Saw Elton John at Dodger stadium with Eric Clapton, Elton came out first and did his set and then Eric came out and did his set and then they both came out together and played a set, the concert lasted over 3hrs.
Exactly. He started out with English Blues singer Long John Baldry (from which Reg Dwight took the John in his stage name. When Leon Russell first saw Elton perform, he thought to himself that his career was in trouble. Here's some Baldry--see if you hear any similarity. ;) ua-cam.com/video/Bj_lZ4hkJd8/v-deo.html
Tumbleweed Connection is one of those great classic albums that you can say, "There's not a bad song on it." Brilliant concept, production and performance, start to finish.
Guys….Thank You so Much. This is so special. The previous album to Tumbleweed Connection is the Madman Across the Water. These 2 Albums will forever be the most iconic pieces of work from the Master! I lost my big brother a few years ago to cancer. He introduced me to these albums as I was a very young child. I still have these vinyls. Again, thank you.
Agreed, TM!! To split hairs, Empty Sky was Elton's first, overlooked album, followed by Elton John, his breakthrough album, Tumbleweed Connection, and then Madman Across the Water.
@@CuriousGeorge1111 And don't forget "Friends" and the live album "17-11-70" between "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Madman Across the Water". Some of Elton John's best work on those early albums.
Madman followed Tumbleweed and Friends, but yeah I agree with you. Honkey and Dont Shoot sre pretty damn good as well, but yeah those two albums you mentioned are super special, right before he became super huge.
@@reddoxx4754 17-11-70 is fantastic, and showcases the amazing power of the man and his piano. "Friends" did kind of slip my mind, thanks for reminding me--Friends, Honey Roll, and Can I Put You On are great records.
Arguably the best album EJ released. Top to bottom, it’s a masterpiece. No top 40 hits, but every song is a gem. Beautifully produced. Great reactions fellas!
I agree completely. Each song is a mini-movie, changing style, composition, arrangement, etc, to set the scene. And I love it's acoustic richness. It is my favorite of his albums.
This whole album has an Americana feel to it. His second big album in the U.S. He writes the music and Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics. During this period it was essentially a 3 piece band just before he added a guitar player.
@@willo8794 IMO the whole album is fantastic. WTNSP is fantastic, along with My Father's Gun, and Love Song. Son Of Your Father is a personal favorite, for its wise tale of the consequences of asking for charity.
@@willo8794 Hale fellow music lover, well met. ;) I discovered La and Che from Steely Dan reactions, and stayed for the rest. I was never a devoted Led Zeppelin fan, and they taught me a lot!
Please, feature more cuts from this album. All of it is righteous. So far as the “power” of his piano: I saw him during the Yellow Brick Road tour, when he still used the Grand. What struck me immediately was the great richness and clarity of the notes, along with the power. So whatever the “tricks” used, they weren’t limited to the studio.
Me too.....remember all the lights were out and they started playing funeral for a friend/loves lies bleeding and as the music got louder the lights started coming up and there he was. One of my all time favorite memories from my many concerts. My favorite album of his. But LOVE them ALL!
What a great, deep cut. The live album 11-17-70 is an unbelievable experience. It's the recording of a session broadcast on FM radio on that date. Elton and band are introduced to lukewarm applause then they do a set with this song and several others and at the end the applause, shouting, and general reaction are incredible.
Yes! The 1117 70 album is gold! I've had it in my collection ever since it came out and it's the best live sound of any album I have ever heard. And that includes Frampton comes alive.
@@tonydagostino6158 yeah and it was such an intimate setting. It was a small studio at WABC in New York. Probably weren't 100 people in the audience. Sounded so good so good!
As petite as Elton is, he has been known to break piano strings - an almost unbelievable feat. He's was a frustrated prodigy until he collaborated with Bernie Taupin. The rest is history. His ode to Gospel music is shown here and flavors many of his early tracks. Pls keep going down this deep dive.
He came out with a one-two punch in 1970 with his self-titled album (which has Your Song on it) and Tumbleweed Connection. The next one, Madman Across The Water, and Tumbleweed were his hommage to country or americana - but also gospel (Border Song, which Aretha covered). For something quite different, try the title track to Madman Across The Water.
The band stayed pretty consistent throughout the heyday of the 70s -- Dee Murray on bass, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Nigel Olsson drums, Ray Cooper on percussion. They were tight. The live version of this is excellent; I'd be interested to hear what you think of the piano playing/mix on that. Thanks for this reaction; it's a really excellent song.
That core, right there, was key to so many freaking great tracks. They don't get enough recognition as far as I'm concerned. Dee Murray on bass played some of the greatest bass lines around. That core group just felt the music in such the same way, they were so tight.
One of his best LIVE songs ever. Speeds it up, rocks out, packs a punch. Start of with his first live record "Live 11:17:70" where he absolutely ki**s this great song!
"Holy Moses" is Border Song, which I agree is fantastic. Elton wrote his only lyric in that song--the last verse, which he added because he thought the song was too negative without it.
