Elton John — Madman Across The Water
Album: Madman Across The WaterAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3045
Length: 5:47
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I can see very well.
There's a boat on the reef with a broken back
And I can see it very well.
There's a joke and I know it very well,
It's one of those that I told you long ago.
Take my word I'm a madman don't you know.
Once a fool had a good part in the play,
If it's so would I still be here today?
It's quite peculiar in a funny sort of way,
They think it's very funny everything I say.
Get a load of him, he's so insane
You'd better get your coat dear
It looks like rain.
We'll come again next Thursday afternoon.
The inlaws hope they'll see you very soon.
But is it in your conscience that you're after
Another glimpse of the Madman across the Water.
I can see very well.
There's a boat on the reef with a broken back
And I can see it very well.
There's a joke and I know it very well,
It's one of those that I told you long ago.
Take my word I'm a madman don't you know.
The ground's a long way down but I need more.
Is the nightmare black
Or are the windows painted?
Will they come again next week,
Can my mind really take it?
We'll come again next Thursday afternoon.
The inlaws hope they'll see you very soon.
But is it in your conscience that you're after
Another glimpse of the Madman across the Water.
There's a boat on the reef with a broken back
And I can see it very well.
There's a joke and I know it very well,
It's one of those that I told you long ago.
Take my word I'm a madman don't you know.
Once a fool had a good part in the play,
If it's so would I still be here today?
It's quite peculiar in a funny sort of way,
They think it's very funny everything I say.
Get a load of him, he's so insane
You'd better get your coat dear
It looks like rain.
We'll come again next Thursday afternoon.
The inlaws hope they'll see you very soon.
But is it in your conscience that you're after
Another glimpse of the Madman across the Water.
I can see very well.
There's a boat on the reef with a broken back
And I can see it very well.
There's a joke and I know it very well,
It's one of those that I told you long ago.
Take my word I'm a madman don't you know.
The ground's a long way down but I need more.
Is the nightmare black
Or are the windows painted?
Will they come again next week,
Can my mind really take it?
We'll come again next Thursday afternoon.
The inlaws hope they'll see you very soon.
But is it in your conscience that you're after
Another glimpse of the Madman across the Water.
Comments (341)add comment
Very Stomu Yamashta backing sound, strings etc.
Elton set a new standard with this one.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
A while ago I played my youngest Yellow Brick Road on vinyl. “Is this the Best Of Elton?” he asked.
“No. The Best Album.”
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
A while ago I played my youngest Yellow Brick Road on vinyl. “Is this the Best Of Elton?” he asked.
“No. The Best Album.”
Just saw the Brandi Carlile cover of this and I like it a lot better.
Another "I can name that tune in 3 notes" song.
Awesome RP...............
Awesome RP...............
I've sometimes wondered what would have happened during this period if 'ol Elton had met up with Jethro Tull. Whooo WEEE! Aqualung meets Madman. Can you imagine? Blimey, the chaos that would have ensued! 🤣
I was aware of Elton John's magical music during this time, but I didn't get properly dosed with it until I heard this first and then his new hit, "Yellow Brick Road," played on the radio while I was home sick with fever one day when I was in 6th Grade... I'll never forget: I was spending the day in bed with both my American Shorthair and Italian Greyhound, reading one Ray Bradbury story after another, and then I got transported, I swear, like a fever dream... By the time Captain Fantastic came out, I was completely hooked!
Elton could make Bernie's insane lyrics seem to make sense.
I believe the great man knocked it out of the park at Glastonbury last night!!
My fave of his? Tiny Dancer.
My fave of his? Tiny Dancer.
I have loved Elton John since I was 12 and he played at Dodger Stadium and I didn't go because.... 12. That said, Brandi Carlile does an amazing cover of this song. I saw her sing this song last summer and it was fantastic.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
11-17-70
Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player
Basically anything up through Yellow Brick Road.
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
11-17-70
Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player
Basically anything up through Yellow Brick Road.
belegato wrote:
Absolutely. His attack is very similar.
LR was a big influence and mentor. EJ regrets not giving Mr Russell the recognition he deserved. They did some shows and made an album together in LR's later years - some would say, maybe EJ himself, too little too late.
c.
Leon Russell, he has said, was his main piano playing influence in the earlier days, and it's obvious once you listen back.
LR was a big influence and mentor. EJ regrets not giving Mr Russell the recognition he deserved. They did some shows and made an album together in LR's later years - some would say, maybe EJ himself, too little too late.
c.
Leon Russell, he has said, was his main piano playing influence in the earlier days, and it's obvious once you listen back.
recski wrote:
I agree with the masterpiece part.
Masterpiece. The best album he made.
I agree with the masterpiece part.
