Checking out some more Elton John!! You guys said we made a sketchy pick and that we had to revisit him ASAP! And this was the track that you guys overwhelmingly suggested!! Great song, where do go next?! Comment below! Cheers guys! 🤟🏻🔥
Andy & Alex Hey guys! Great Pick! Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting” is probably his best song to do next! Also I would love to see “Truckin” by The Grateful Dead Please! ✌️ ☮️
I preferred Capt Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, but yeah, his Bernie Taupan years were the best of the best and his band back then was just incredible ... I mean, what band includes a dedicated percussionist anymore (except maybe some Japanese bands that are keeping the 1970's/80's prog rock alive?)
GYBR is the pinnacle of his career. His good stuff that followed was piecemeal. Here, Elton, Bernie, Davey, Dee and Nigel were at the top of their game. And phenomenal production by Gus Dudgeon. If you have the trilogy of Honky Chateau, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, and GYBR, you have the S-tier of Elton’s career. ‘Nuff said.
It really is kind of a travesty that your Elton John journey started with "I'm Still Standing." Typical 80s pop. His real strength was in the 70s. Dig deeper my brothers. Dig deeper.
And THIS is a "B+"? Travesty of the greatest proportion. I don't think you can get a better Elton John anthem song than this. This is pure genius from start to finish. The live in Central Park version is even better - no fade out.
I would tell them just listen to the whole album yellow brick road lol because he had many different styles of his music on that 1 album great comment agree 100% dig deeper my Young brothers.
I actually have tears in my eyes for being so blessed to have heard this on radio as a child all the time....and all the other music I love. So glad young ppl are discovering it.
He rarely does that live. I was lucky enough to be at the concert where he played Empty Garden with a John Lennon tribute. He said one time. Saw him 2xs after that No Madman & no Empty Garden I was so lucky & got picked to sit in the 10th row at the Garden. I was supposed to see him in March but well you know happened. 😘😘
Elton was classically trained (in fact, he's a chief benefactor of a classical conservatory in England) and on this track, he really showed his classical ear. The composition in the opening is stately; he lets it take it's own time, live it's own life and doesn't hurry to the evolution he had planned for it. As a classical lover, this is one of the strongest beauties of this track.
@@shelaghnigans How interesting. I never consciously noticed that. So it is kind of an Overture to the album? Like to a movie! And the album's title is indeed based on a classic movie. So cool. You're very perceptive... I just can't think of which other songs are echoed in "FfaF/LLB". Help please?
@@OronOfMontreal Oh, I'm not perceptive... I just read about it. :) EJ has said he has a penchant for sad, dark songs and he wanted to write an instrumental, so he thought about the sort of music he'd want played at his funeral-and that's how it all started. FFaF and LLB weren't conceived as one song, but producer Gus Dudgeon put them together (FFaF ends and LLB begins in the key of A). When the album was mixed & overdubbed back at Trident Studios, David Hentschel (album engineer who plays synth on the track) layered in bits of the melodies from Candle In the Wind, I've Seen That Movie, Too, and The Ballad of Danny Bailey. :)
This album is a masterpiece. One of the greatest double albums of all time. Between the writting, production, arranging, vocals snd musicality. Its right up there with the Beatles White album as the grestest double album of all time. Not one filler on the album.
This is his opus, his masterpiece. Arguably my favourite rock song EVER. The amazing musical arrangements by Elton and the heartfelt/heartbreaking lyrics by Bernie Taupin. I always get goosebumps with this song. The longer a great song is the better.
"The longer a great song is, the better." Have to agree with you about this song, but there are some amazing songs that are too short, like Mississippi Queen and White Rabbit.
Davey Johnstone is an underrated guitarist. Been there for most of Elton John's career. Saw them on the farewell tour. Performed the whole Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding duo. An astonishing live concert. Blown away.
I was lucky to see them on the album's tour. He also had a song released at that time with Kiki Dee. Bet you can guess who the opening artist was for that concert.
I got to see Elton on his first tour of the US in Jacksonville Fla. Only 600 showed and he invited whoever wanted to come up and join him on stage. I got to sit at his feet for 2.5 hours....amazing
I saw him on his first US tour at Berkeley Community Theater - so great! And then, later on, I bought Madman Across the Water and I remember my mother (now 101 years old) laying across the bed with me and listening to the whole album for the first time. Such memories.
OMFG, you children should get the wax out of your ears! This timeless, epic, classic, tour-de-force masterpiece of an iconic rock song is AT LEAST an A plus!
Album sales are so over rated and you can't go by them. Sales of an album stop counting after so many years. Either the record company or the artist has to pay to have an audit done and the sales updated. May artists could care less and record companies don't pay unless there is a motive for it. Say Pink Floyd. A lot of heir albums haven;t been counted in years although they are still selling.
@@coreydean6540 Sorry dude, not with these kind of numbers. No one else in history has mastered rock, pop, and Broadway show music with this level of success.
oh YEAH. Then Ray did a solo. We had NO voice from screaming throughout the concert!!!!! What was interesting to me was the age of the crowd. Teens to quite elderly. A few women were knitting waiting for the concert to start. It was AWESOME. Traffic was so backed up we would missed over an hour at one of his concerts, and when we were finally able to get in, they said he won't play until he knew who ever was waiting to get seated was able to. It was awesome. It was a three hour concert.
Elton John is a true living legend and for good reasons. Try"mad man across the water","tiny dancer","burn down the mission","Levon" and my personal favorite"Mona Lisas and mad hatters"☮️
Great song but not his roots, here are the root songs, Madman Across The Water, Levon, Tiny Dancer, Daniel,Burn Down The Mission, Where To now St. Peter, Take Me To The Pilot and many more before this one.
JOEL LIEBLER Levon gets my vote. And I am partial to the piano heavy Elton John songs. Love the strings and drums, but I love the lyrics of Levon, most of all.
Solid choice for Elton this time. Next up has got to be The Bitch is Back or Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, both total bangers. If you want to chill out with a classic ballad try Rocket Man, Daniel or Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which is the song he'll be most remembered for.
I feel like these are too vanilla, They're great songs from a pop standpoint, but the gems, imo, are on the b sides. Grey Seal, Captain Fantastic, Ticking or Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters. Theses were Elton and Bernie at their very best. Of those I recommend Captain Fantastic.
This Partnership! Bernie Taupin as a lyricist and Elton’s brilliance as a music composer, my God! Final thought, think of the year this was released, then listen to it again...this is a prime example as to why I dislike putting labels on music.
@@TexasMagnolia I was in high school when this album/tune came out. I was a big EJ fan back then and I considered this album his move into "Pop-Rock". That's my label.
@@melodymakermarkThis is a MASTERPIECE. You can listen to it multiple times and always pick up something new and musical, not a drum machine and auto tune
one thing important about these two songs is that they were always played back to back on the AOR FM radio stations in the 70s,, there were 10 or 12 song combos like this that were 2 separate songs but were always played together
Damn near broke my finger to get here. A FOREVER CLASSIC! Nothing else can be said. Although, a must as a follow-up “Madman Across The Water” from self title album, a must vinyl for all music lovers. One of the Best Album’s of all time. A great experience to watch y’all experience this Masterpiece! Would love to see y’all react to Madman Across the Water.
It’s difficult to create a good song and there is nothing wrong with “I’m still standing”. It’s a fine, catchy tune but it doesn’t even begin to compare with this masterpiece.