This for some reason was always my favorite Elton John album and in particular this song... Thanks...I'll never forget thinking "How famous is a drummer who puts HIS name on the base drum.. not the band's name or lead artist.. Nigel Olsson was magic to myself as a young drummer...
Mad Man Across the Water album- Levon, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, the whole album is epic. Sadly, Elton never returned to that style of music. But still had great hits to come.
Dee Murray on bass. This is a special album. All great songs, pure perfection. This deserves your attention and I hope you can get to react to the entire album. Pure magic.
LOVE your guy's appreciation, respect and admiration for EJ's musical catalog that I hope you keep exploring from the first Empty Sky album to the most recent, The Lockdown Sessions, nearly 60+ years of ICONIC musical history (and counting)... I've been a LIFELONG EJ fan since I was 8 years old and I just turned "60 YEARS ON" lol , last September so his music and Bernie's lyrics have LITERALLY been The Soundtrack for MY Life, so it's THE BEST for me whenever I see and hear others listening to his historic discography for THEIR FIRST TIME!! And speaking of EJ's "HARD" piano playing, I once heard Bruce Hornsby say in an EJ tribute interview, that Elton has been known to play the piano SO hard and solid that he's actually broken piano strings, which if you know, is pretty difficult to do, just by playing it!!! Keep the EJ songs comin' !!! Peace and Gratitude from Calgary, Alberta, Canada! Shawn
One of Elton and Bernie’s all time best tunes with great production and arrangement! Elton was so good on piano!Paul Buckmaster with the incredible maestro of the orchestra and Gus Dudgeon directed the production. 2 of the very best that put Elton to the elite class.The whole album had their spin on country
Hi Joel, it's nice enjoying this with people who feel the same way about this. For me this album, and Elton's early work, is really something special. All the best.
@@CuriousGeorge1111 Thank you. His early works are what gave me so much pleasure and helped appreciate the blending of symphony music with pop and rock!
1st 6 or 7 albums are gold. This one and Empty Sky didn't get the airplay or have the hits, but the music is unbelievable. Just so many great songs and almost zero fill songs, almost every song is so listenable.
This is my favorite Elton John album. His song "Come Down In Time" is one of the most beautiful songs written. I finally got to see him live in 2019. It was a small venue and I had great seats. Just seeing his piano made me cry. I started taking piano lessons at 8. I learned a few songs but can only read music, not jam. Not easy reading his songs! It took me months to learn Funeral For A Friend.
According to Wikipedia: Sir Elton John started playing his grandmother's piano as a young boy, and within a year his mother heard him picking out Waldteufel's "The Skater's Waltz" by ear. After performing at parties and family gatherings, at age seven he began formal piano lessons. He showed musical aptitude at school, including the ability to compose melodies and gained some notoriety by playing like Jerry Lee Lewis at school functions. At age 11, he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, London, England. According to one of his instructors, John promptly played back, like a "gramophone record", a four-page piece by George Frideric Handel after hearing it for the first time.
Barry, I heard that too. La is right that Elton's piano playing isn't just mixed strong, it's amazing. To continue your tale, as I recall, early on, and agent put Elton in touch with lyricist/poet Bernie Taupin, creating a songwriting team for the ages. Elton wasn't just a prodigy at playing songs, he was at writing them too. He would look at a lyric, then go to the piano and write the song in 20 minutes or so. Bernie said it would bring him to tears, it was so miraculous. In fact Elton was impatient at writing and recording, and would not go back and fix flubs or improve individual bars. For example, in Country Comfort he says "pines" instead of "pine cones" and flubs "warehouse" and laughs. Elton said the first song on which he re-recorded individual phrase to get them right was Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me. The more you know... 🌈 😆
I absolutely love seeing young folks really get into this stuff. This song, album and these artists are very special. I am 63 and have been listening to this since it was released 52 years ago, and it is literally an emotional / spiritual experience to watch this happen. Music is, after all emotional and spiritual and meant to be shared or it dies.
@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 No doubt - he also had "Madman Across the Water" in between which included "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer". "Honky Chateau" of course containing "Rocket Man" and "Honky Cat". With "Crocodile Rock" in 1973 ("Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player") there was no looking back.
Guys, listen to this entire album, it’s my favorite Elton John album ever!! A classic, it’s an early one before he blew up and became more poppy & radio friendly! Just a superb album!! ✌🏻
I'm enjoying these tunes all over again vicariously thru you two. I dunno how old you are. I'm 55 and THIS is the soundtrack to my childhood. Straight up. I obviously don't recall when this came out in 1970...I was two! But I recall hearing these songs in late 1974 onward. Those early Elton records were ALL great. The core of the band was Dee Murray on bass, Davey Johnstone on guitars , Roger Pope on drums as well as Nigel Olsson who would take over the drum seat. But here there's a whole bunch of other musicians. Made for a PERFECT record
Elton John Wrote the Music that is why his piano is showcased. He has always been a great piano player. In almost all of the Elton John songs the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. They had a partnership in the music. Bernie Taupin was the silent partner that wrote the lyrics together with Elton John's music. Many fans did not know about Bernie Taupin being the co songwriter in Elton Johns music. Together they have written many great songs.
