I agree. Both men played their basses like guitars, melodically as well as rhythmically. Dee was one of the greatest bass-guitarists of all time. Elton was a fool to fire him, after 1975.
I personally think Elton John had the best band in the business back then. When he started out it was just himself and Nigel Olsson on drums and Dee Murray on bass. You should react to some of his early recorded concerts, like one they did on tv for the BBC in 1970 or 1971. It was incredible how just three guys on their instruments filled up every inch of the song, making it sound so full and rich. Hope you delve deeper into his music. He and his band are one of a kind!
I have been blown away by this track for 50 years -- especially when it builds back up during Love Lies Bleeding. What impeccable musicianship. No less impactful now than it was then.
That’s why it’s called a gift. Although he hasn’t got that gift for writing lyrics, the good news for Elton is that he found Bernie when he did which brought out Elton’s gift.
I worked with a drummer who wrote lyrics and usually had some idea of what the melody might sound like but had no knowledge of even the most basic music theory--no chord progressions--no idea of what key we were in. It was a very tedious process which could be very frustrating and sometimes lead to some pretty heated arguments. I felt like I was expected to read the music that was in his mind without any notation. I also had to work on the lyrics because he sometimes didn't get the phrasing right. Somehow in the end we managed to create some songs that we both were happy with.
My cousin and I had promised each other that we would play this at the funeral of whichever one of us passed away first... I played it for him almost 6 yrs ago. Being culturally francophone, most of those gathered didn't get it... but those who did smiled very, very wide. ;-]
My mother hated Elton John, partly because I was obsessed with his music. But she accidentally had to see his Montreal Forum concert in about 1980, and she asked me about the opening instrumental number. I explained "Funeral for a Friend" to her and she suddenly declared that when she died, she wanted to be cremated to this song playing. I never took her seriously but apparently she had told my stepdad this wish. Poor guy had to listen to this artist he detested as much as Mom did, multiple times. Once as she accepted the drugs that legally put her peacefully to death, once during the cremation, again during her wake, then yet again when they spread her ashes in her favourite places. Recently, my stepdad admitted to me that, in his mid-80s, he has been enjoying Elton John's music, appreciating the talent. I guess I raised Dad right!
My late wife's last song----the last one she heard--was "Here Comes the Sun", which was by her request. I had a talented guitarist play it and I sang along---my wife was already comatose, but she could hear, anyway.
I strive to keep my ears open to new music and have discovered some fantastic music bilut I hear this and I know music from my youth and I know it's better
I was in H.S. when this came out but wasn't familiar with the very beginning - I was working at a supermarket when I first heard it blaring on the car stereo as I was piling groceries/party supplies into a corvette front seat for some dude dressed like Dracula on a Halloween evening - freaky deaky! ...and Unforgettable.
Love this song. When it came out in the seventies they only played tge last part of the song because it was over 3 minutes. That crap is how we got FM radio that changed music for good!
I feel guilty, haven't thought about Ray Cooper in decades. Man, that guy made it look like he'd studied years to play tamborine. What a percussionist!!! Thanks for bringing it back.
I’ve been following you for a while now and I enjoy your reactions to the music from my generation. I graduated high school in 1972 and the music was amazing. Keep going and you’ll find that the diversity of music compared to today was unbelievable. Enjoy the journey. I’m still amazed how much was produced in the 2-3 decades of my youth. 👍🏻
I was at this concert. He opened with this song. The stage was completely dark with low smoke covering the floor. The lights didn't come on until he started singing...the crowd went WILD!!! One of the best concerts ever. Elton was one great showman back then. ❤😊
Elton’s opus. Absolutely incredible. The sound alone is amazing. Lyrics and melody go hand in hand. Bernie & Elton the best along with the best band ever.
Gus Dudgeon (producer) during Elton's classic period, does not get enough love. So I was glad you noted how well produced this was. Elton's band was very very talented and all turned up in the studio and on the road. I saw Elton at a sports arena and he opened this concert with this. It was bloody fantastic. What a way to start an album. What a way to start a concert!
An astonishing opening to one of the greatest albums (a double, at that) in rock history... in the middle of a several year-long mind-boggling creative run.
My first concert was Elton John in 1982. he was touring with this band. They opened with this. My world was forever changed. I remember sitting there with my 14 yearold brain feeling like it was melting out of my ears.