Blew my mind as a teenager when it came out - never heard an orchestra grooving before. Respects to Gus Dudgeon and Paul Buckmaster (arranger).
brilliant Bernie Taupin lyrics. I have no idea what any of it means but....brilliant
skyhigh_71 wrote:
If you are so equipped the SACD 5.1 channel versions of his early albums are incredible!
Absolutely a 10 from me. Love it. This is an epic from Elton and Bernie.
Also check out the reissue CD copy of Tumbleweed connection for an earlier version of Madman. Very interesting. Minus the orchestra but blistering guitar from one Mick Ronson (Spiders from Mars)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbleweed_Connection#Track_listing
If you are so equipped the SACD 5.1 channel versions of his early albums are incredible!
sajitjacob wrote:
That would make your mother a pretty refined and intelligent person...you should aspire to the same...some art is timeless and iconic, and should be recognized as such. Dismissal of something that could bind you together seems rather shallow....
My mum likes Elton John.
I never really got past that.
That would make your mother a pretty refined and intelligent person...you should aspire to the same...some art is timeless and iconic, and should be recognized as such. Dismissal of something that could bind you together seems rather shallow....
cc_rider wrote:
I stand corrected. Sorta made sense though.
I think the line about the painted windows may have been inspired by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the book at least. The narrator, Chief Bromden (yes I had to look it up), talks about the windows being painted over - whether it's real or imagined is never clear.
c.
great song and love the interpretations. Kesey's masterpiece - the book was incredible and, despite the alterations, possibly written with Jack Nicholson in mind for the lead...though Chief was the lead in my mindI think the line about the painted windows may have been inspired by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the book at least. The narrator, Chief Bromden (yes I had to look it up), talks about the windows being painted over - whether it's real or imagined is never clear.
c.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
Turn that list upside down. But yeah, I know what you mean.
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
Turn that list upside down. But yeah, I know what you mean.
ojibwe wrote:
Let's keep it that way.
The madman is no longer across the water.
Let's keep it that way.
Thanks Bill. I know who you were referring to in these unsettling times.
Good grief...so damn fine.
A 10 for sure, amazing.
johnybladex wrote:
I stand corrected. Sorta made sense though.
I think the line about the painted windows may have been inspired by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the book at least. The narrator, Chief Bromden (yes I had to look it up), talks about the windows being painted over - whether it's real or imagined is never clear.
c.
Songfacts®:
A very dark song with a Leon Russell influence, Bernie Taupin made up the story about a lunatic ranting on visiting day at the asylum. Predictably, it wasn't chartworthy, but it did provide the album title as well as plenty of speculation that Elton was singing about United States president Richard Nixon. Taupin says that wasn't the case, although he was quite amused by the interpretation. He says the lunatic in the song wasn't based on anyone in particular.
I think the line about the painted windows may have been inspired by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the book at least. The narrator, Chief Bromden (yes I had to look it up), talks about the windows being painted over - whether it's real or imagined is never clear.
c.
sajitjacob wrote:
Your mum should meet my husband, They would be in heaven together. In the meantime, we'll stay here on RP.
My mum likes Elton John.
I never really got past that.
Your mum should meet my husband, They would be in heaven together. In the meantime, we'll stay here on RP.
Songfacts®:
A very dark song with a Leon Russell influence, Bernie Taupin made up the story about a lunatic ranting on visiting day at the asylum. Predictably, it wasn't chartworthy, but it did provide the album title as well as plenty of speculation that Elton was singing about United States president Richard Nixon. Taupin says that wasn't the case, although he was quite amused by the interpretation. He says the lunatic in the song wasn't based on anyone in particular.
sajitjacob wrote:
Well, your mum clearly knows best
My mum likes Elton John.
I never really got past that.
Well, your mum clearly knows best
My mum likes Elton John.
I never really got past that.
I never really got past that.
Easily the best song about Richard Nixon ever.
Okay, I'm pretty sure that bar's kinda low, but still.
c.
c.
Un grand Monsieur de la musique. Merci Sir John.
Used this song to compare Radio Paradise ALAC against Spotify. No comparison! Thanks RP!
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
The only thing I would change is the order. Straight flip it 5,4,3,2,1.
c.
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
c.
Once again I highly recommend the extra cut Tumbleweed Connection version with Mick Ronson. Not to take anything away from this orchestral version, but the guitar on the other is tasty.
recski wrote:
Absolutely!
Masterpiece. The best album he made.
Absolutely!
Darn! That is a good song.... piano turned almost completely off.
Elton, in his prime, really was among the best vocalists in Rock history
Piranga wrote:
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
I'm not sure he ever produced a better record.