Exactamundo. And knowing that, we can listen for when Bernie is writing about himself, Elton, both of them, etc. For example, Tiny Dancer is about Elton and Bernie's early, triumphant trip to LA, where Bernie met his future wife: "Piano man He makes his stand In the auditorium Looking on She sings the songs The words she knows The tune she hums"
Oh, yes, this was his and Bernie's spin on country. There are other songs on this incredible album that make that point a LOT better even than did this fantastic song. Listen to the live version of this on the album "11-17-70" when Elton, Dee, and Nigel did it as a trio. You want to talk about powerful piano? There's no question of what's going on when it's just a trio and all you have is piano, bass, and drums. Thank you for featuring this album, gentlemen!
It's his Dynamic Range that impressed me as a kid and a piano player when I first got into His music. He'll go from Loud to Soft within two chords! Extraordinary control. (He did spend some time at the Royal Academy of Music as a teenager.) Classical control.
I think you're talking about Elton's hammer fingers, but he also weaves in the piano masterfully, even on synthesizer pieces like Funeral for a Friend, the piano line is evident amongst all the sounds.
I saw Elton when I was 15. 2 weeks before the release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. He played that entire album, all four sides. Intermission, then came back and did songs from Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across The Water, self titled place, Friends and other greats. Totally amazing.
When I saw him in concert for the third time, he was in the beginning of the first song and stopped. He went on a rant about the stage being too far away from the people. He wanted to see us and let us see him. He stayed at the very edge of the stage the whole time to be closer to us. Damn that was fire. He loves his millions of fans.
You nailed i! This is a spin on country music. The whole album shares this thread and partially takes you back in time to a different culture. Thank you Mom for raising me with this in the background. And thank you gentlemen for feeling this one out.
There is a live version of this. Recorded during a live radio broadcast the album is entitled "11/17/70. Broadcast from the A&R recording studios in Philadelphia. This should be a whole album listen, but Burn Down the Mission is a must. You'll be amazed at what just 3 musicians are capable of.
That voice is so iconic. He is Captain Fantastic. This was what I listened to at age 13. This and so much of what you guys have covered. The 70's were an amazing time for music. We were lucky and you are lucky to hear this passed down to you.
Thank you so much for reacting to my suggestion. Sharing this with fellow fans, and seeing you bob your heads to my choice is such a joy, along with your insights. Sorry Elton's publisher copyright struck you!! Here's some context someone might enjoy: Elton's breakthrough album, Elton John, with his first hit record, Your Song, came out during my impressionable high school years, and I have closely followed his music ever since. Though he's rightly revered for his later, glossy, beautifully produced and recorded pop records like Daniel, I prefer his less known, earlier, ballsy, R & B influenced records. In order: "Elton John", "Tumbleweed Connection", "Madman Across the Water", and "Honky Chateau". These have a thicker, more acoustic and rootsy sound, and many capture Americana remarkably well for a couple of brits. Though they are less well known that Elton's later mega-hits like Daniel, I think they are something special. Burn Down The Mission comes from Tumbleweed Connection--the album after Elton's breakthrough album, Elton John. Tumbleweed Connection was released October 1970 (!) The band The Band was popular then with their rootsy, acoustic-based songs of Americana (classics in their own right), and Elton's producers thought that style would work well for Elton. Boy do I agree. Tumbleweed Connection features cinematic, expansive, unconventionally-structured songs of 1800s Americana, and is my favorite of his albums. I agree with Che that this is Elton's take on country--the songs feature acoustic instruments and tell country tales. But as you have observed before, those Brit rockers just have to britify songs. I was hoping you would notice the bass, La. To answer your question, Elton had the same band for most of his career. From Wikipedia: "The band was originally formed by John in 1970 as a trio, consisting of himself, drummer Nigel Olsson, and bassist Dee Murray. They first appeared together on disc with John on the album Tumbleweed Connection, which was released that same year. Over the next few years, guitarist Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper also joined the band, forming the band's classic lineup. The critical success of the band was at its peak in the 1970s, when they released a streak of chart-topping albums in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). " Context of the song itself: Many early western towns were founded by groups of Spanish Missionaries, Who preached Catholicism ("You tell me there's an angel in your tree") and, with the help of native converts, built walled mission compounds from which they preached, taught and guided, the more primitive local populace. Many California cities are named after the missions that founded them--Santa this, Santa that. 😉 Burn Down The Mission is told by such a local dweller who, resentful of the mission's wealth, calls for burning and sacking it. I hope you enjoyed the song and the info as much as I did sharing it. Thanks for making my week. 😁 All the best!
Here's a live version from his classic early live album--his piano work is even more powerful than the studio version! : ua-cam.com/video/6UWrIOqXxCE/v-deo.html
Always loved this, it was a different sound from Elton than I was familiar with. Love how it changes from slow to fast and slow again. More PLEASE 🤗 👍🏻💯
This one is even better live. Saw him in October and he still plays with all that strength. Agree with the other comments about checking out Madman Across the Water.