This is my favorite Elton song by far. Eltons music was at its best with this particular band line, in my opinion. I liked when Elton rocked. "Saturday Alright For Fighting" and "The Bitch Is Back"
This song has always been associated with Audiophiles as a test bed for Stereo system or Speaker performance in general. I first heard this song on my friends Fathers system in 1974. he had a Marantz power amp rated at 200watts at 8 ohms, and Cerwin - Vega Voice of the Theater speakers and a Thorens Direct Drive Turntable... Anyone reading this will know what I'm talking about... Concert Level!! I'm surprised It didn't catch on fire when we played the first Boston album through it!! His dad listened to Classical or Opera on that system...
They were pumping out terrific albums with astonishing frequency in the early '70s and this was right in the middle of that run-and it's a DOUBLE album! This was the first track and that wind blew out of the speakers and filled the room and then the keys, the bass, the guitar riffs... The sound was so huge, yet so clean and melodic! We were stunned...
Davey, Dee and Nigel have played with Elton for decades, they area part of Elton John. Lol, I'd such a crush on Nigel when I was a kid!! 🤭 LEGEND, Royalty, absolutely adore Sir Elton John. 💘
Elton John was the first concert I ever saw in 1973 as a 15 year old on a date without a driver's license. In the middle of the concert, all of the lights turned off in the arena. Then, the Arp Synthesizer began and every hair on my skin stood up. The late Dee Murray was the bassist; and all the lads kicked down the gas pedals. Twelve minutes later we were deliriously exhausted. Fast forward to 2019: a large group of friends coordinated a ticket purchase to see Elton John on one of his farewell tours. My wife and I attended this sold out show on a cold winter night. Elton John cranked for almost three hours and threw the gem of an anthem in around song 20. My reaction was identical as first experienced; it was a face meltdown. Elton John and Bernie Taupin composed an iconic composition that is truly timeless. Thanks for sharing!!
Really like your review. A lot of big hits on this album. You need to listen to the whole album. Every song is different. Elton wrote and recorded the album in 4 days, double album !!
Elton and band are also GREAT live. They can perform the original studio versions almost identical, but it's clearly not lip synced. Elton performing on piano is masterful pop entertainment.
1973 was a high water mark for Rock music, especially for Progressive Rock. Genesis released "Selling England by the Pound, Pink Floyd gave us "Dark Side of the Moon", Yes and King Crimson kept going strong, Supertramp were starting out, electronic experimental albums were surprising us all. In the midst of all this, Elton John and his producer Gus Dudgeon decided that they can be as Progressive as anyone, and proved it with Elton's greatest accomplishment in a highly accomplished career, this 11 minute opus.
By this time Elton and his band were a well oiled machine. They worked off of each other so well. The backround vocals his band would come up with were angelic at times. His producer, Gus Dudgeon, truly was his George Martin. You might like Elton's version of the Who's "Pinball Wizard." It's more complex than the original.
The entire album is a masterpiece. A few years ago my son and I had took a road trip. He was born in 1988 and the only association with Elton John was The Lion King. He had me listen to some of his favorite bands and I played some of mine. It was a 5 hour trip home. So, I played this album - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. He was amazed by how good it was. Thanks for the react.
I use to work at a huge nightclub in an old atmospheric theater on Staten Island in the early 1980s. They would always play this song when the doors opened, filling the empty theater and kicking the dust out of the speakers so to speak.
You questioned hearing a flute; that was a Moog Synthesizer played by Diana Lewis. Robert Moog invented this first synthesizer in 1964, and it truly revolutionized the music industry (search his name for a plethora of articles about his contribution to music history). This was the birth of prog rock!Other bands to pick up on the Moog were Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk (to name a few).
Best song off his best album. It's great when he starts the live show with this. Berzerkely Greek Theatre summer 1984. Only F----n $20 "I wonder if those changes have left a scar on you, like all those burning hoops of fire that you and I passed through. You're a bluebird on a telegraph line, I hope you're happy now. With the wind of change comin' down your way girl, you'll make it back some how." He's retired now.
Perhaps my favorite Elton John song of all time. Hard so say because he has so many great ones. Definitely the top 3. Looking forward big time to this diamond..
Same Drummer and guitarist Fifty Years Later! (Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone). It's the buildups and the transitions on this as well as the musical textures and sonic quality of this that really gets you! Backing vocals from the drummer, guitarist, as well as the Bass Player Dee Murray.
