternate version of where his career could have gone after River of Dreams. 

Join us as we dig deep into My Lives: Disc Three

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In April of 1976, Billy Joel hit the road with the first incarnation of the now-legendary Lords of 52nd Street lineup. The band toured in support of the album Turnstiles, the first official audio document of this group. And, late that year, they recorded the first concert home video of Billy’s career. 

That program, entitled “Billy Joel Tonight,” was filmed over two nights at the Palmer Auditorium in December. This band was already a cohesive unit when the tour began. But, after 8 months and dozens of shows, they were a unified force to be reckoned with for this recording. 

The video was available only through Time Life, and has been out of print for decades. The closest official digital release are the individual songs on Billy’s YouTube channel. Still, it ranks with Live From Long Island and CW Post as a seminal live document. 

For this episode, we’re listening along to the unedited, uninterrupted original video. It includes stage banter not on the YouTube videos. 

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel Tonight: Live at Palmer Auditorium in New London, CT - December 5th and 6th, 1976.

WATCH BILLY JOEL TONIGHT

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A storm arrived in Syracuse, NY in February of 1990 — two of them, actually. 

The region was hit by a major storm, dumping more than eight inches of snow. At the same time, Billy Joel brought his Storm Front tour to the Carrier Dome. 

This show was about two months into a string of dates that ended a two-year touring hiatus. And, it featured a lineup that was drastically different from his touring bands over the previous 14 years. 

Taking place just a few months before the well-documented Yankee Stadium performances, the Syracuse show is a glimpse into a typical night on this tour. It’s also a snapshot of a short-lived lineup that also helped revamp Billy’s sound. 

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s performance at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY, on February 2, 1990.

WATCH THE BILLY JOEL SYRACUSE 1990 CONCERT HERE

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1989’s Storm Front album found Billy Joel charting a new course for his career. Gone were longtime collaborators, including producer Phil Ramone and key band members Russell Javors and Doug Stegmeyer. 

Behind the scenes, Billy was embroiled in a lawsuit with his former manager as tens of millions of dollars hung in the balance. And, at least one song may allude to his marriage to Christie Brinkley already showing signs of strain. 

Despite these shakeups and unforeseen challenges, Billy delivered yet another multi-platinum album that earned him a new generation of fans. 

Co-produced by Billy and Mick Jones of the band Foreigner, the guitar-driven album was yet another abrupt stylistic turn in the 80s. And, listening to it 35 years later, it’s much more apparent that Storm Front was something of a high-wire act. 

Surrounded by a different creative team in a quickly-changing musical landscape, Billy managed to update his sound without coming off as an old head trying to sound young. And, he notched another bona fide timeless classic in “We Didn't’ Start the Fire,” a song that still lives in pop culture today. 

Alongside that single’s massive success are a handful of songs that in turn betray familiar themes, commentaries on then-current events, and a few fan favorites. 

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s 1989 album Storm Front.

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Depending on the time of year, 1974 is either a period of uncertainty in Billy Joel’s career, or the first signposts of the superstardom to come. 

He begins the year touring behind the Piano Man record, which ultimately falls off the charts. Record label execs then hurry Billy into the studio to record what he regards as its lackluster follow-up Streetlife Serenade. 

But by the end of 1974, Billy’s setting up for the success he’ll soon enjoy. Most notably, Doug Stegmeyer joins the band on the Streetlife Serenade tour. The bassist will go on to play with Billy for the next thirteen years. And, he’ll bring in many of the core members for Billy’s band in time for them to record and tour behind his next album, Turnstiles. 

Press clippings from this year feature some of the first mentions of ideas and themes that will blossom over the next few decades. Reviewers note his penchant for energetic live shows and theatrical songwriting. In interviews, Billy also discusses his aspirations toward classical composers.

It all adds up to a year that may seem low-key at first glance, but a closer look reveals the pieces falling into place for his upcoming reign at the top of the charts. 

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel in 1974.

• Post-episode note - Michael mentions October 1, 1974 as the release date of Streetlife Serenade. It looks like he accidentally left off a '1' form his notes. The correct release date of Streetlife Serenade is October 11, 1974.

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Fall of 2024 is upon us! What is typically time for our next playlist installment, we're adjusting the title and format of the series slightly and are happy to announce the Glass Houses Side Quests. Expanding the concept of the playlists, the options are limitless from more music concepts to long form conversations with friends, musicians, and other creatives.

For this first installment, Michael is up with a conversation with music and fellow podcaster Clint Wells. Clint is a guitar player, singer, and songwriter and serves as the guitarist in the Morgan Wade band. Clint is also the host of the long-running podcast Metal Up Your Podcast, which celebrates all things Metallica.

Enjoy!

METAL UP YOUR PODCAST

MORGAN WADE

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There's an often-overlooked part of Billy Joel's rise to fame as a recording artist: His track record as a songwriter for others. 

Before he was a superstar, Billy's songs were covered by dozens of performers from around the world. The trend arguably peaked in the late 70s with multiple renditions of his now-classic songs New York State of Mind and Just the Way You Are. But, the bulk of these recordings revolved around his earlier albums and lesser-known composition. 

We covered a large sample of Billy Joel cover songs on a previous episode. This time, we're joined by the director of the Billy Joel archives, John Jackson. He put together an extensive list of pre-1980 recordings and tracked the trends surrounding them. In our conversation, he also provides insight and context about the recording industry's practices during this era. 

Join us as we dig deep into cover versions of Billy Joel's songs from the 1970s.

PLAYLIST : Billy Joel - 1970s Covers

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Billy Joel's 10-year monthly residency at Madison Square Garden is now in the past. But its legacy has been preserved for the public to enjoy. In fact, the same can be said for his entire career.  

In this last installment of our series covering Billy at the Garden, we sit down for a lengthy interview with Steve Cohen. As Billy's lighting director for 50 years, Cohen also produced the CBS special documenting the 100th residency show. 

The special, which aired in April 2024, is currently up for four Emmy awards. A few days after the nominations were announced, Cohen gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at putting the show together - and a hint of what's to come. 

We're also exploring the Billy Joel exhibit at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. Currently on display in Stony Brook, NY, it features hundreds of rare items from handwritten sheet music to a Grand piano. 

Join us, as we dig deep into what goes into documenting Billy Joel’s historic Madison Square Garden residency, and his career as a whole.

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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