This is a great great album. Early Elton was the best Elton. This is one of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite albums. I'd like to suggest that you give him the Led Zepplin treatment & give a listen to him in a historical context beginning with this album. You will see just how diverse his sound was. This was his most country sounding album, but he has tons of great stuff.
Grew up with Elton playing all the time. Every album as if not better. We wore the yellow of the yellow brick rd album. Saw him in concert 3 times and it was awesome. Played lying on the floor on his back. Lying down on it looking down on the keys and any other way amaginable. LOL moment when he try to break his chair for gifts to the audience but can't hes so frail. The bodyguards come out and crumble it snd he hands it out. And wore many different crazy ass expensive glasses during the concert. THANKS
Boys, do you hear the flames actually burning it down at:7:25 on your video (and after until the end) Elton's full composition on this is so over the top. Flutes, horns, percussion, bass, keys, strings, etc.... It actually sounds like flames are taking over. So amazing!
This album came out in October, 1970 in the UK and January, 1971 in the U.S.. Elton has referred to this record as their Wild West album due to its subject matter and production.
This album brings me back to a time...most people I knew lived communally in big old houses, we played backgammon and such in eclectically decorated homes, drugs were around, we partied but most of all we listened to music, it was there all the time. Kind of a soundtrack to the times, these early ones with Elton John were there.
I had the privilege to see the tour he did in support of this album, and a few other times. I was so blown away by this man's energy, been a lifelong fan since.
My favorite songs on this album are My Father’s Gun and Amoreena. Tumbleweed Connection feels like what the south must have been like after the civil war.
Saw him live in 1974 in Seattle. Great concert second only to seeing Zeppelin in 1975. This gentleman is why it is called classic rock. Like Bach we will, I mean people will be listening to it a 100 years from now.
You have discovered pure gold. This album is one the finest of all time...by any artist. Blues, gospel, RnR. This album has it all.
Amen!
This album is my favorite EJ album.
One of those rare albums....every track is a gem!
@@kathyrams Yeah, mine too. It's EJ at the peak of his musical craft, followed by Mad Man Across The Water, another master work.
Saw Elton John at Dodger stadium with Eric Clapton, Elton came out first and did his set and then Eric came out and did his set and then they both came out together and played a set, the concert lasted over 3hrs.
Best Elton John song EVER!
This whole album is a masterpiece! This album has a lot of country influence as you picked up.
Early Elton John was real good. This is one of those people that if you didn't buy and listen to whole albums you really missed out.
Early Elton is just fabulous. So bluesy and soulful
Exactly. He started out with English Blues singer Long John Baldry (from which Reg Dwight took the John in his stage name. When Leon Russell first saw Elton perform, he thought to himself that his career was in trouble.
Here's some Baldry--see if you hear any similarity. ;) ua-cam.com/video/Bj_lZ4hkJd8/v-deo.html
Early Elton John is the best Elton John, imo
Agreed. He did fantastic music later, but his early work has a special place in my heart.
Tumbleweed Connection is one of those great classic albums that you can say, "There's not a bad song on it." Brilliant concept, production and performance, start to finish.
Guys….Thank You so Much. This is so special. The previous album to Tumbleweed Connection is the Madman Across the Water. These 2 Albums will forever be the most iconic pieces of work from the Master!
I lost my big brother a few years ago to cancer. He introduced me to these albums as I was a very young child. I still have these vinyls. Again, thank you.
Agreed, TM!! To split hairs, Empty Sky was Elton's first, overlooked album, followed by Elton John, his breakthrough album, Tumbleweed Connection, and then Madman Across the Water.
@@CuriousGeorge1111 And don't forget "Friends" and the live album "17-11-70" between "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Madman Across the Water". Some of Elton John's best work on those early albums.
Mad man is my favorite but this is close.
Madman followed Tumbleweed and Friends, but yeah I agree with you. Honkey and Dont Shoot sre pretty damn good as well, but yeah those two albums you mentioned are super special, right before he became super huge.
@@reddoxx4754 17-11-70 is fantastic, and showcases the amazing power of the man and his piano. "Friends" did kind of slip my mind, thanks for reminding me--Friends, Honey Roll, and Can I Put You On are great records.
Arguably the best album EJ released. Top to bottom, it’s a masterpiece. No top 40 hits, but every song is a gem. Beautifully produced. Great reactions fellas!
I agree completely. Each song is a mini-movie, changing style, composition, arrangement, etc, to set the scene. And I love it's acoustic richness. It is my favorite of his albums.
This whole album has an Americana feel to it. His second big album in the U.S. He writes the music and Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics. During this period it was essentially a 3 piece band just before he added a guitar player.
Fucking love this song!
My favorite from this album by far is Come Down In Time. This song is fire. Thanks for appreciating it. ❤
Yes please❤
Love it too, absolutely beautiful ❤
Achingly melancholy song about being stood up....and we've all been there a time or two.