A couple of comments: 1) In the pre-monolithic days before Clearchannel owned all the airwaves, there was pop (aka top-40 AM radio) and pop (progressive/sophisticated/adult FM) that were as different in the delivery of new music as today's bought-beat music and new jazz releases. 2) Part and parcel of the times around fifty years ago was that gratification didn't need to be instantaneous. In fact, it almost always wasn't, it wasn't even an option, whereas in today's world, if I can't access the weather or anything whatsoever at literally lightning speed, I'm pissed. There were no personal computers, per se, there was no internet with instant access to anything ... but there WAS a certain speed to people's lives, and an intro like this song has worked to set the pace and the mindspace for what was to follow. In other words, we did NOT expect to click a button and immediately reach a peak; we were acclimated to anticipation, not instant gratification. 3) These sorts of intros were, therefore, meant to be appreciated like a first sip of wine. One doesn't make remarks immediately about the tannin, the texture, the temperature, or the taste; one experiences it as it's happening, and comments afterwards. I get the feeling that you often miss out on the subtleties in intros like this because you're too anxious to announce what instrument, technique, and progression, etc. you happen to be aware of, and my impression is that that suppresses your enjoyment of it a bit. That's all.
Joe....Brilliant observation and analysis! These young men can't relate to the total music experience us baby boomers lived in 50 years ago when we were that age. But through no fought of their own I do applaud and appreciate their reconition of REAL talented artistic musicians that their generation is severely lacking. Kinda feel sorry for this generation that they missed out on so much of the musical experience that we all took for granite thinking it would go on forever.
Remember, they're technically two different songs, Funeral For a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding. It opens the album. It doesn't take long before you grow to love the build up and the second part feels naked without it. You guessed wrong when you thought the song after this was a rocker. It's a beautiful ballad about the death of Marilyn Monroe, Candle in the Wind, and would make a great choice for your next song. This was when an album was an album. You were meant to put the needle on the outer groove of that vinyl and listen all the way through. It takes you through some changes in mood for sure. Oh, and Bennie and the Jets follows Candle in the Wind, another great song.
I love that Alex has declared that he does not like eighties music, yet he's fully wild about "I'm Still Standing," THE MOST EIGHTIES SONG EVER RECORDED.
I agree with Alex! 80's was the worst decade for music ever! Granted there were a few good things, however Talking Heads is the only thing that comes to mind. Embarrassing, considering my prime years were in the eighties
Watching you both listen to this reminds me of how I listened to it in my dorm room in 1979. I hadn't been an Elton John fan but my roommate played this every night as we were going to sleep. Totally changed my world.
Honestly I find the true Spirit of Elton John in his earlier works! Take me to the pilot is what I would recommend. A few people tried to sing it on American Idol but could not even try to match the spirit and the energy of vocals and piano of Elton John!
I saw Ben Platt do a cover of it at his concert and he and his back up singers ROCKED IT!! Elton songs are so hard for others to do justice, but they nailed it!!
I had my first ever slow dance at age 11 to "Don't Let the Sun..." It was at a 4 week sleep-away camp in Ontario, and the girl was a super-cute blonde French Canadian. I can still see us dancing in the common room as the record played.
If you've never heard Honkey Cat....wow. The most oddly syncopated thing I've ever heard. It sounds simple, but the more you listen, the more you realize that as a musician, actually playing it would be mind blowing. Totally underappreciated song.
Completely agree! I think it's his most underrated single-that funky horn section, Davey Johnstone's banjo (his album debut with the band), Dee Murray's bassline (is there any bassline that serves a song better than this?), and the INSANE syncopated volley between Dee and EJ in the outro--makes me grin and shake my head every time.
I know that your comment is old but I first heard Honky Cat when I was about 11 years old and I thought it was the coolest song. Then I heard Crocodile Rock and I was so hooked on Elton John at age 12. I could only get his 45 of Crocodile Rock / Elderberry Wine on the b side. Didn't have money for an album.
Many many years ago I heard somewhere that in 1972 Elton sold 2 percent of all records in the US. Have no way to verify that but it wouldn't surprise me at all.
I am an older listener who is familiar with a lot of songs that you review from the 60s and 70s. It’s so fun to know where a song is going and then watch your reactions as it gets there. I love you guys.
This era of Elton John is definitely his best. This song is off of one of the greatest albums of all time (in my opinion), and I am glad you both have started to listen to it. Fantastic song.
I Just realized that i'm probably one of the younger people to watch your videos. Even though I'm still in high school I've always listened to older music.
I absolutely love the look on their faces, and knowing they are experiencing a life changing event! Once you hear classic Elton you just understand what music is. This is brilliant.
An argument can be made for the 60s, 70s and 80s. Even for the 50s. Heck, I love the Big Band Jazz of the 1940s, even though I grew up on Elton John's 1970s generation and matured into the 80s and their Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Gary Numan Gen X stuff.
Why's it never light on my lawn Why does it rain And never say good-day to the new-born On the big screen they showed us the sun But not as bright in life as the real one It's never quite the same as the real one That voice. I get the chills every time.
Back in the day when a song could be about 15 minutes and go through about 50 different movements before it reached the main one. :) I really do like this song.
My favorite Elton John song is All the Young Girls Love Alice. Lyrics are phenomenal, especially for the time it was written. Ya'll have got to check it out. Highway Song by Blackfoot guys!
Next ; Madman Across the Water , Someone Saved My Life Tonight , Honky Cat or Levon Some other 'bangers' to add to your list : - Chicago -Questions 67 and 68 - Foghat - Road Fever from Foghat Live - Peter Frampton - Do You Feel Like We Do - Frampton Comes Alive Its an incredible epic live performance with more than enough tasty bits and a really infamous use of the talk box as well - guaranteed road trip playlist tune - its a true standout track that you'll both be impressed by
@cshude Yes I have heard of Leonid and friends. They are really talented. I think Andy and Alex will really enjoy them. In fact, I miss A&A reacting to some Chicago.
"It ended way more good than what I thought it was gonna be..." "A good 8% in I was like, okay, how is this gonna keep going..." I think any problem here is with the listener, not with the musician. Do half - heck, do a tenth - of what Elton John has accomplished over a VERY long and VERY successful career, and you might establish some credibility here. This entire album, this song included, is a masterpiece. Funeral For A Friend isn't something to tolerate only until Elton gets to the good stuff, it's an integral part of the song.
"Funeral..." is in fact the genius part of the double song. "LLB" alone would merely be a good hard Rock song, in keeping with "Saturday Night..." but not as special. The second half is elevated by its pairing with the Progressive Rock first half.
Many YT reactors fall into the trap of reviewing a particular song without realizing it ties in to the song immediately before it. A good example is Frank Sells.
Ridiculous, idiotic and clueless review. This track is the greatest opening song to any album and takes you right into masterpiece that is the Goodbye yellow brick road album.
Jason Remy - Captain Fantastic was a great final effort. At least Davey stayed. I still break out Rock of the Westies, with the new band, a few times a year. Kenny Passarelli, James Newton Howard, Roger Pope, etc. The reissue of CF includes the new band playing CF in its entirely at Wembley.
Someone Saved My Life Tonight, The Bitch is Back, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Daniel, Honky Cat, Levon. There are too many to list. Just get his greatest hits. He went from beauty to just plain weird. Some you’ll instantly love, others will grow on you. Bernie Taupin did most if not all the lyrics and Elton did the music. You’ve hit a goldmine with this artist.
My mother hated Elton John, my biggest idol in my teen years. She hated his voice, hated the drumming and especially the hi-hat; she hated Rock n Roll and all the time I "wasted" blasting it with full bass on; Mom just frickin hated Elton and his music. But in 1978 I had tickets to see him at the Montreal Forum. Mom was going to drive my friend and me downtown and back, but my buddy got grounded the night of the show. Since my mother had paid for the tickets and since she had to drive anyway, she decided to see the concert with me." At age 15 I was too much of a nerd to mind. The show opened with "Funeral for a Friend/LLB" and the entire concert was amazing. They even did a gorgeous cover of Lennon's "Imagine" (with Lennon still alive!). After the show Mom still hated Elton's voice but she admired how hard the band worked and respected Elton's piano talent and showmanship. She particularly asked me about "Funeral". I told her the title and she declared that when she died she wanted this song to play at her cremation. I thought she was joking but every few years she would remind me of her desire to be seen off with "Funeral for a Friend". I still didn't believe her because she still hated Elton's voice and music and influence upon me. Last year my mother, after decades of increasing pain, committed legal assisted suicide, up in Ottawa. I had never told anybody about her Elton request. And still, my stepfather informed me that a tape of "Funeral..." was playing as the doctor administered the relaxant and the poison. And when she was gone my stepdad had to play the tape again during her cremation and a few days later, he had to play it again as he and Mom's grandchildren scattered her ashes over the Rideau River. Mom had made sure, since I could not take her wish seriously after all those years of grief and drama she caused me over Elton, she had made sure that the entire family knew what to do. And my dear stepfather, divorced from her for 20 years, she made HIM responsible for the music. Did I happen to mention that my stepfather hated Elton John even more than Mom did? Poor man.