If Lee is interested in the often-overlooked "epic" side of Elton, I must draw his attention to two things - the full-length version of Tonight (1976), and the four-part-suite in the middle of The Fox album (1980) - both of which sound suitable for the soundtrack of some tragic period-drama. And, as a footnote, in the previous century Elton liked to jam onstage, which meant we were occasionally treated to monstrous extended versions of Bennie & The Jets, Rocket Man, Levon, Empty Sky or Madman Across The Water. (Oh yes, and those infamous Burn Down The Mission Medleys).
This is the first song I really tripped out on when it came out. Time travel, smells, future memories, the whole bit. I had gotten stoned for the very first time on Brain Salad Surgery, but went on an actual voyage with this song. Great pick. We were so spoiled.
I saw him a few years ago, 2nd row seats, this was his opening song. He is amazing. He is gracious to his audience. Give a listen to Burn Down The Mission. It rocks as good as this gem. Can you imagine growing up in this era? The 70’s were the best!
MY FAVORITE ROCK ARTIST FOR 52 YEARS NOW, HE WAS JUST SO DAMNNNNNNN GOOD IT'S UNEXPLAINABLE KIDDO BUT I LOVE YOUR REACTION AND JUST THE WAY YOU TOOK IT IN, VERY COOL!!! 😊NOBODYYY COULD TOUCH HIM BETWEEN (71-75 ) ON TOP OF THE ROCK WORLD WITH HIM AND BERNIE CREATING 7 MULTI PLATINUMS IN A ROW, MY GOD, INSANE STUFF AND SO GOOD!💯😊
Elton's lyricist is Bernie Taupin and has written the lyrics for the vast majority of Elton's songs. Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for Elton's Lion King songs. There are hundreds of great Elton John song's in many genres.
One of the greatest albums of all time by one of the greatest musicians of all time. Back then, Elton John rocked! Do yourself a favor and jump into the rabbit hole. You won’t be disappointed.
Decided to subscribe, 2 reasons 1) sense of humour, your Mandela reference ( I’m allowed as a good little South African) Breaks me up when I hear someone explaining 🤣) 2) your musical oration creates a second level to the musical landscape you pick up on. Thank you, you have 2 amazing talents
I saw the Elton John Band do this live on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Tour back in the 70s. I actually snuck into Maple Leaf Gardens here in Toronto to see the show. Tickets sold out fast, Imissed out, but went down town anyway, drank a few pitchers of beer, partook of the herb, then just casually walked in a side entrance of Maple Leaf Gardens and no one gave me a second look. I couldn't believe it. Fantastic show. The highlight for me was Saturday Night's (alright for fighting) which I think was the encore. I didn't have a seat until I randomly bumped into some friends from high school. A girl gave up her seat and sat in her bf's lap. What a great show. And the only time I ever snuck into Maple Leaf Gardens. No one else I know ever got away with that.
Not a mediocre song on the album. Every song seems to be inspired by a muse. Go through it track by track in order. I'm about to listen to rest of it right now.
I must disagree. In the mid-70s it was widely considered that Elton was the third best pianist in the world. Canadian Glenn Gould was recognised as the world's greatest, and I cannot remember which Russian composer was second.
When Elton was teamed up with Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson, he seemingly could do no wrong, and released a series of about a dozen great albums in the early to mid 70's. At one point, he had five albums in the top ten, simultaneously! But perhaps the albums that really tell the tale, are the officially-released live recordings, from two different tours from that period.
Elton's masterpiece.
As a drummer, i pay tribute to Dee Murray. Great bassist.
The whole album is one of the best sounding albums ever. It's worth getting as an entire album on your playlist.
Happy 75th Birthday Nigel Olsson (Feb. 10, 1949)
He came into a store where I was working. I walked out and was going to say hi but chickened out. I was 19 in 1976.
My most favorite Elton song, just freaking amazing
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
My all time favorite Elton John Master Piece Enjoy The Ride
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
Dee Murray sounds like John friggin Entwistle. Each member of this band was beyond pro.
I agree. Both men played their basses like guitars, melodically as well as rhythmically. Dee was one of the greatest bass-guitarists of all time. Elton was a fool to fire him, after 1975.
Let's not forget the production. Not compressed to hell, you still can hear every nuance of every track clearly. In 1973.
There are no bad songs on GBR. One of the best albums ever.