That entire CD is awesome. Where to now St. Peter is perfection.
Amoreena is awesome too
@@willo8794 IMO the whole album is fantastic. WTNSP is fantastic, along with My Father's Gun, and Love Song. Son Of Your Father is a personal favorite, for its wise tale of the consequences of asking for charity.
@@CuriousGeorge1111
I agree. It’s in regular rotation although I haven’t played it lately. These guys got me hooked on Steely Dan and The Wall 😂
I took myself a blue canoe....
@@willo8794 Hale fellow music lover, well met. ;) I discovered La and Che from Steely Dan reactions, and stayed for the rest. I was never a devoted Led Zeppelin fan, and they taught me a lot!
"Madman Across the Water", "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".....!!!
I wore out the needle of my record player playing Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection album back in the 70s 👏
❤
Please, feature more cuts from this album. All of it is righteous. So far as the “power” of his piano: I saw him during the Yellow Brick Road tour, when he still used the Grand. What struck me immediately was the great richness and clarity of the notes, along with the power. So whatever the “tricks” used, they weren’t limited to the studio.
I finally got to see him in Detroit at JLA in October of 2001. It was quite intense & incredible.
Amen, brother.
Me too.....remember all the lights were out and they started playing funeral for a friend/loves lies bleeding and as the music got louder the lights started coming up and there he was. One of my all time favorite memories from my many concerts. My favorite album of his. But LOVE them ALL!
What a great, deep cut. The live album 11-17-70 is an unbelievable experience. It's the recording of a session broadcast on FM radio on that date. Elton and band are introduced to lukewarm applause then they do a set with this song and several others and at the end the applause, shouting, and general reaction are incredible.
👍😎 My favorite Elton album, in my top 10 of all albums. I like 60 years on.
Yes! The 1117 70 album is gold! I've had it in my collection ever since it came out and it's the best live sound of any album I have ever heard. And that includes Frampton comes alive.
@@jhamptonjr I love the way everybody absolutely loses their shit at the end of the show. "The crowd goes wild" as they say
@@tonydagostino6158 yeah and it was such an intimate setting. It was a small studio at WABC in New York. Probably weren't 100 people in the audience. Sounded so good so good!
As petite as Elton is, he has been known to break piano strings - an almost unbelievable feat. He's was a frustrated prodigy until he collaborated with Bernie Taupin. The rest is history. His ode to Gospel music is shown here and flavors many of his early tracks. Pls keep going down this deep dive.
Thanks Angeelslvhf, you understand. :)
He came out with a one-two punch in 1970 with his self-titled album (which has Your Song on it) and Tumbleweed Connection. The next one, Madman Across The Water, and Tumbleweed were his hommage to country or americana - but also gospel (Border Song, which Aretha covered). For something quite different, try the title track to Madman Across The Water.
The band stayed pretty consistent throughout the heyday of the 70s -- Dee Murray on bass, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Nigel Olsson drums, Ray Cooper on percussion. They were tight. The live version of this is excellent; I'd be interested to hear what you think of the piano playing/mix on that. Thanks for this reaction; it's a really excellent song.
Elton John had one of the best bands of the early to mid-seventies. Absolutely.
That core, right there, was key to so many freaking great tracks. They don't get enough recognition as far as I'm concerned. Dee Murray on bass played some of the greatest bass lines around. That core group just felt the music in such the same way, they were so tight.
The live band was consistent, but the albums always featured a lot of different players. Herbie Flowers plays bass on this track, for instance
@@JoaquinSticktrue and I love Caleb Quaye's work on this album. The brother is all kinds of awesome. He sure can make that guitar SANG!!
One of his best LIVE songs ever. Speeds it up, rocks out, packs a punch. Start of with his first live record "Live 11:17:70" where he absolutely ki**s this great song!
Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums, from Elton's original band for this album.
Country Comforts is a must
This is the Elton John I love…for me, not later pop. This entire album is gorgeous! Thanks for playing it!
Madman Across the Water
Holy Moses
What Now, St. Peter
"Holy Moses" is Border Song, which I agree is fantastic. Elton wrote his only lyric in that song--the last verse, which he added because he thought the song was too negative without it.
Killer song! One of his best.
If you know, you know. 👍
This is top shelf Elton, congrats on finding the good stuff. Fun video, thanks’
This for some reason was always my favorite Elton John album and in particular this song... Thanks...I'll never forget thinking "How famous is a drummer who puts HIS name on the base drum.. not the band's name or lead artist.. Nigel Olsson was magic to myself as a young drummer...
Amen, brother.
Same. Even before I knew I was a drummer, Nigel always captured my attention.
You’re right! Country and gospel with a dash of rock!
He loved Soul music and gospel. It's like being taken to church.
Mad Man Across the Water album- Levon, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, the whole album is epic. Sadly, Elton never returned to that style of music. But still had great hits to come.
That’s one helluva of a vocal too! Elton sang his ass off in this record!