WOW! Well I just had a good cry. I'm truly sorry for your loss....I lost my mom one year ago [Sept 2019]. Your mom went out the right way, and your stepfather stepped up and did the right thing. Peace.
Mom took me 1976 Madison Square Garden . to see Elton. She loves him. Still does. We’ve seen him together 2 more times. He played this. It was incredible. Glad your Mom took you to see him- I think your Mom was pulling your leg about hating his voice. At least I hope she was. Can you imagine she left this earth with that silly little secret?
Harmony was supposed to be the last single released from the album, but releasing it would have had it competing with the first releases from "Caribou", so MCA decided not to release it. Otherwise, "Harmony" probably would have been in Elton's 'hits' rotation and would be much better known today.
Love these 2 songs, especially how one runs into the other. I used to play this on piano ages ago. My fav Elton album is Tumbleweed Connection. He has so many incredible songs. Where To Now St. Peter, Burn Down The Mission, and what I think is the most beautiful Come Down In Time.
Me and my bandmate played this for graduation from music school. Him on keyboards and vocals. Me on guitar. Masterfully written, performed and produced. I don't know what it was about the 70s but it produced some of the greatest music this world will ever know. It was the prime years of The Who, Zep, Elton John, Stones, ELP, ELO, Trower, on and on and on. Truly miss those times, especially compared to the post-2000 crapfest of today.
Popular song to play at funerals back in the day. I was lucky to see him play this live when this album was his latest album. To see and hear the Funeral for a Friend part live, it was eerie and then it exploded into Love Lies Bleeding in my Hands. This has so many amazing layers that demonstrates talented songwriting and musicianship.
Guys - I get what you’re saying about “waiting” for the great parts. Keep in mind the difference between then and now is the flow of an album. Goodbye Yellowbrick Road is a great album and this epic works really well in that context. This wasn’t a single. He has PLENTY of hit singles. His early stuff is a lot deeper than that. Try Levon
I saw him in 1974 when I was 17. He opened with this song. Coming out of a rising piano from the stage, dressed in all white, with white fur glasses was one of the best concerts I ever saw!!!!!!!
Goodbye Yellow brick Road is an album best appreciated start to finish. The flow, continuity, production and musicianship are outstanding. This album is a timeless Masterwork.
This might be my favorite Elton John song! I hope you enjoy this. If you did you will with out a doubt like anything off of SUPERTRAMP’S “Crime of the century” album
I pimp 'School' every review. Hopefully they'll get to it at some point. Its not even my favorite song off the album (If Everyone Was Listening), but I think its the best example of how awesome they and that album was.
If you continue on with this album, you’ll find nothing sounds like anything else on this double album, but it all somehow fits together.It’s a not a concept album, but is tied together by a cinematic feel. The album is better than most greatest hits by other artists.
I always thought of “I’m still Standing,” as a throw away song. Kinda too easy, too commercial. As if EJ just wanted to remind everyone he was still alive. I remember hearing this on so many nights, and it still blows my mind.
This was Elton and Bernie Taupin's greatest musical achievement, according to me. His band was phenomenal, and his flamboyance just added so much more. If y'all haven't seen Rocketman, it is a must, if you want a primer in understanding the myth of Elton John.
I was going to suggest this as well. After the last Elton John you reacted to I had Mad Man Across the Water stuck in my head for a couple days. Also, just about any song from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is gold.
This is 2 songs put together. It's kind of amazing to see you guys not react or like the killer synth intro (Funeral for a Friend). I guess you are so used to hearing software synths in everything that it just isn't something you notice much. Back in the early seventies synths were so new and modern and wild that when I first heard that synth my jaw dropped and my eyes just bugged out of their sockets! I ran out and got the song book and learned how to play this and it took a LONG time (I was only 14 at the time)! Amazing fact about Funeral for a Friend: it was played on an ARP 2500 modular synth (same as Pete Townsend used for Baba O'Reily and others). At the time you could buy a big house and a nice car for what it cost. They were huge and only really rich rock stars, big studios, and universities could afford them, but also, they were MONOPHONIC. Elton's recording engineer, David Hentschel, played the synth parts and he had to play it one note at a time! It took him a couple of days to record that ( and the arpeggio's in Love Lies Bleeding). This line-up (Davey Johnstone -guitar, Dee Murray-Bass, and Nigel Olsson-Drums, and featuring Ray Cooper -Percussion) is considered Elton's classic band. They were with him for most of his big early seventies hits. Oh, clicky Flamenco things = castanets. And yeah, Elton John was the Pop Rock king for several years at his height. Google him and add "costumes" to the search and take a look at some of the outrageous outfits he wore! He was the Lady Gaga, Beyonce, or Billie EIlish of the time. Watch the movie Rocket Man (great song BTW) sometime. The other big songs off this album were the title track, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, Bennie and the Jets, Harmony and Candle in the Wind which got big again in 1997 when he played it at Lady Diana's funeral (a slightly lyrically reworked version). That turned out to be the biggest selling single of all time: 33 million copies sold. Anyway, thanks so much for doing these songs!! Hope you enjoy them even more on further listens. Next, I don't know, there are so many great songs by him and I'd like to suggest something you'll like. He has so many great songs: Daniel, Your Song, Levon, Crocodile Rock, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Harmony, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, The Bitch is Back, Island Girl, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word. Or maybe try some of his one-off singles of the time: Pinball Wizard (rock's better than the Who's version), Philadelphia Freedom, Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee), Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (featuring John Lennon). Can't make up my mind there's so many good songs! Thanks again; sorry for being so long winded Peace from SF
In this era, he opened every show with these two songs. The live version was MUCH more intense than the studio version. I saw him at the Chicago Stadium in excellent seats. Playboy’s Hugh Hefner was a few seats from us, surrounded by bunny types. Hugh was rocking out out. His girls were stunning. The show was great. It was a good night. 😳
My favorite album of all time is - Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. You should absolutely review some of the music from that album. Love it so much!!
The acoustic guitar intro is pretty unique in Elton's catalog. Lots of other great songs on that album like "Tower of Babel", "Bitter Fingers" and of course "Someone Saved My Life Tonight". And it's got one of the trippiest album covers of all time.
My first year of college, my mom called me to let me know a family friend had died (impolite mutterings about cancer here). I headed off to my work-study shift for the night and WHAT SHOULD COME ON THE RADIO AT DINNER BUT GODDAMN "FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND." 15 years later and this song still absolutely wrecks me sometimes (this was one of those times, but entirely worth it for your thoughts). "Tiny Dancer" lives up to the hype. I'm personally not as fond of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," but it's some hella pointed commentary. Other long sauce: "Jump into the Fire," Harry Nilsson "Nights in White Satin," the Moody Blues (also "Procession" and "The Story in Your Eyes" taken together) "Trilogy," Emerson, Lake & Palmer (also "The Endless Enigma," but again, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE WHOLE THING - part 1, the fugue and part 2 are separate tracks that come as a set!)
Okay...to really get this "Bernie-Elton" era, listen to the title track from the album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy"...amazing lyrics, production and arrangement. Remember that Bernie was the lyric-guy, and Elton was always the arrangement/music guy...he dropped off until he found new lyricists to work with.
