Hubris Watch

For those of you who attended Episode Two of Wasp Cove, "Lights! Camera! Fashion!," you remember being treated to the opening number, in which Daryl Van Hampton ruefully sang Billy Joel's "The Stranger," alongside two Fosse-esque dancers, bedecked in harlequin masks.

Well, it looks like The Stranger is about to be re-released in a thirtieth anniversary edition, which is troubling and stupid. And yet, with its release comes a new wave of press.



This interview with Mr. Joel, courtesy of my friend Jeff Gordinier, is notable for its reveal that Billy waited until his 26 year-old wife was "out of college" before asking her out, because he is a CLASS ACT. He also admits that he's never been in a concentration camp, recommends an Italian restaurant at which you can "taste the love in the food," and confesses, sheepishly, that he's seen a scary ghost in the Hamptons, where ghosts live.

And the NY Times weighs in on the Man of the Piano today as well, adding a peppery observation into the Joel stew that the "fire" Billy sings about not having started seems innocent today. You know: after 9/11?

I wonder if it's too late for Billy Joel to release an extended cut of that track. After "What else do I have to say?!" Can he just shout, quickly, "Oh yeah! 9/11!"

Maybe for the 30th anniversary edition of Storm Front.