Ben Folds Five and Billy Joel reviewed.

BEN FOLDS FIVE

The Complete Sessions at West 54th

Sony BMG

****

American guitar-free trio Ben Folds Five, described by founder songwriter Ben Folds as "punk rock for sissies", released four superb alt-folkular albums in their short five-year career - the eponymous Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, Naked Baby Photosand The Unauthorised Biography of Reinhold Messner.

Originally recorded in 1997 just after the release of their second album, The Complete Sessions at West 54thfeatures deliciously self-deprecating performances of their early hits Brick, Song for the Dumped, Philosophy, Undergroundand Battle of Who Could Care Less.

To complete the treasure trove of memories is Spare Reels, a 45-minute film that includes live performances, random clips of the band from around the world and fascinating documentary footage from the recording sessions of The Unauthorised Biography of Reinhold Messner.

For fans who can never forget Ben Folds Five.

[ www.benfolds.comOpens in new window ]

JOCELYN CLARKE

BILLY JOEL

The Stranger

Sony BMG

***

He's something of a hard taskmaster, is Billy Joel, and a renowned perfectionist, which is why this 30th anniversary edition/reissue of his breakthrough album is one of the best DVD/CD packages around.

You might have reservations about his music (which can veer erratically between banal MOR and finely-wrought, astute pop songs), but there's litle arguing that the DVD featured here is testament to Joel's forthright confidence and innate talent.

The DVD includes an Old Grey Whistle Test In Concertsegment from 1978 and a new 30-minute documentary on the making of the album, featuring new interviews with Joel and the producer Phil Ramone.

[ www.billyjoel.comOpens in new window ]

TONY CLAYTON-LEA