This album is like a “best of” album - great songs all the way through..
Love, love, love these songs/ Album.
duh, I guess I didn't miss it.
A masterwork by Elton John…
Love this whole album growing up many many hits❤
I personally think Elton John had the best band in the business back then. When he started out it was just himself and Nigel Olsson on drums and Dee Murray on bass. You should react to some of his early recorded concerts, like one they did on tv for the BBC in 1970 or 1971. It was incredible how just three guys on their instruments filled up every inch of the song, making it sound so full and rich. Hope you delve deeper into his music. He and his band are one of a kind!
Nigel is a original member of the band since 1969
Prog Elton. Someone Saved My Life Tonight is another great song.
Thre backing vocals of Davy, Dee, and Nigel are what stand out throughout this album. They were a choir.😊
I have been blown away by this track for 50 years -- especially when it builds back up during Love Lies Bleeding. What impeccable musicianship. No less impactful now than it was then.
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
I've never been able to understand how someone can hand you a page of lyrics and you sit at the piano and create something like this.
@user-tr9de6gm8k, Billy Joel said the same thing. He tried writing lyrics first and couldn't make it work
The best scene in "Rocketman" is when Elton does just that.
Musical genius!
That’s why it’s called a gift. Although he hasn’t got that gift for writing lyrics, the good news for Elton is that he found Bernie when he did which brought out Elton’s gift.
I worked with a drummer who wrote lyrics and usually had some idea of what the melody might sound like but had no knowledge of even the most basic music theory--no chord progressions--no idea of what key we were in. It was a very tedious process which could be very frustrating and sometimes lead to some pretty heated arguments. I felt like I was expected to read the music that was in his mind without any notation. I also had to work on the lyrics because he sometimes didn't get the phrasing right. Somehow in the end we managed to create some songs that we both were happy with.
My cousin and I had promised each other that we would play this at the funeral of whichever one of us passed away first... I played it for him almost 6 yrs ago. Being culturally francophone, most of those gathered didn't get it... but those who did smiled very, very wide. ;-]
My mother hated Elton John, partly because I was obsessed with his music. But she accidentally had to see his Montreal Forum concert in about 1980, and she asked me about the opening instrumental number. I explained "Funeral for a Friend" to her and she suddenly declared that when she died, she wanted to be cremated to this song playing.
I never took her seriously but apparently she had told my stepdad this wish. Poor guy had to listen to this artist he detested as much as Mom did, multiple times. Once as she accepted the drugs that legally put her peacefully to death, once during the cremation, again during her wake, then yet again when they spread her ashes in her favourite places.
Recently, my stepdad admitted to me that, in his mid-80s, he has been enjoying Elton John's music, appreciating the talent.
I guess I raised Dad right!
@@OronOfMontreal Oh, wow!
Btw, I am also in QC! Cheers!
My late wife's last song----the last one she heard--was "Here Comes the Sun", which was by her request. I had a talented guitarist play it and I sang along---my wife was already comatose, but she could hear, anyway.
Well - just tell this was recorded in France.
This album is a masterpiece, Elton bangs the hell out of the keys
I strive to keep my ears open to new music and have discovered some fantastic music bilut I hear this and I know music from my youth and I know it's better
I was in H.S. when this came out but wasn't familiar with the very beginning - I was working at a supermarket when I first heard it blaring on the car stereo as I was piling groceries/party supplies into a corvette front seat for some dude dressed like Dracula on a Halloween evening - freaky deaky! ...and Unforgettable.
Masterpiece.
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
One of the tracks I want played at my funeral, for sure. Entire ( double ) album is fire, by the way.
Epic Elton. His masterpiece.
Love this song. When it came out in the seventies they only played tge last part of the song because it was over 3 minutes. That crap is how we got FM radio that changed music for good!
Davy, Nigel, and Ray are Elton John mainstays to this day. They played with him last summer at Glastonberry.
I feel guilty, haven't thought about Ray Cooper in decades. Man, that guy made it look like he'd studied years to play tamborine.
What a percussionist!!! Thanks for bringing it back.
@@xxTICxxTOCxx men i love his work on Moscow 79, he is a badass percussionist
I’ve been following you for a while now and I enjoy your reactions to the music from my generation. I graduated high school in 1972 and the music was amazing. Keep going and you’ll find that the diversity of music compared to today was unbelievable. Enjoy the journey. I’m still amazed how much was produced in the 2-3 decades of my youth. 👍🏻
Glad you are enjoying the videos my friend. Glad you have you aboard! You are so blessed to have grown up in such a great era for music.