Guys, I think with time you’ll find that this song is in a completely different category from I’m Still Standing. While I personally can’t stand I’m Still Standing and think it may be the cheesiest song Elton John ever recorded, it is a catchy toon the first time you hear it. By contrast, this masterpiece may take a few listens to fully appreciate all of the brilliance you’re hearing. In fact, with time I would bet that this song will become S-Tier and you’ll give I’m Still Standing a C-. Cheers!
The album this came from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which launched Elton John into superstardom. I don't want to assume but I don't think your generation has a personality as big as Elton John was to compare to. He was huge. And deservedly so. Arguably his biggest hit is Philadelphia Freedom, but his whole body of work is phenomenal. And shout out to his lyricist Bernie Taupin, without him doubt if Elton would have had the career he did
Checking out some more Elton John!! You guys said we made a sketchy pick and that we had to revisit him ASAP! And this was the track that you guys overwhelmingly suggested!! Great song, where do go next?! Comment below! Cheers guys! 🤟🏻🔥
Andy & Alex Hey guys! Great Pick! Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting” is probably his best song to do next! Also I would love to see “Truckin” by The Grateful Dead Please! ✌️ ☮️
Tiny Dancer is awesome! His playing and lyrics make one hell of a song!
All the Young Girls Love Alice
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues, Madman Across The Water, Little Jennie, Somebody Save My Life Tonight and many more.
70s magic.
The entire “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” album is a timeless masterpiece. It’s a mix of Pop, Rock and R & B. Worth listening from first song to last.
More importantly - it was created to be listened to from beginning to end.
Vincent Keith yeah it was a story
Every song on it could have been a hit single.
Thomas McIntosh maybe not Jamaica Jerk off. 😆
I preferred Capt Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, but yeah, his Bernie Taupan years were the best of the best and his band back then was just incredible ... I mean, what band includes a dedicated percussionist anymore (except maybe some Japanese bands that are keeping the 1970's/80's prog rock alive?)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is peak Elton John. He comes close a few times afterwards, but never tops it.
Captain Fantastic comes really close, but yeah, I'd have to agree.
It might be peak in sales but only a couple of Elton's *depth* songs are on it.
kjmorley agree
GYBR is the pinnacle of his career. His good stuff that followed was piecemeal. Here, Elton, Bernie, Davey, Dee and Nigel were at the top of their game. And phenomenal production by Gus Dudgeon. If you have the trilogy of Honky Chateau, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, and GYBR, you have the S-tier of Elton’s career. ‘Nuff said.
dbadbt He peaked before then but as far as hits go you are right!
Madman Across the Water
One of his best...!
Oh yes. Whole album is great, but title song really hooks you in.
Madman Across the Water. Great album. Levon is my favourite track by Elton
IMO Elton John's best song.
Absolutely!!!
It really is kind of a travesty that your Elton John journey started with "I'm Still Standing." Typical 80s pop. His real strength was in the 70s. Dig deeper my brothers. Dig deeper.
Couldn't agree more!
Could’ve been worse...could’ve been “Candle in the Wind” or even late ‘70s like “Mama Can’t Buy You Love.”
95% of his best work was 1970-1976.
Im Still Standing way better than Candle in the Wind. Momma cant buy you love is cool and groovy
And THIS is a "B+"? Travesty of the greatest proportion. I don't think you can get a better Elton John anthem song than this. This is pure genius from start to finish. The live in Central Park version is even better - no fade out.
I would tell them just listen to the whole album yellow brick road lol because he had many different styles of his music on that 1 album great comment agree 100% dig deeper my Young brothers.
I actually have tears in my eyes for being so blessed to have heard this on radio as a child all the time....and all the other music I love. So glad young ppl are discovering it.
Omg me too. Tears
.....and Im so glad they are helping me rediscover it intelligently
I love that feeling 🎶❣️🎵💖🎶💞
Here I sit, 63 yrs old in my sauce shirt smiling at you two. Love watching you experience our music. Like many have said "Madman Across The Water."
He rarely does that live. I was lucky enough to be at the concert where he played Empty Garden with a John Lennon tribute. He said one time. Saw him 2xs after that No Madman & no Empty Garden I was so lucky & got picked to sit in the 10th row at the Garden. I was supposed to see him in March but well you know happened. 😘😘
MADMAN is an experience in, and of, itself. Truth
@@lisaannbarriner9633 One of his best. Flawless. Levon is superb and Indian Sunset is truly remarkable. x
I’m 65……and these guys have the best reactions to “our” music. Puts a huge smile on my face too!
“
"Someone Saved My Life Tonight". His suicide attempt story and his most interesting song.
My favorite
Jfieri1 such a beautiful song, such an emotional song. Good pick.
I prefer the John Lennon cover version; "Someone shaved my wife tonight."
Yep. My favorite.
“It’s four o’clock in the morning, dammit”
Elton was classically trained (in fact, he's a chief benefactor of a classical conservatory in England) and on this track, he really showed his classical ear. The composition in the opening is stately; he lets it take it's own time, live it's own life and doesn't hurry to the evolution he had planned for it. As a classical lover, this is one of the strongest beauties of this track.
Great commentary
Agree
... and it also incorporates themes from some the other songs on the album.
@@shelaghnigans How interesting. I never consciously noticed that. So it is kind of an Overture to the album? Like to a movie! And the album's title is indeed based on a classic movie. So cool. You're very perceptive...
I just can't think of which other songs are echoed in "FfaF/LLB". Help please?
@@OronOfMontreal Oh, I'm not perceptive... I just read about it. :) EJ has said he has a penchant for sad, dark songs and he wanted to write an instrumental, so he thought about the sort of music he'd want played at his funeral-and that's how it all started. FFaF and LLB weren't conceived as one song, but producer Gus Dudgeon put them together (FFaF ends and LLB begins in the key of A). When the album was mixed & overdubbed back at Trident Studios, David Hentschel (album engineer who plays synth on the track) layered in bits of the melodies from Candle In the Wind, I've Seen That Movie, Too, and The Ballad of Danny Bailey. :)
This album is a masterpiece. One of the greatest double albums of all time.
Between the writting, production, arranging, vocals snd musicality. Its right up there with the Beatles White album as the grestest double album of all time. Not one filler on the album.
This is his opus, his masterpiece. Arguably my favourite rock song EVER. The amazing musical arrangements by Elton and the heartfelt/heartbreaking lyrics by Bernie Taupin. I always get goosebumps with this song. The longer a great song is the better.
"The longer a great song is, the better." Have to agree with you about this song, but there are some amazing songs that are too short, like Mississippi Queen and White Rabbit.
Levon.... Levon from Madman Across The Water
that dude likes his money
My absolute favorite from Elton!
Davey Johnstone is an underrated guitarist. Been there for most of Elton John's career. Saw them on the farewell tour. Performed the whole Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding duo. An astonishing live concert. Blown away.
Joseph Crangle Love the guitar on this - reminded me of Mick Ronson!
I was lucky to see them on the album's tour. He also had a song released at that time with Kiki Dee. Bet you can guess who the opening artist was for that concert.
Dee Murray was one of the best bass players that no one ever talks about. RIP Dee. 😔
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ THIS ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
How did I miss that he'd died? :-(
@@thechomiji Yeah Dee's playing on this track is one of my fav bass line ever! It makes this song!
Yes Dee Murray & Nigel Olsen with Elton could carry a song to levels unlike any band! Listen to 60 Years On on the 11/17/70 LP. Simply Amazing!
@@PhilHLPESK_M_ that whole album was amazing. And I'm not normally a fan of live albums.