I love Elton. First time hearing this track. Amazing. Thanks fellas.
Dee Murray on bass. This is a special album. All great songs, pure perfection. This deserves your attention and I hope you can get to react to the entire album. Pure magic.
LOVE your guy's appreciation, respect and admiration for EJ's musical catalog that I hope you keep exploring from the first Empty Sky album to the most recent, The Lockdown Sessions, nearly 60+ years of ICONIC musical history (and counting)... I've been a LIFELONG EJ fan since I was 8 years old and I just turned "60 YEARS ON" lol , last September so his music and Bernie's lyrics have LITERALLY been The Soundtrack for MY Life, so it's THE BEST for me whenever I see and hear others listening to his historic discography for THEIR FIRST TIME!! And speaking of EJ's "HARD" piano playing, I once heard Bruce Hornsby say in an EJ tribute interview, that Elton has been known to play the piano SO hard and solid that he's actually broken piano strings, which if you know, is pretty difficult to do, just by playing it!!! Keep the EJ songs comin' !!! Peace and Gratitude from Calgary, Alberta, Canada! Shawn
One of Elton and Bernie’s all time best tunes with great production and arrangement! Elton was so good on piano!Paul Buckmaster with the incredible maestro of the orchestra and Gus Dudgeon directed the production. 2 of the very best that put Elton to the elite class.The whole album had their spin on country
Hi Joel, it's nice enjoying this with people who feel the same way about this. For me this album, and Elton's early work, is really something special. All the best.
@@CuriousGeorge1111 Thank you. His early works are what gave me so much pleasure and helped appreciate the blending of symphony music with pop and rock!
1st 6 or 7 albums are gold. This one and Empty Sky didn't get the airplay or have the hits, but the music is unbelievable. Just so many great songs and almost zero fill songs, almost every song is so listenable.
The did get airplay on WNEW in New York City as well as other FM stations !
This is my favorite Elton John album. His song "Come Down In Time" is one of the most beautiful songs written. I finally got to see him live in 2019. It was a small venue and I had great seats. Just seeing his piano made me cry. I started taking piano lessons at 8. I learned a few songs but can only read music, not jam. Not easy reading his songs! It took me months to learn Funeral For A Friend.
According to Wikipedia:
Sir Elton John started playing his grandmother's piano as a young boy, and within a year his mother heard him picking out Waldteufel's "The Skater's Waltz" by ear. After performing at parties and family gatherings, at age seven he began formal piano lessons. He showed musical aptitude at school, including the ability to compose melodies and gained some notoriety by playing like Jerry Lee Lewis at school functions. At age 11, he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, London, England. According to one of his instructors, John promptly played back, like a "gramophone record", a four-page piece by George Frideric Handel after hearing it for the first time.
Barry, I heard that too. La is right that Elton's piano playing isn't just mixed strong, it's amazing. To continue your tale, as I recall, early on, and agent put Elton in touch with lyricist/poet Bernie Taupin, creating a songwriting team for the ages. Elton wasn't just a prodigy at playing songs, he was at writing them too. He would look at a lyric, then go to the piano and write the song in 20 minutes or so. Bernie said it would bring him to tears, it was so miraculous. In fact Elton was impatient at writing and recording, and would not go back and fix flubs or improve individual bars. For example, in Country Comfort he says "pines" instead of "pine cones" and flubs "warehouse" and laughs. Elton said the first song on which he re-recorded individual phrase to get them right was Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
The more you know... 🌈 😆
I absolutely love seeing young folks really get into this stuff. This song, album and these artists are very special. I am 63 and have been listening to this since it was released 52 years ago, and it is literally an emotional / spiritual experience to watch this happen. Music is, after all emotional and spiritual and meant to be shared or it dies.
Early Elton up to captain Fantastic, is probably his most fertile period and Bernie Taupin’s lyrics were on a rich vein of form.
This was Elton's third album (second album in the US) released in 1970/1971. He was on his way but hadn't reached mega-star status yet.
My folks got to see him about a year later (late ‘72, Honky Château tour) & he was definitely becoming a big star by that time.
@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 No doubt - he also had "Madman Across the Water" in between which included "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer". "Honky Chateau" of course containing "Rocket Man" and "Honky Cat". With "Crocodile Rock" in 1973 ("Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player") there was no looking back.
very nice / this is a magic lp... start to finish // thanks guys
"MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER" IS GREAT😍🔥🔥
Yeah! Love this song and album.
"It's time we put the flame-torch to their keep"
Great line from a great song.... hell yeah!!!
Yes this entire album is his version of country music. It’s phenomenal!
I consider it Southern Rock. Freakin' amazing.
