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For my review of the album itself, please check out the 2CD re-release. This review concerns the 'extras' you get if you buy the box set.

So, the question is - if I already own the original album 'The Stranger', why should I buy the 30th Anniversary Deluxe Limited Edition box set? There are quite a few reasons, as well as the excellent sound quality of the original album, of course. Firstly, the box it comes in is really classy (it's about the same size as the 'My Lives' collection) and it includes two booklets. One is a reproduction of the notebook Billy used to write the lyrics for and to sequence the record and the second is large, glossy and contains some fantastic photographs as well as the written story of the making of the album. You also get a poster from one of Billy's 1977 shows on which he looks scarily like Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper - but don't let that put you off.

OK, all of those are rather nice to have but I'm sure if you're anything like me, you'll really be interested in the other CD and the DVD included in this package. Firstly, the CD. It is a live recording taken from Carnegie Hall on June 3rd, 1977, and it is seriously good. A powerful version of 'Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out Of Broadway)' opens the show which is then followed by a rip-roaring 'Prelude/Angry Young Man' and then the masterclass in jazzy-bluesy piano, 'New York State Of Mind' (all from the wonderful 1976' album, 'Turnstiles') which also features a magnificent saxophone solo.

Billy is in fine voice all the way through the concert. It's wonderful to hear him performing live at this age, when his voice still had that clear, higher quality and especially so on 'Just The Way You Are'. Some of the renditions of the songs on this live album rival their studio counterparts but this particular song sounds incredible performed live - it is performed with a passion which wasn't captured on the slightly cocktail lounge-like studio version. The gorgeous 'She's Got A Way' (from 1971's 'Cold Spring Harbor') is performed with a beautifully-fitting string accompaniment and proves to be a better live version than the 'Songs In The Attic' (1981 live album) cut.

Apart from the slightly long guitar introduction, 'The Entertainer' (from the underrated 1974 album 'Streetlife Serenade') is performed brilliantly and we're even treated to some lyrics which didn't make it to the original album version. 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant' makes full use of the orchestra they had that night and sounds phenomenal, as does 'Captain Jack' (from 1975's 'Piano Man'), the performance of which encapsulates virtually everything I love about this album and his live shows - the improvisation, the love for music, the re-invention and re-working of material to keep it fresh.

Up next is a wonderful and stirring rendition of one of my favourite songs from 'Turnstiles', the story of decadence and excess that is 'I've Loved These Days'. The version of 'Say Goodbye To Hollywood' on this album is perhaps the finest one I have heard either live or in the studio form - it is just breathtaking. Closing the album is the touching 'Souvenir' (from 'Streetlife Serenade'), one of the many highlights of his early years. I have to say that this is probably the best live album Billy Joel has ever released and this package is worth buying for this alone. Live in 1977, he was completely on top of his game and his passion for the material is more than evident. The piano playing is incredible, the band are magnificent and his voice is just heavenly at times.

The wealth of Piano Man riches doesn't end there. With the deluxe package, you get a DVD full of top-quality material, most notably the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' broadcast from 14th March, 1978 which features 10 songs performed live - it is an amazing show. Highlights include Billy doing 'New York State Of Mind' in the manner of Ray Charles, a phenomenal, blistering performance of 'Root Beer Rag' (from 'Streetlife Serenade') and a rocking version of 'Ain't No Crime' (from 'Piano Man', 1975). The whole show is a real joy and well worth the extra money for the box set. In addition to the 'Old Grey Whistle Test Show', there are also the promotional videos from 'The Stranger' and 'Just The Way You Are' and a 30-minute documentary about the making of the album. The documentary features interviews with Billy and Phil Ramone and is a very interesting half-an-hour. Some little facts divulged are that Joel's record company were considering dropping him before the release of the album and that George Martin was also approached about producing it. Of course, they didn't drop him, George Martin didn't produce him and, as they say, the rest is history.

All in all, this package is a must for any serious Billy Joel fan. Even though this isn't cheap, I would highly recommend it and, believe me, if you treat yourself to the deluxe box set, you won't regret it a moment. This is hours and hours of quality entertainment from the entertainer himself.

Rating: 5 out of 5