You’re right Steven, we grew up in a musical Era that’s best described as an embarrassment of riches, and that’s a fact. 👈😎
I was at this concert. He opened with this song. The stage was completely dark with low smoke covering the floor. The lights didn't come on until he started singing...the crowd went WILD!!! One of the best concerts ever. Elton was one great showman back then. ❤😊
This concert?
@@blitztim6416 yes, this concert. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour, October 4th, 1974. Inglewood, CA.
this is elton john's best song ever!!
I caught the same concert tour in Detroit.....that smoke/dry ice before the lights came on? Chilling.
Same!!
Saw Elton 3 times in the Seattle area. He opened with this song. Great review!
Elton’s opus. Absolutely incredible. The sound alone is amazing. Lyrics and melody go hand in hand. Bernie & Elton the best along with the best band ever.
Elton's golden period (and it was long!) is peerless. He couldn't do wrong those days, hooks, awesome vocals, lyrics and instrumentation.
One of the Top 100 Albums of all time.
Top 10 comfortably and Captain Fantastic is the best and Tumbleweed Connection is top 30.
Gus Dudgeon (producer) during Elton's classic period, does not get enough love. So I was glad you noted how well produced this was. Elton's band was very very talented and all turned up in the studio and on the road. I saw Elton at a sports arena and he opened this concert with this. It was bloody fantastic. What a way to start an album. What a way to start a concert!
I’m typing this as your are at the very beginning of the song. I can’t wait to see your face when it kicks.😊
You have a habit of listening to songs that I haven't heard in years that I used to listen to all the time. Keep it up this is fun.
An astonishing opening to one of the greatest albums (a double, at that) in rock history... in the middle of a several year-long mind-boggling creative run.
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
My first concert was Elton John in 1982. he was touring with this band. They opened with this. My world was forever changed. I remember sitting there with my 14 yearold brain feeling like it was melting out of my ears.
This is my favorite Elton song by far. Eltons music was at its best with this particular band line, in my opinion. I liked when Elton rocked. "Saturday Alright For Fighting" and "The Bitch Is Back"
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
Elton John...fantastic best ever ...Brilliant musician...
My favorite song for Elton on piano is "Burn Down the Mission", powerful lyrics too. Right up your alley. 🥰
Could not agree more, awsome track ❤
This song has always been associated with Audiophiles as a test bed for Stereo system or Speaker performance in general. I first heard this song on my friends Fathers system in 1974. he had a Marantz power amp rated at 200watts at 8 ohms, and Cerwin - Vega Voice of the Theater speakers and a Thorens Direct Drive Turntable... Anyone reading this will know what I'm talking about... Concert Level!! I'm surprised It didn't catch on fire when we played the first Boston album through it!! His dad listened to Classical or Opera on that system...
They were pumping out terrific albums with astonishing frequency in the early '70s and this was right in the middle of that run-and it's a DOUBLE album! This was the first track and that wind blew out of the speakers and filled the room and then the keys, the bass, the guitar riffs... The sound was so huge, yet so clean and melodic! We were stunned...
Elton John's best moment
What an amazing run of records, all within in a short space of time, he had back then. 7 studio albums in only 4 years.
Davey, Dee and Nigel have played with Elton for decades, they area part of Elton John.
Lol, I'd such a crush on Nigel when I was a kid!! 🤭
LEGEND, Royalty, absolutely adore Sir Elton John. 💘
By all means you need to react to "Madman Across the Water" by Elton John. Me thinks you'll like. 👍
😂 lol...perfect song for new headphones
Elton John was the first concert I ever saw in 1973 as a 15 year old on a date without a driver's license. In the middle of the concert, all of the lights turned off in the arena. Then, the Arp Synthesizer began and every hair on my skin stood up. The late Dee Murray was the bassist; and all the lads kicked down the gas pedals. Twelve minutes later we were deliriously exhausted.
Fast forward to 2019: a large group of friends coordinated a ticket purchase to see Elton John on one of his farewell tours. My wife and I attended this sold out show on a cold winter night. Elton John cranked for almost three hours and threw the gem of an anthem in around song 20. My reaction was identical as first experienced; it was a face meltdown. Elton John and Bernie Taupin composed an iconic composition that is truly timeless. Thanks for sharing!!