I got to see Elton on his first tour of the US in Jacksonville Fla. Only 600 showed and he invited whoever wanted to come up and join him on stage. I got to sit at his feet for 2.5 hours....amazing
Cool. I saw him in Reno on same tour. It was in a livestock pavilion with dirt floors. 😱👍🏼😎
I saw him on his first US tour at Berkeley Community Theater - so great! And then, later on, I bought Madman Across the Water and I remember my mother (now 101 years old) laying across the bed with me and listening to the whole album for the first time. Such memories.
😳😲...daaaaamn!!!
Weird how you only look 35.
That's so awesome!
I saw Elton in 1974. They opened with these songs. It blew our socks off!
OMFG, you children should get the wax out of your ears! This timeless, epic, classic, tour-de-force masterpiece of an iconic rock song is AT LEAST an A plus!
Elton John was the biggest star on the planet when this album was released.
Exactly!!
He has about 30 songs of this kind of depth, you could go all year. There's a reason only the Beatles and Elvis have outsold him.
@michael dowson What? You don't have to be alive for people to buy your music.
Peter Quinones And Michael Jackson...
@michael dowson All time, period. For example Elvis Presley died in 1974 and he' s outsold Zep, the Stones and Pink Floyd combined.
Album sales are so over rated and you can't go by them. Sales of an album stop counting after so many years. Either the record company or the artist has to pay to have an audit done and the sales updated. May artists could care less and record companies don't pay unless there is a motive for it. Say Pink Floyd. A lot of heir albums haven;t been counted in years although they are still selling.
@@coreydean6540 Sorry dude, not with these kind of numbers. No one else in history has mastered rock, pop, and Broadway show music with this level of success.
This song is part of the soundtrack of my life. It’s in my bones. Better late than never. My favorite song ever
I saw him in concert. One of the best I've ever seen. 3 hours nothing but him a piano, and his band. Magnificent.
oh YEAH. Then Ray did a solo. We had NO voice from screaming throughout the concert!!!!! What was interesting to me was the age of the crowd. Teens to quite elderly. A few women were knitting waiting for the concert to start. It was AWESOME. Traffic was so backed up we would missed over an hour at one of his concerts, and when we were finally able to get in, they said he won't play until he knew who ever was waiting to get seated was able to. It was awesome. It was a three hour concert.
Elton John is a true living legend and for good reasons. Try"mad man across the water","tiny dancer","burn down the mission","Levon" and my personal favorite"Mona Lisas and mad hatters"☮️
Solid recommendations!!!
Ticking.
Love the harmony in Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters!
Put Amoreena on that list and it’s almost complete!
Great suggestions Gary
Great song but not his roots, here are the root songs, Madman Across The Water, Levon, Tiny Dancer, Daniel,Burn Down The Mission, Where To now St. Peter, Take Me To The Pilot and many more before this one.
"Where to Now, St. Peter?" I'll second that!
Great songs from "Tumbleweed Connection". I too liked "Burn Down the Mission" and "Where To Now St. Peter".
JOEL LIEBLER LOVE all those you listed!
JOEL LIEBLER Levon gets my vote. And I am partial to the piano heavy Elton John songs. Love the strings and drums, but I love the lyrics of Levon, most of all.
Hard to argue that....
Solid choice for Elton this time. Next up has got to be The Bitch is Back or Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, both total bangers. If you want to chill out with a classic ballad try Rocket Man, Daniel or Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which is the song he'll be most remembered for.
these are his best
Or Candle in the Wind or Tiny Dancer
"Madman Across the Water", "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters", "Burn Down the Mission"
the bitch is back, yes!
I feel like these are too vanilla, They're great songs from a pop standpoint, but the gems, imo, are on the b sides. Grey Seal, Captain Fantastic, Ticking or Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters. Theses were Elton and Bernie at their very best. Of those I recommend Captain Fantastic.
“Mona Lisa’s and mad hatters” is a gem from this era🍻
The harmonies always get me in that song.
Mona Lisa's and Madhatters is such an underrated song.
Agree! Love that song!
Absolutely.
Lead guitarist Davey Johnstone sorely underrated..he's fantastic on this song and so many others.Definitely A
I'll second that!!!
This Partnership! Bernie Taupin as a lyricist and Elton’s brilliance as a music composer, my God! Final thought, think of the year this was released, then listen to it again...this is a prime example as to why I dislike putting labels on music.
Texas Magnolia Yes! I was 14! And I WORE THIS TRACK OUT! Still love it alllllllll these years later.
I'll put a label on it. Kick ass! ;-)
Mike Harris Yes, I am referencing the overused “Prog-rock” I’m hearing. It’s f-ing Rock! Thanks Mike.
I have 3 labels for music: Excellent, Good and Bad. This would fall into the Excellent category....
@@TexasMagnolia I was in high school when this album/tune came out. I was a big EJ fan back then and I considered this album his move into "Pop-Rock". That's my label.
1974. No one ever gives Elton credit for how prolific he and Bernie were. They were pumping out 2 or 3 albums a year.
Charly rock🎉
The Funeral for a Friend movement, is a clinic on emotive, melodic songwriting and sets the table. Love Lies Bleeding just burns.
This is Bohemian Rhapsody/ Stairway To Heaven greatness. You boys need to give er a second listen.
Fire one up and it will sound even better! 😉
I love a band of actual musicians
@@rpskaza The way I heard all of these greats in the 70s😀
@rpskaza, fresh out of papers. The toilet paper roll in the bath is almost empty, however. I have aluminum foil. Let the engineering skills begin.
@@melodymakermarkThis is a MASTERPIECE. You can listen to it multiple times and always pick up something new and musical, not a drum machine and auto tune
one thing important about these two songs is that they were always played back to back on the AOR FM radio stations in the 70s,, there were 10 or 12 song combos like this that were 2 separate songs but were always played together
Damn near broke my finger to get here. A FOREVER CLASSIC! Nothing else can be said. Although, a must as a follow-up “Madman Across The Water” from self title album, a must vinyl for all music lovers. One of the Best Album’s of all time.
A great experience to watch y’all experience this Masterpiece! Would love to see y’all react to Madman Across the Water.
It’s difficult to create a good song and there is nothing wrong with “I’m still standing”. It’s a fine, catchy tune but it doesn’t even begin to compare with this masterpiece.
A couple of comments:
1) In the pre-monolithic days before Clearchannel owned all the airwaves, there was pop (aka top-40 AM radio) and pop (progressive/sophisticated/adult FM) that were as different in the delivery of new music as today's bought-beat music and new jazz releases.
2) Part and parcel of the times around fifty years ago was that gratification didn't need to be instantaneous. In fact, it almost always wasn't, it wasn't even an option, whereas in today's world, if I can't access the weather or anything whatsoever at literally lightning speed, I'm pissed. There were no personal computers, per se, there was no internet with instant access to anything ... but there WAS a certain speed to people's lives, and an intro like this song has worked to set the pace and the mindspace for what was to follow. In other words, we did NOT expect to click a button and immediately reach a peak; we were acclimated to anticipation, not instant gratification.
3) These sorts of intros were, therefore, meant to be appreciated like a first sip of wine. One doesn't make remarks immediately about the tannin, the texture, the temperature, or the taste; one experiences it as it's happening, and comments afterwards. I get the feeling that you often miss out on the subtleties in intros like this because you're too anxious to announce what instrument, technique, and progression, etc. you happen to be aware of, and my impression is that that suppresses your enjoyment of it a bit. That's all.
Joe, very well put.
Word.
Yep.
Joe....Brilliant observation and analysis!
These young men can't relate to the total music experience us baby boomers lived in 50 years ago when we were that age.
But through no fought of their own I do applaud and appreciate their reconition of REAL talented artistic musicians that their generation is severely lacking.
Kinda feel sorry for this generation that they missed out on so much of the musical experience that we all took for granite thinking it would go on forever.
Blew the speakers out on my stereo back in ‘74 when I was 17.Sad that there’s nothing like this anymore.I’m so lucky to have grown up when I did.
This is how he opened his shows in the late 70's and early 80's!