Just different shades of excellence of course, but my top 5 would be:
1) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2) Honky Chateau
3) Elton John
4) Madman Across The Water
5) Tumbleweed Connection
123heyaho! wrote:
Elton John : Billy Joel :: Beatles : Monkees :: Tupac : LL Cool J
The ones on the right aren't BAD, and they're very good and successful in their own rights. But not on the same level as the ones on the left.
Never understood why Elton John is played so so much on RP whereas Billy Joel is not played AT ALL... That's just not logical.
Elton John : Billy Joel :: Beatles : Monkees :: Tupac : LL Cool J
The ones on the right aren't BAD, and they're very good and successful in their own rights. But not on the same level as the ones on the left.
Some of the haters out there are obviously too young to remember.
I guess you had to be there. I wore out this wax on my kerosene powered record player more than once in the 70's and 80's
I guess you had to be there. I wore out this wax on my kerosene powered record player more than once in the 70's and 80's
BCarn wrote:
tinypriest wrote:
Uh, what?
Whatever you are smoking...get something else,; your brain is fried
Nothing sounds like this version of Elton. After all his movie music, this sounds more like a song from a movie just starting, or just ending, than anything he ever wrote for the movies.
Uh, what?
Whatever you are smoking...get something else,; your brain is fried
My favorite EJ song, although I prefer the guitar driven version on Tumbleweed Connection.
Piranga wrote:
I'm sure. This is his best.
I'm not sure he ever produced a better record.
I'm sure. This is his best.
tinypriest wrote:
Uh, what?
Nothing sounds like this version of Elton. After all his movie music, this sounds more like a song from a movie just starting, or just ending, than anything he ever wrote for the movies.
Uh, what?
Nothing sounds like this version of Elton. After all his movie music, this sounds more like a song from a movie just starting, or just ending, than anything he ever wrote for the movies.
in case it hasen't been posted.....here is a more better-er version
killer guitar bits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwzSFwUNO_Y
killer guitar bits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwzSFwUNO_Y
I'm not taking anything away from his later "Captain Fantastic" aspect but this is an example of peaking early in a career, then chasing it for the rest of your life. 'Course...considering his career we should all be so hampered, eh?
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Highlow
American Net'Zen
123heyaho! wrote:
You are joking, right?
Never understood why Elton John is played so so much on RP whereas Billy Joel is not played AT ALL... That's just not logical.
You are joking, right?
recski wrote:
Quite right.
But need to hear all the other songs on RP.
This to me is the weakest of the bunch. Along with Tiny Dancer.
Masterpiece. The best album he made.
Quite right.
But need to hear all the other songs on RP.
This to me is the weakest of the bunch. Along with Tiny Dancer.
Masterpiece. The best album he made.
When I hear this I am 14 again laying in bed listening to this with my Koss headphones. Thanks Elton for getting me through my adolescence.
123heyaho! wrote:
Fair question, BillG's preferences aside. Billy Joel is a great piano player, pretty good songwriter, too. But the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, especially the early stuff, have stood the test of time because there is more to them, more depth. Billy Joel has always had good pop sensibilities. I still own the vinyl albums of both artists, from the very beginning, but it's simply easier to pull out old EJ stuff than old BJ. Something to muse on: what if Billy Joel had been give some Bernie Taupin material to work with?
Never understood why Elton John is played so so much on RP whereas Billy Joel is not played AT ALL... That's just not logical.
Fair question, BillG's preferences aside. Billy Joel is a great piano player, pretty good songwriter, too. But the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, especially the early stuff, have stood the test of time because there is more to them, more depth. Billy Joel has always had good pop sensibilities. I still own the vinyl albums of both artists, from the very beginning, but it's simply easier to pull out old EJ stuff than old BJ. Something to muse on: what if Billy Joel had been give some Bernie Taupin material to work with?
fredriley wrote:
After their 8-0 defeat by Man City the other day, I fear that those golden days are as long gone as Mr Dwight's hair
For those across the Pond who are unaware of our Reg's other claim to fame, he's life president of Watford FC (aka "the greatest team the world has ever seen"), and was a major part of the team's success during its golden years.
After their 8-0 defeat by Man City the other day, I fear that those golden days are as long gone as Mr Dwight's hair
Piranga wrote:
I agree - his best among many great ones.
I'm not sure he ever produced a better record.
I agree - his best among many great ones.
Up goes the volume. Perfect Friday song.
For those across the Pond who are unaware of our Reg's other claim to fame, he's life president of Watford FC (aka "the greatest team the world has ever seen"), and was a major part of the team's success during its golden years. Not bad for a boy from Pinner...
As a sideline, I believe he does a bit of singing and songwriting... ;-)
maroubra wrote:
They've gotten back together and done a couple albums in the 21st century that are pretty damn good despite the h8rs beliefs about some kind of death around 1975.
Yes, Sir Elton and Bernie Taupin were great together. Individually, not as much. Bernie Taupin did write "We Built the City" performed by Starship. What was he thinking? Bad. Bad. Bad. But yes, together they were/are brilliant.