“Love Lies Bleeding” is a type of flower, and Brits love their gardens.
Is it really? What a bad ass name for a flower lol
TIL. Never knew that before reading your comment.
As Johnny Carson would say,,
"I did not know that"
Cool bit of info. Thanks, for sharing it!
@@58BURST”That was wild and wacky stuff” 😁
The recording quality for something produced in the early 70s is amazing.
Really like your review. A lot of big hits on this album. You need to listen to the whole album. Every song is different. Elton wrote and recorded the album in 4 days, double album !!
Beautiful song...wow
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
They don't make music like this any more!! It's great 👍
Fantastic Elton song selection
You can listen to this over and over while focusing and appreciating each instrument in the mix (and harmonies...). The band was so darn talented.
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
A masterpiece. Really really. Wow.
The glory of the A.R.P. synthesizer!
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
Elton and band are also GREAT live. They can perform the original studio versions almost identical, but it's clearly not lip synced. Elton performing on piano is masterful pop entertainment.
1973 was a high water mark for Rock music, especially for Progressive Rock. Genesis released "Selling England by the Pound, Pink Floyd gave us "Dark Side of the Moon", Yes and King Crimson kept going strong, Supertramp were starting out, electronic experimental albums were surprising us all.
In the midst of all this, Elton John and his producer Gus Dudgeon decided that they can be as Progressive as anyone, and proved it with Elton's greatest accomplishment in a highly accomplished career, this 11 minute opus.
Wow all of those and more came out that year. What a year huh... what a frickin decade lol
Greatest band ever
I remember my dad playing "Funeral for a friend" loud on his stereo when I was young, it scared the shit out of me. Sounded so spooky.
This song sent my 11 year old self on a mission to acguire a Les Paul. The whole album is fantastic.
One of his best albums. Spent many hours listening to it
By this time Elton and his band were a well oiled machine. They worked off of each other so well. The backround vocals his band would come up with were angelic at times. His producer, Gus Dudgeon, truly was his George Martin. You might like Elton's version of the Who's "Pinball Wizard." It's more complex than the original.
The entire album is a masterpiece. A few years ago my son and I had took a road trip. He was born in 1988 and the only association with Elton John was The Lion King. He had me listen to some of his favorite bands and I played some of mine. It was a 5 hour trip home. So, I played this album - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. He was amazed by how good it was. Thanks for the react.
I suggest you dive into his early album Tumbleweed Connection. “Where to Now St. Peter” “Burn Down The Mission” “Come Down In Time” just a few…
There wasn't a better band than The Elton John Band.
It was a very good band though I might say CTA, The WHO, YES, ELP, are way above Elton’sxccc
This whole album is awesome!
Consider Someone Saved My Life Tonight next. It's a dramatic ballad based on a true story. You will love it. Elton bangs the piano hard on this one.
x1000 - incredible song, so full of emotion
I use to work at a huge nightclub in an old atmospheric theater on Staten Island in the early 1980s. They would always play this song when the doors opened, filling the empty theater and kicking the dust out of the speakers so to speak.
One of my favorite Elton rockers! ❤
Fantastic song.
You questioned hearing a flute; that was a Moog Synthesizer played by Diana Lewis. Robert Moog invented this first synthesizer in 1964, and it truly revolutionized the music industry (search his name for a plethora of articles about his contribution to music history). This was the birth of prog rock!Other bands to pick up on the Moog were Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk (to name a few).
You need to watch this live, it's awesome.
The whole album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, is an eclectic mix of intriguing catchy songs on all kinds of topics.
Best song off his best album.
It's great when he starts the live show with this.
Berzerkely Greek Theatre summer 1984. Only F----n $20
"I wonder if those changes have left a scar on you, like all those burning hoops of fire that you and I passed through. You're a bluebird on a telegraph line, I hope you're happy now.
With the wind of change comin' down your way girl, you'll make it back some how."
He's retired now.
Perhaps my favorite Elton John song of all time. Hard so say because he has so many great ones. Definitely the top 3. Looking forward big time to this diamond..
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
From this same album I've Seen That Movie Too is also awesome
Brings back some awesome memories. Great guitar riff.
Same Drummer and guitarist Fifty Years Later! (Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone). It's the buildups and the transitions on this as well as the musical textures and sonic quality of this that really gets you! Backing vocals from the drummer, guitarist, as well as the Bass Player Dee Murray.