Even his later concerts in the 90s, it is a good opening number.
Sorry i missed that. This would have been unbelievable to see live.
He still does. Saw his farewell tour. He ages like a fine wine. 😘😘 Actually saw him 5 times. Love him.
Remember, they're technically two different songs, Funeral For a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding. It opens the album. It doesn't take long before you grow to love the build up and the second part feels naked without it. You guessed wrong when you thought the song after this was a rocker. It's a beautiful ballad about the death of Marilyn Monroe, Candle in the Wind, and would make a great choice for your next song. This was when an album was an album. You were meant to put the needle on the outer groove of that vinyl and listen all the way through. It takes you through some changes in mood for sure. Oh, and Bennie and the Jets follows Candle in the Wind, another great song.
“Take Me To The Pilot” & “Madman Across The Water” please. Least radio play and two of the best.
Take Me to the Pilot really gets my blood pumping. Love it!
Madman Across the Water......absolutely!
Check out the album 11-17-70.
Great live version of take me to the pilot and burn down the mission. Recorded in a NY radio station.
'Madman Across The Water' is a fantastic song.
Yes madmannnnnn
I love that Alex has declared that he does not like eighties music, yet he's fully wild about "I'm Still Standing," THE MOST EIGHTIES SONG EVER RECORDED.
With the most 80's video. It's a great song though
mrhallcommajon and then there’s Metallica! 80’s was their best era!
I agree with Alex! 80's was the worst decade for music ever! Granted there were a few good things, however Talking Heads is the only thing that comes to mind. Embarrassing, considering my prime years were in the eighties
mrhallcommajon Very true at his age as if Alex has clue the difference between 60’s ‘70’s or ‘80’s!
@@denisduran9101 Last week I was checking out the top 100 for 1978. Mostly it was heinous too.
Watching you both listen to this reminds me of how I listened to it in my dorm room in 1979. I hadn't been an Elton John fan but my roommate played this every night as we were going to sleep. Totally changed my world.
Honestly I find the true Spirit of Elton John in his earlier works! Take me to the pilot is what I would recommend. A few people tried to sing it on American Idol but could not even try to match the spirit and the energy of vocals and piano of Elton John!
I saw Ben Platt do a cover of it at his concert and he and his back up singers ROCKED IT!! Elton songs are so hard for others to do justice, but they nailed it!!
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me”. One of my all time favorite songs ever. Need to listen. Great job guys!
I had my first ever slow dance at age 11 to "Don't Let the Sun..." It was at a 4 week sleep-away camp in Ontario, and the girl was a super-cute blonde French Canadian. I can still see us dancing in the common room as the record played.
Don't let your son go down on me 🤣😂😉😅
Best song ever.
If you've never heard Honkey Cat....wow. The most oddly syncopated thing I've ever heard. It sounds simple, but the more you listen, the more you realize that as a musician, actually playing it would be mind blowing. Totally underappreciated song.
Could not agree more!
Yeah, that tempo...
Completely agree! I think it's his most underrated single-that funky horn section, Davey Johnstone's banjo (his album debut with the band), Dee Murray's bassline (is there any bassline that serves a song better than this?), and the INSANE syncopated volley between Dee and EJ in the outro--makes me grin and shake my head every time.
I know that your comment is old but I first heard Honky Cat when I was about 11 years old and I thought it was the coolest song. Then I heard Crocodile Rock and I was so hooked on Elton John at age 12. I could only get his 45 of Crocodile Rock / Elderberry Wine on the b side. Didn't have money for an album.
When this album was new, Elton was bigger than anybody, even Elvis. He was the TOP music artist of the decade.
Top selling albums of the decade. YBR is his highest at number 19.
IMO, he’s still bigger than Elvis
Carl Anderson Hahahahahaha, I don’t think so....
Many many years ago I heard somewhere that in 1972 Elton sold 2 percent of all records in the US. Have no way to verify that but it wouldn't surprise me at all.
Not of the 70s...that was Zeppelin...but he was fabulous all the same!
I am an older listener who is familiar with a lot of songs that you review from the 60s and 70s. It’s so fun to know where a song is going and then watch your reactions as it gets there. I love you guys.
I'm done commenting. Know why ? Bc every comment would be something like, " so glad I grew up in the 70s".
Watching these guys makes one realize how much better the music was back in the day than it is now.
Elton John: "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting"..."Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"..."Your Song"
Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting is a pretty intense rocker.
Now these are good Elton John Songs, actually this whole damn double album is good!
Try " Burn down the Mission " think you'll enjoy it.
This era of Elton John is definitely his best. This song is off of one of the greatest albums of all time (in my opinion), and I am glad you both have started to listen to it. Fantastic song.
The album Madman Across the Water is their masterpiece imo.
Agree!
@@imagine1004 absolutely!
First album I bought . Still love it and play it 50 years later
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is pretty righteous.
2nd album.Tumbleweed Connection. Where to Now St. Peter? A masterpiece.
I Just realized that i'm probably one of the younger people to watch your videos. Even though I'm still in high school I've always listened to older music.
Who do you like? New, old or in between.
Dude im 15😂and still think its the best music
everyone is bringing up other great Elton songs. May I add "Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters"
i think Mona Lisas is probably tied with Tiny Dancer for my favorite Elton John song of all time. omg, so good.
I was gonna suggest these 2 as well
Burn down the mission is other fav lol
Great track off the great album 'Honky Chateau'.
Agree.
I absolutely love the look on their faces, and knowing they are experiencing a life changing event! Once you hear classic Elton you just understand what music is. This is brilliant.
This is EJ's epic contribution to classic rock. A masterpiece.
Dudes you have to agree the best music ever made come out of the 70’s.
An argument can be made for the 60s, 70s and 80s. Even for the 50s. Heck, I love the Big Band Jazz of the 1940s, even though I grew up on Elton John's 1970s generation and matured into the 80s and their Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Gary Numan Gen X stuff.
Why do you think they do this.
Song: Sixty Years On.
It's from 'Elton John' album. What a versatile artist!
Yes, excellent
Have you ever heard the live version from 1970? Just Elton, Dee and Nigel. No guitar, no synths. It is raw and powerful.
Yellow brick road reminds me of Fleetwood Mac, rumors. Every song is a hit.
Ah, but EJ was first.
All the young girls love Alice, Someone saved my life tonight, Grey seal.
Why's it never light on my lawn
Why does it rain
And never say good-day to the new-born
On the big screen they showed us the sun
But not as bright in life as the real one
It's never quite the same as the real one
That voice. I get the chills every time.
I love Grey Seal. And Skyline Pigeon, which I never see anyone mention.
Weirdly enough, Martha, here's some trivia: The actual title is "All The Girls Love Alice."
Oh, Grey Seal is amazing! The 2nd version is my favorite.
How does it feel to be so wise, to see through eyes that only see what’s real....incredible lyrics!
Back in the day when a song could be about 15 minutes and go through about 50 different movements before it reached the main one. :)
I really do like this song.
The only thing I like more than great music is enjoying someone’s reaction to hearing a great song for the first time! ❤️
agree
My favorite Elton John song is All the Young Girls Love Alice. Lyrics are phenomenal, especially for the time it was written. Ya'll have got to check it out.
Highway Song by Blackfoot guys!
I absolutely must back up your request for "Highway Song" by Blackfoot..... One of my all time favorite cruising night time songs.
Not a big Elton fan but this entire album is a masterpiece.
Next ; Madman Across the Water , Someone Saved My Life Tonight , Honky Cat or Levon
Some other 'bangers' to add to your list :
- Chicago -Questions 67 and 68
- Foghat - Road Fever from Foghat Live
- Peter Frampton - Do You Feel Like We Do - Frampton Comes Alive Its an incredible epic live performance with more than enough tasty bits and a really infamous use of the talk box as well - guaranteed road trip playlist tune - its a true standout track that you'll both be impressed by
Questions 67 and 68 is a definite banger!!
