Well, I managed to make it through the day without locking my purse in the car and having to crawl into the trunk. So, I guess that's enough to ask for, right? Sure it is! But, I also got to listen to the remastered version of 1977's "The Stranger," as well as a June 3, 1977 concert at Carnegie Hall and, to close out the day, the March 14, 1978 performance on the BBC show "The Old Grey Whistle Test." What a magnificent day! If I'd have known it was going to be this wonderful, I would have probably offered to crawl into my trunk today, too.

Anyway, I have some observations. First, the album sounds as good as ever. It really makes a difference if you listen to it in surround-sound in a car on the way to work early in the morning. It also helps if you listen to it in the original order. I can't remember how long it's been since I've done that. I imagine it's been awhile since I don't own "The Stranger" on CD, and I don't even know where my tape of it is at the moment. Bottom line: I'm keeping this one in my car, so I can bust it out at a moment's notice for a commute full of pure joy.

The Carnegie Hall concert was also fun to listen to amid the afternoon traffic, and it was interesting to hear how songs started after hearing them dozens of times in the final incarnations. At times, I don't even think he remembered the correct words. At others, I heard words I never knew existed. For example, I think there was an extra verse of "The Entertainer" thrown in for fun. Then there was the whole "no smoking announcement," followed by the "house lights threat." And, the mention of Brian Ruggles' 25th birthday, followed by "Happy Birthday to You." Good times! But my favorite moment had to be toward the end of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood," where he actually said goodbye to "Mrs. Cannata" and "Mrs. DeVitto." I think I heard others, but I wasn't expecting it, so I wasn't really paying close attention. I'll definitely crank up the volume on it next time.

After I got home, I made dinner and popped the DVD into the player. "The Old Grey Whistle Test" was nearly an hourlong concert in the BBC television theater. It's hard to believe he was so young and had so much hair -- Liberty DeVitto, too! And even though it would be 12 years until I first saw him live, he had that stage presence I would come to know well. You could tell he was having fun with the band. Some of the songs sounded slightly different, but not necessarily bad -- just different.

And so, this is how I'm ending today. It's been a fun-filled musical Tuesday, so I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be a bit of a letdown. (Yes, that's right: I'm setting expectations low.)