If Lee is interested in the often-overlooked "epic" side of Elton, I must draw his attention to two things - the full-length version of Tonight (1976), and the four-part-suite in the middle of The Fox album (1980) - both of which sound suitable for the soundtrack of some tragic period-drama.
And, as a footnote, in the previous century Elton liked to jam onstage, which meant we were occasionally treated to monstrous extended versions of Bennie & The Jets, Rocket Man, Levon, Empty Sky or Madman Across The Water. (Oh yes, and those infamous Burn Down The Mission Medleys).
This is the first song I really tripped out on when it came out. Time travel, smells, future memories, the whole bit. I had gotten stoned for the very first time on Brain Salad Surgery, but went on an actual voyage with this song. Great pick. We were so spoiled.
I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
I saw him a few years ago, 2nd row seats, this was his opening song. He is amazing. He is gracious to his audience. Give a listen to Burn Down The Mission. It rocks as good as this gem.
Can you imagine growing up in this era? The 70’s were the best!
IMO the best album in his long career. All good.
One of the 3 best albums ever. IMO rock music peaked in '74
MY FAVORITE ROCK ARTIST FOR 52 YEARS NOW, HE WAS JUST SO DAMNNNNNNN GOOD IT'S UNEXPLAINABLE KIDDO BUT I LOVE YOUR REACTION AND JUST THE WAY YOU TOOK IT IN, VERY COOL!!! 😊NOBODYYY COULD TOUCH HIM BETWEEN (71-75 ) ON TOP OF THE ROCK WORLD WITH HIM AND BERNIE CREATING 7 MULTI PLATINUMS IN A ROW, MY GOD, INSANE STUFF AND SO GOOD!💯😊
Elton's lyricist is Bernie Taupin and has written the lyrics for the vast majority of Elton's songs. Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for Elton's Lion King songs. There are hundreds of great Elton John song's in many genres.
One of the greatest albums of all time by one of the greatest musicians of all time. Back then, Elton John rocked! Do yourself a favor and jump into the rabbit hole. You won’t be disappointed.
I agree! I made a video for it. Would you mind giving it a look?
Decided to subscribe, 2 reasons 1) sense of humour, your Mandela reference ( I’m allowed as a good little South African) Breaks me up when I hear someone explaining 🤣)
2) your musical oration creates a second level to the musical landscape you pick up on.
Thank you, you have 2 amazing talents
I saw the Elton John Band do this live on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Tour back in the 70s. I actually snuck into Maple Leaf Gardens here in Toronto to see the show. Tickets sold out fast, Imissed out, but went down town anyway, drank a few pitchers of beer, partook of the herb, then just casually walked in a side entrance of Maple Leaf Gardens and no one gave me a second look. I couldn't believe it. Fantastic show. The highlight for me was Saturday Night's (alright for fighting) which I think was the encore. I didn't have a seat until I randomly bumped into some friends from high school. A girl gave up her seat and sat in her bf's lap. What a great show. And the only time I ever snuck into Maple Leaf Gardens. No one else I know ever got away with that.
Not a mediocre song on the album. Every song seems to be inspired by a muse. Go through it track by track in order. I'm about to listen to rest of it right now.
Elton doesn't get enough recognition for his considerable skills on piano. He can play!
I must disagree. In the mid-70s it was widely considered that Elton was the third best pianist in the world. Canadian Glenn Gould was recognised as the world's greatest, and I cannot remember which Russian composer was second.
Disagree? I didn't say he was "the best in the world". I said he doesn't get enough recognition for his considerable skills on piano.
Madman Across The Water is my favorite Elton John LP.
Liked it. And just think, those are the first 2 tracks on side 1 of the first record in a double album set. 😮
When Elton was teamed up with Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson, he seemingly could do no wrong, and released a series of about a dozen great albums in the early to mid 70's.
At one point, he had five albums in the top ten, simultaneously!
But perhaps the albums that really tell the tale, are the officially-released live recordings, from two different tours from that period.
I almost forgot to mention, that John Lennon guested on three songs on one of those shows.
Saw him live three times back in the 70's, in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Atlanta. He kicked ass every time.
I’m a fortunate one who saw him perform this live when the album dropped. Phenomenal
One of the best opening medley's on any Album... Keep on rocking young sir.