And the Peter Frampton song too!
@@ethanwalmark5621 Have you checked out Leonid & Friends? They are an incredible cover band out of Kiev that specialize in Chicago covers. Stellar.
@cshude Yes I have heard of Leonid and friends. They are really talented. I think Andy and Alex will really enjoy them. In fact, I miss A&A reacting to some Chicago.
Jerry Petrillo I love Madman but to me ‘Ticking’ is the ultimate deep cut. Phenomenal.
As I’m sure you’ve come to realize, this is one of the greatest “bass line” tunes ever recorded. Dee Murray carries this offering from his first note.
"It ended way more good than what I thought it was gonna be..." "A good 8% in I was like, okay, how is this gonna keep going..." I think any problem here is with the listener, not with the musician. Do half - heck, do a tenth - of what Elton John has accomplished over a VERY long and VERY successful career, and you might establish some credibility here. This entire album, this song included, is a masterpiece. Funeral For A Friend isn't something to tolerate only until Elton gets to the good stuff, it's an integral part of the song.
"Funeral..." is in fact the genius part of the double song. "LLB" alone would merely be a good hard Rock song, in keeping with "Saturday Night..." but not as special. The second half is elevated by its pairing with the Progressive Rock first half.
Many YT reactors fall into the trap of reviewing a particular song without realizing it ties in to the song immediately before it. A good example is Frank Sells.
Ridiculous, idiotic and clueless review.
This track is the greatest opening song to any album and takes you right into masterpiece that is the Goodbye yellow brick road album.
@@cleekmaker00 Funeral/LLB is the first song(s) on GYBR.
More Elton John! Awesome! Keep the awesome music coming! Try “Saturday Nights alright for Fighting”! One of his best, strongest hits!✌️ ☮️
Have always felt that Dee Murray's bass all over this track - this whole album - was brilliant.
Criminally underrated musician. Died in '92 at the age of 45 so his memory has faded. He was Elton's bass player from the start.
His best era was the original band era with Dee, Nigel, and Davey. The band he put together for the first 6-7 albums was so tight.
Jason Remy - Captain Fantastic was a great final effort. At least Davey stayed. I still break out Rock of the Westies, with the new band, a few times a year. Kenny Passarelli, James Newton Howard, Roger Pope, etc. The reissue of CF includes the new band playing CF in its entirely at Wembley.
@@umpdaddy1 yeah, I remember Dee Murray as Elton's bassist...I remember him leering at me from the stage! 😳
I agree about Dee - and I'll also mention that huge input by percussionist Ray Cooper.
Someone Saved My Life Tonight, The Bitch is Back, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Daniel, Honky Cat, Levon. There are too many to list. Just get his greatest hits. He went from beauty to just plain weird. Some you’ll instantly love, others will grow on you. Bernie Taupin did most if not all the lyrics and Elton did the music. You’ve hit a goldmine with this artist.
Bernie's lyrics could def be eclectic. your song list is spot on
Yes. Nailed it Missy. Thank you for narrowing down the immense catalog to key songs! I need to revisit Mr. Elton John! Have a great day!! :)
My mother hated Elton John, my biggest idol in my teen years. She hated his voice, hated the drumming and especially the hi-hat; she hated Rock n Roll and all the time I "wasted" blasting it with full bass on; Mom just frickin hated Elton and his music.
But in 1978 I had tickets to see him at the Montreal Forum. Mom was going to drive my friend and me downtown and back, but my buddy got grounded the night of the show.
Since my mother had paid for the tickets and since she had to drive anyway, she decided to see the concert with me."
At age 15 I was too much of a nerd to mind.
The show opened with "Funeral for a Friend/LLB" and the entire concert was amazing. They even did a gorgeous cover of Lennon's "Imagine" (with Lennon still alive!).
After the show Mom still hated Elton's voice but she admired how hard the band worked and respected Elton's piano talent and showmanship.
She particularly asked me about "Funeral". I told her the title and she declared that when she died she wanted this song to play at her cremation. I thought she was joking but every few years she would remind me of her desire to be seen off with "Funeral for a Friend". I still didn't believe her because she still hated Elton's voice and music and influence upon me.
Last year my mother, after decades of increasing pain, committed legal assisted suicide, up in Ottawa. I had never told anybody about her Elton request. And still, my stepfather informed me that a tape of "Funeral..." was playing as the doctor administered the relaxant and the poison. And when she was gone my stepdad had to play the tape again during her cremation and a few days later, he had to play it again as he and Mom's grandchildren scattered her ashes over the Rideau River.
Mom had made sure, since I could not take her wish seriously after all those years of grief and drama she caused me over Elton, she had made sure that the entire family knew what to do. And my dear stepfather, divorced from her for 20 years, she made HIM responsible for the music.
Did I happen to mention that my stepfather hated Elton John even more than Mom did?
Poor man.
WOW! Well I just had a good cry. I'm truly sorry for your loss....I lost my mom one year ago [Sept 2019]. Your mom went out the right way, and your stepfather stepped up and did the right thing. Peace.
Thanks for your story.... sounds like you had a great relationship with your mom. Very touching. Bless your heart!
Mom took me 1976 Madison Square Garden . to see Elton. She loves him. Still does. We’ve seen him together 2 more times. He played this. It was incredible. Glad your Mom took you to see him- I think your Mom was pulling your leg about hating his voice. At least I hope she was. Can you imagine she left this earth with that silly little secret?
Lisa S I agree, she was, taunting him.😘
Sorry,but your Mom should have minded her old school,stale business.
Guys, the vocals, the harmonies, the layers and layers of vocals...phenomenal.
The whole album is a must.
"Roy Rogers" "Grey Seal" and "Harmony" are (for me) highlights.
HARMONY. If you appreciate EJ's depth in chord/vocal writing, do "Harmony".
Watson A Naim harmony fo sure...one of my favs!
A deep track that I like is "I've Seen That Movie Too".
Harmony was supposed to be the last single released from the album, but releasing it would have had it competing with the first releases from "Caribou", so MCA decided not to release it. Otherwise, "Harmony" probably would have been in Elton's 'hits' rotation and would be much better known today.
Nice choice on those. Grey Seal is one i particularly like among those.
Love these 2 songs, especially how one runs into the other. I used to play this on piano ages ago. My fav Elton album is Tumbleweed Connection. He has so many incredible songs. Where To Now St. Peter, Burn Down The Mission, and what I think is the most beautiful Come Down In Time.
And....."Amoreena"!
1 yr late, but yes, best album imho he ever did. Love the album, vinyl, cassette and cd lol
Oh, me too. Tumbleweed was a total revelation❤️❤️
Me and my bandmate played this for graduation from music school. Him on keyboards and vocals. Me on guitar. Masterfully written, performed and produced. I don't know what it was about the 70s but it produced some of the greatest music this world will ever know. It was the prime years of The Who, Zep, Elton John, Stones, ELP, ELO, Trower, on and on and on. Truly miss those times, especially compared to the post-2000 crapfest of today.
Criminally underrated song
Popular song to play at funerals back in the day.
I was lucky to see him play this live when this album was his latest album. To see and hear the Funeral for a Friend part live, it was eerie and then it exploded into Love Lies Bleeding in my Hands.
This has so many amazing layers that demonstrates talented songwriting and musicianship.
Oh it was amazing live!!!
The title track of this album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", is my all time favorite Elton John song.
Guys - I get what you’re saying about “waiting” for the great parts. Keep in mind the difference between then and now is the flow of an album. Goodbye Yellowbrick Road is a great album and this epic works really well in that context. This wasn’t a single. He has PLENTY of hit singles. His early stuff is a lot deeper than that. Try Levon
cartoon balloons in town.....
I remember seeing an interview with Billie Joel. He said Elton John was the best pianist he ever met. "He can play everything."