Guys, listen to this entire album, it’s my favorite Elton John album ever!! A classic, it’s an early one before he blew up and became more poppy & radio friendly! Just a superb album!! ✌🏻
Some of his best work❤
I'm enjoying these tunes all over again vicariously thru you two. I dunno how old you are. I'm 55 and THIS is the soundtrack to my childhood. Straight up. I obviously don't recall when this came out in 1970...I was two! But I recall hearing these songs in late 1974 onward. Those early Elton records were ALL great. The core of the band was Dee Murray on bass, Davey Johnstone on guitars , Roger Pope on drums as well as Nigel Olsson who would take over the drum seat. But here there's a whole bunch of other musicians. Made for a PERFECT record
Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters & Madman Across The Water are amazing
My favorite Elton album... By far!!!!
This album is a masterpiece, and also Madman Across the Water!!
Elton's best album.
Fantabulous. Thank you for this reaction
Elton John Wrote the Music that is why his piano is showcased. He has always been a great piano player. In almost all of the Elton John songs the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. They had a partnership in the music. Bernie Taupin was the silent partner that wrote the lyrics together with Elton John's music. Many fans did not know about Bernie Taupin being the co songwriter in Elton Johns music. Together they have written many great songs.
Exactamundo. And knowing that, we can listen for when Bernie is writing about himself, Elton, both of them, etc. For example, Tiny Dancer is about Elton and Bernie's early, triumphant trip to LA, where Bernie met his future wife:
"Piano man
He makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on
She sings the songs
The words she knows
The tune she hums"
Oh, yes, this was his and Bernie's spin on country. There are other songs on this incredible album that make that point a LOT better even than did this fantastic song.
Listen to the live version of this on the album "11-17-70" when Elton, Dee, and Nigel did it as a trio. You want to talk about powerful piano? There's no question of what's going on when it's just a trio and all you have is piano, bass, and drums.
Thank you for featuring this album, gentlemen!
Great hook! Burn down the mission !
Yes, this is Elton's spin on country. Remember the album is called Tumbleweed Connection. England isn't known for its tumbleweed.
My favorite Elton John album.
A must live performance is: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
It's his Dynamic Range that impressed me as a kid and a piano player when I first got into His music. He'll go from Loud to Soft within two chords! Extraordinary control. (He did spend some time at the Royal Academy of Music as a teenager.) Classical control.
I have always felt this is his best song, at least my favorite. Thanks again Gentlemen!
Nice enjoying this with kindred spirits. :)
Dee Murray on bass. One of the most underrated players.
Love this album❤❤❤❤❤❤
I think you're talking about Elton's hammer fingers, but he also weaves in the piano masterfully, even on synthesizer pieces like Funeral for a Friend, the piano line is evident amongst all the sounds.
And Che is right it is Eltons Tribute to Country Music he said it in an interview many moons ago...
Yes sir.
THE ENTIRE ALBUM ( TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION ) WAS COUNTRY SOUNDING 😊 HE'S JUST A MERE 23 YEARS OF AGE DURING THIS LAH AND CHE 😊INCREDIBLE!
I saw Elton when I was 15. 2 weeks before the release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. He played that entire album, all four sides. Intermission, then came back and did songs from Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across The Water, self titled place, Friends and other greats. Totally amazing.
When I saw him in concert for the third time, he was in the beginning of the first song and stopped. He went on a rant about the stage being too far away from the people. He wanted to see us and let us see him. He stayed at the very edge of the stage the whole time to be closer to us. Damn that was fire. He loves his millions of fans.
You nailed i! This is a spin on country music. The whole album shares this thread and partially takes you back in time to a different culture. Thank you Mom for raising me with this in the background. And thank you gentlemen for feeling this one out.
Elton John and Leon Russell ... check it out, and have fun! Loving your videos😁
There is a live version of this. Recorded during a live radio broadcast the album is entitled "11/17/70. Broadcast from the A&R recording studios in Philadelphia.
This should be a whole album listen, but Burn Down the Mission is a must. You'll be amazed at what just 3 musicians are capable of.
The key changes are masterful in this song.
That voice is so iconic. He is Captain Fantastic. This was what I listened to at age 13. This and so much of what you guys have covered. The 70's were an amazing time for music. We were lucky and you are lucky to hear this passed down to you.
Thank you so much for reacting to my suggestion. Sharing this with fellow fans, and seeing you bob your heads to my choice is such a joy, along with your insights. Sorry Elton's publisher copyright struck you!!
Here's some context someone might enjoy:
Elton's breakthrough album, Elton John, with his first hit record, Your Song, came out during my impressionable high school years, and I have closely followed his music ever since.
Though he's rightly revered for his later, glossy, beautifully produced and recorded pop records like Daniel, I prefer his less known, earlier, ballsy, R & B influenced records. In order: "Elton John", "Tumbleweed Connection", "Madman Across the Water", and "Honky Chateau". These have a thicker, more acoustic and rootsy sound, and many capture Americana remarkably well for a couple of brits. Though they are less well known that Elton's later mega-hits like Daniel, I think they are something special.
Burn Down The Mission comes from Tumbleweed Connection--the album after Elton's breakthrough album, Elton John.
