LP SEALED THE HASSLES - THE HASSLES BILLY JOEL 1968 UA ORIG PRESS NOT CUTOUT

$

250

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LP The Hassles (United Artists Records UAS 6631). This is the 1967 debut album by the Long Island-based band of the same name. While the band itself is not widely known, the album is a key piece of music history because of its keyboardist and vocalist, Billy Joel, who would go on to become a global superstar.

Musical Style and Content

• A Blue-Eyed Soul and Garage Rock Blend: The album is a fantastic blend of blue-eyed soul, garage rock, and psychedelic rock. The band's sound is driven by their powerful Hammond B3 organ and a tight rhythm section. The album is a reflection of the musical styles that were popular in the mid-1960s, a time when rock and roll was becoming more experimental and soulful.

• Billy Joel's Early Work: This album is most notable for being the first studio recording featuring Billy Joel. His vocal and keyboard work on the album is a key part of its sound. While he is not the lead vocalist on all the tracks, his playing is prominent throughout. The album gives a fascinating glimpse into his early musical sensibilities, which were more rooted in R&B and soul than the pop and rock of his later solo career.

• Standout Tracks: The album features a mix of originals and covers. Notable tracks include their cover of Sam & Dave's "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" and their original song "I Hear Voices." The album's a good example of the kind of music that was being made by garage rock bands in the New York area at the time.

Legacy and Collectibility

• A Rare and Desirable LP: The original United Artists Records UAS 6631 LP is a very rare and highly sought-after collectible. The album was not a commercial success, and it was quickly forgotten after its release. This makes a clean original pressing a prized possession for Billy Joel fans and collectors of '60s garage rock.

• An Important Historical Document: The album is a key historical document that shows the humble beginnings of a future rock legend. It provides a fascinating contrast to his later, more polished and commercially successful work. For this reason, it's a must-have for any serious Billy Joel collector.

• Sound Quality: The sound quality of the original pressing is generally good, capturing the raw, energetic, and Hammond B3-driven sound of the band. The cover art, with its groovy, psychedelic design, is also a key part of its appeal.

In summary, The Hassles is a fantastic and historically significant album. It's a great example of '60s garage rock and blue-eyed soul, and it provides a rare glimpse into the early work of a young Billy Joel.

LISTEN  “I Hear Voices”

• 1968 LP Released on United Artists Records # UAS-6631 (Stereo).    .
• This is a Sealed Gatefold Album and will Provide you with Brilliant Sound Quality from your Player. Slight corner wear. Slight missing shrink at corners. 4 inch shrink separation at bottom opening. No cut out marks. Hype & other sticker on front.