I saw him in 1974 when I was 17. He opened with this song. Coming out of a rising piano from the stage, dressed in all white, with white fur glasses was one of the best concerts I ever saw!!!!!!!
Goodbye Yellow brick Road is an album best appreciated start to finish. The flow, continuity, production and musicianship are outstanding. This album is a timeless Masterwork.
You guys would really like *Mad Man Across the Water.*
This might be my favorite Elton John song! I hope you enjoy this. If you did you will with out a doubt like anything off of SUPERTRAMP’S “Crime of the century” album
"I can see you in the morning, when you go to school..."
I pimp 'School' every review. Hopefully they'll get to it at some point. Its not even my favorite song off the album (If Everyone Was Listening), but I think its the best example of how awesome they and that album was.
todd jackson , apparently a lot of people have no idea how good Supertramp was, if only they would give older tramp a listen.
@@ljsites Lj, you are a child of vision!
If you continue on with this album, you’ll find nothing sounds like anything else on this double album, but it all somehow fits together.It’s a not a concept album, but is tied together by a cinematic feel. The album is better than most greatest hits by other artists.
I always thought of “I’m still Standing,” as a throw away song. Kinda too easy, too commercial. As if EJ just wanted to remind everyone he was still alive. I remember hearing this on so many nights, and it still blows my mind.
MTV. Where great 70s artists put out junk to get videos on
Yeah - - even while we enjoyed "I'm Still Standing" we knew it was kind of nothing.
This was Elton and Bernie Taupin's greatest musical achievement, according to me. His band was phenomenal, and his flamboyance just added so much more. If y'all haven't seen Rocketman, it is a must, if you want a primer in understanding the myth of Elton John.
Awesome.... I was hoping you would do this song or "Madman Across the Water"
One of his best..!
"Madman" is awesome. It has a strange kind of understated brutality.
I was going to suggest this as well. After the last Elton John you reacted to I had Mad Man Across the Water stuck in my head for a couple days. Also, just about any song from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is gold.
Pay attention to Elton's dynamics in his playing. he is a concert pianist.
This is 2 songs put together. It's kind of amazing to see you guys not react or like the killer synth intro (Funeral for a Friend). I guess you are so used to hearing software synths in everything that it just isn't something you notice much. Back in the early seventies synths were so new and modern and wild that when I first heard that synth my jaw dropped and my eyes just bugged out of their sockets! I ran out and got the song book and learned how to play this and it took a LONG time (I was only 14 at the time)! Amazing fact about Funeral for a Friend: it was played on an ARP 2500 modular synth (same as Pete Townsend used for Baba O'Reily and others). At the time you could buy a big house and a nice car for what it cost. They were huge and only really rich rock stars, big studios, and universities could afford them, but also, they were MONOPHONIC. Elton's recording engineer, David Hentschel, played the synth parts and he had to play it one note at a time! It took him a couple of days to record that ( and the arpeggio's in Love Lies Bleeding). This line-up (Davey Johnstone -guitar, Dee Murray-Bass, and Nigel Olsson-Drums, and featuring Ray Cooper -Percussion) is considered Elton's classic band. They were with him for most of his big early seventies hits. Oh, clicky Flamenco things = castanets. And yeah, Elton John was the Pop Rock king for several years at his height. Google him and add "costumes" to the search and take a look at some of the outrageous outfits he wore! He was the Lady Gaga, Beyonce, or Billie EIlish of the time. Watch the movie Rocket Man (great song BTW) sometime. The other big songs off this album were the title track, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, Bennie and the Jets, Harmony and Candle in the Wind which got big again in 1997 when he played it at Lady Diana's funeral (a slightly lyrically reworked version). That turned out to be the biggest selling single of all time: 33 million copies sold. Anyway, thanks so much for doing these songs!! Hope you enjoy them even more on further listens. Next, I don't know, there are so many great songs by him and I'd like to suggest something you'll like. He has so many great songs: Daniel, Your Song, Levon, Crocodile Rock, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Harmony, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, The Bitch is Back, Island Girl, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word. Or maybe try some of his one-off singles of the time: Pinball Wizard (rock's better than the Who's version), Philadelphia Freedom, Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee), Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (featuring John Lennon). Can't make up my mind there's so many good songs! Thanks again; sorry for being so long winded
Peace from SF
In this era, he opened every show with these two songs. The live version was MUCH more intense than the studio version. I saw him at the Chicago Stadium in excellent seats. Playboy’s Hugh Hefner was a few seats from us, surrounded by bunny types. Hugh was rocking out out. His girls were stunning. The show was great. It was a good night. 😳
I saw Hugh Hefner at a jazz concert in LA and he could barely walk down the aisle. But props to him for supporting jazz.
I think I can trace my love of prog rock/metal back to this song hearing it as a kid. Love it to this day😁
Recommend Goodby Yellow Brick Road, Bennie and the Jets, Your Song and Tiby Dancer
My favorite album of all time is - Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. You should absolutely review some of the music from that album. Love it so much!!
I, too, love this album. Super important to me. BT and EJ at and from a different, wholly unique, level and place.
:)
The acoustic guitar intro is pretty unique in Elton's catalog. Lots of other great songs on that album like "Tower of Babel", "Bitter Fingers" and of course "Someone Saved My Life Tonight". And it's got one of the trippiest album covers of all time.
One of my all-time favorites too. Just put it on and let it play through. Set it and forget it (NEW from RONCO!).
My first year of college, my mom called me to let me know a family friend had died (impolite mutterings about cancer here). I headed off to my work-study shift for the night and WHAT SHOULD COME ON THE RADIO AT DINNER BUT GODDAMN "FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND." 15 years later and this song still absolutely wrecks me sometimes (this was one of those times, but entirely worth it for your thoughts).
"Tiny Dancer" lives up to the hype. I'm personally not as fond of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," but it's some hella pointed commentary.
Other long sauce:
"Jump into the Fire," Harry Nilsson
"Nights in White Satin," the Moody Blues (also "Procession" and "The Story in Your Eyes" taken together)
"Trilogy," Emerson, Lake & Palmer (also "The Endless Enigma," but again, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE WHOLE THING - part 1, the fugue and part 2 are separate tracks that come as a set!)
Driving around in 1977 in a 68 BelAir--this and GREY SEAL over and over on the cassette player
Okay...to really get this "Bernie-Elton" era, listen to the title track from the album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy"...amazing lyrics, production and arrangement. Remember that Bernie was the lyric-guy, and Elton was always the arrangement/music guy...he dropped off until he found new lyricists to work with.
This,and "grey seal"are the best songs on yellow brick road
+1 for "Grey Seal." That song has nearly gotten me three speeding tickets.
Grey Seal was originally a song from 1970 on his British B-side, then he re-recorded the song three years later for the GYBR album.
The chorus on Grey Seal just kicks in and the next thing you know...zoomin' through traffic...lol
I'VE SEEN THAT MOVIE TOO.
Guys, I think with time you’ll find that this song is in a completely different category from I’m Still Standing. While I personally can’t stand I’m Still Standing and think it may be the cheesiest song Elton John ever recorded, it is a catchy toon the first time you hear it. By contrast, this masterpiece may take a few listens to fully appreciate all of the brilliance you’re hearing. In fact, with time I would bet that this song will become S-Tier and you’ll give I’m Still Standing a C-. Cheers!
For cheesiest " Don't go breaking my heart" takes that dubious title.
Oh, and the video for Don't go breaking my heart amplifies the cheesiness times 10 at least.
The album this came from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which launched Elton John into superstardom. I don't want to assume but I don't think your generation has a personality as big as Elton John was to compare to. He was huge. And deservedly so. Arguably his biggest hit is Philadelphia Freedom, but his whole body of work is phenomenal. And shout out to his lyricist Bernie Taupin, without him doubt if Elton would have had the career he did
Tumbleweed Connection (1970-71) and the ones around this time period. Excellent! Less commercial hits but wonderful.