Tumbleweed Connection was released October 1970 (!) The band The Band was popular then with their rootsy, acoustic-based songs of Americana (classics in their own right), and Elton's producers thought that style would work well for Elton. Boy do I agree. Tumbleweed Connection features cinematic, expansive, unconventionally-structured songs of 1800s Americana, and is my favorite of his albums. I agree with Che that this is Elton's take on country--the songs feature acoustic instruments and tell country tales. But as you have observed before, those Brit rockers just have to britify songs.
I was hoping you would notice the bass, La. To answer your question, Elton had the same band for most of his career. From Wikipedia:
"The band was originally formed by John in 1970 as a trio, consisting of himself, drummer Nigel Olsson, and bassist Dee Murray. They first appeared together on disc with John on the album Tumbleweed Connection, which was released that same year. Over the next few years, guitarist Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper also joined the band, forming the band's classic lineup. The critical success of the band was at its peak in the 1970s, when they released a streak of chart-topping albums in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). "
Context of the song itself: Many early western towns were founded by groups of Spanish Missionaries, Who preached Catholicism ("You tell me there's an angel in your tree") and, with the help of native converts, built walled mission compounds from which they preached, taught and guided, the more primitive local populace. Many California cities are named after the missions that founded them--Santa this, Santa that. 😉 Burn Down The Mission is told by such a local dweller who, resentful of the mission's wealth, calls for burning and sacking it.
I hope you enjoyed the song and the info as much as I did sharing it. Thanks for making my week. 😁 All the best!
Thank you!
@@dhfenske Thanks Doug, I appreciate it. Great sharing with fans.
Here's a live version from his classic early live album--his piano work is even more powerful than the studio version! : ua-cam.com/video/6UWrIOqXxCE/v-deo.html
Agreed about his earlier musoc. Then again, I love his stuff of the late 80s and thr 90s too. I pretty much own all his stuff. 🤗
Love that you are doing some Elton, especially the earlier stuff.
Look at the album title Tumbleweed Connection... Country and Western
I love this album. Next songs to do are “Madman Across The Water” and “Levon”. And pretty much anything on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. 😁❤️
Always loved this, it was a different sound from Elton than I was familiar with. Love how it changes from slow to fast and slow again. More PLEASE 🤗 👍🏻💯
Amen, Susi E!
His 1st couple of albums were some of the best !
This one is even better live. Saw him in October and he still plays with all that strength. Agree with the other comments about checking out Madman Across the Water.
I really enjoy watching you guys discovering the music I grew up listening to 😘🥰
"Amoreena" from Tumbleweed Connection is a great song. Give it a listen.
His piano tells part of his story/lyrics.
Loved listening to this album at my best friend's house so long ago. Thanks for a special fun memory trip!!!
Early Elton is magic
YEAHHHH, HE'S BEEN POUNDING AND SLAMMING KEYS SINCE HE WAS ( 4 ) CHE SO!, NO QUESTION ABOUT HIS SOUND, INSANE! 💯 😊
This is a great great album. Early Elton was the best Elton. This is one of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite albums.
I'd like to suggest that you give him the Led Zepplin treatment & give a listen to him in a historical context beginning with this album. You will see just how diverse his sound was. This was his most country sounding album, but he has tons of great stuff.
I agree, and heartily second that motion! Elton totally warrants it, and similarly evolves over the course of his career.
I mentioned this on several channels but never any takers ..You gotta great one here
This guy was the best!❤
Whenever I've had my fill of modern city life I put on this album and go back to a much better time.
Grew up with Elton playing all the time. Every album as if not better. We wore the yellow of the yellow brick rd album. Saw him in concert 3 times and it was awesome. Played lying on the floor on his back. Lying down on it looking down on the keys and any other way amaginable. LOL moment when he try to break his chair for gifts to the audience but can't hes so frail. The bodyguards come out and crumble it snd he hands it out. And wore many different crazy ass expensive glasses during the concert. THANKS
Listen to this deep cut from Elton John; Mona Lisa's And Mad Hatters.
Boys, do you hear the flames actually burning it down at:7:25 on your video (and after until the end) Elton's full composition on this is so over the top. Flutes, horns, percussion, bass, keys, strings, etc.... It actually sounds like flames are taking over. So amazing!
This album came out in October, 1970 in the UK and January, 1971 in the U.S.. Elton has referred to this record as their Wild West album due to its subject matter and production.
This album brings me back to a time...most people I knew lived communally in big old houses, we played backgammon and such in eclectically decorated homes, drugs were around, we partied but most of all we listened to music, it was there all the time. Kind of a soundtrack to the times, these early ones with Elton John were there.
I had the privilege to see the tour he did in support of this album, and a few other times. I was so blown away by this man's energy, been a lifelong fan since.
My favorite songs on this album are My Father’s Gun and Amoreena. Tumbleweed Connection feels like what the south must have been like after the civil war.
Exactly. My Father's Gun gives me chills every time. So beautiful, wise, and ironic. The poor man fights for a world that never was.
Saw him live in 1974 in Seattle. Great concert second only to seeing Zeppelin in 1975. This gentleman is why it is called classic rock. Like Bach we will, I mean people will be listening to it a 100 years from now.