They've gotten back together and done a couple albums in the 21st century that are pretty damn good despite the h8rs beliefs about some kind of death around 1975.
I'm not sure he ever produced a better record.
For a few albums, Elton and Bernie made magic so powerful that it still raises goosebumps.
Never understood why Elton John is played so so much on RP whereas Billy Joel is not played AT ALL... That's just not logical.
Just saw Elton do this live about a week ago. He's touring now...GO SEE HIM! You will not be disappointed. He loves to perform and puts on an excellent show! This is supposed to be his "farewell tour"
Simply brilliant!
fstory wrote:
That's very good to know. I remember that Elton had a slow start until he teamed up with Bernie and then magic happened. Thanks for pointing this out.
Not sure what you're remembering but Elton John and Bernie Taupin have been collaborating since the beginning. I'm not aware of any EJ recordings predating those that Taupin wrote the lyrics for.
That's very good to know. I remember that Elton had a slow start until he teamed up with Bernie and then magic happened. Thanks for pointing this out.
Not sure what you're remembering but Elton John and Bernie Taupin have been collaborating since the beginning. I'm not aware of any EJ recordings predating those that Taupin wrote the lyrics for.
....damn timing of this song.....as fall weather starts in Seattle and the early shift is leaving for home (330pm) several of us were looking out the window with (for me at least) despair at the rain....and then I hear Elton's lyric "You'd better get your coat dear, it looks like rain."
huh another weird RP serendipitous moment. Long Live RP!!
ojibwe wrote:
The madman is no longer across the water.
Indeed, and the Fool certainly has a good part in the play doesn't he? So it goes I suppose.
Great tune from an all time classic EJ/Bernie T album.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Absolutely a 10 from me. Love it. This is an epic from Elton and Bernie.
Also check out the reissue CD copy of Tumbleweed connection for an earlier version of Madman. Very interesting. Minus the orchestra but blistering guitar from one Mick Ronson (Spiders from Mars)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbleweed_Connection#Track_listing
Also check out the reissue CD copy of Tumbleweed connection for an earlier version of Madman. Very interesting. Minus the orchestra but blistering guitar from one Mick Ronson (Spiders from Mars)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbleweed_Connection#Track_listing
ojibwe wrote:
Sad. but so true.
The madman is no longer across the water.
Sad. but so true.
Love early Elton John, later stuff too slick.
If you have a Super Audio deck, find and purchase the SACD's of EJ's first five or six LP's. They are simply amazing.
ojibwe wrote:
But the lunatic is in the hall.
The madman is no longer across the water.
But the lunatic is in the hall.
ojibwe wrote:
The madman is no longer across the water.
The madman is no longer across the water.
Cueburned wrote:
96k is pretty crappy — I definitely notice a difference between that stream and the 192k one on my GNP speakers (which really aren't very high-end). It would be interesting to compare your vinyl copy with the 192k stream. For that matter, if you're in the mood, you could record your vinyl to wav and try different codecs, take a CD copy and do the same, and see what the results are. Of course, that's a lot of work, and to really do it right things have to be double-blind as well. If you're up for it, report the results back to us in this song and message me, I'd be curious!
Well, since my last comment on this track I dug out my 1972 vinyl copy. The album has been in "heavy rotation". It just happened to be on the turntable when it came up on RP again. My computer and turntable are both linked to a Mackie mixer. So I took a moment and synched the turntable to the RP audio at 96k. Just for fun I was able to fade between both sources. Now, there are a lot of reasons why they might sound different. But same mixer, same amp, same speakers and the vinyl, even with a few pops and clicks on a typically crappy MCA pressing wins. Don't know why it matters. Just did it because I could. Wouldn't have happened at all if RP hadn't reminded me to unearth this one from the collection.
96k is pretty crappy — I definitely notice a difference between that stream and the 192k one on my GNP speakers (which really aren't very high-end). It would be interesting to compare your vinyl copy with the 192k stream. For that matter, if you're in the mood, you could record your vinyl to wav and try different codecs, take a CD copy and do the same, and see what the results are. Of course, that's a lot of work, and to really do it right things have to be double-blind as well. If you're up for it, report the results back to us in this song and message me, I'd be curious!
I'm new to this spot and have to just say... awesome! Thanks for your shuffle of songs that are so different from the rest. Its really great!
h8rhater wrote:
He has re-teamed with Bernie Taupin and his last 3 albums:
The Captain & the Kid
The Diving Board
Wonderful Crazy Night (from this year)
They represent a return to form for this legendary artist. Worth checking out.
Try these:
Postcards from Richard Nixon (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXJbg4girOc
Just Like Noah's Ark (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1EYI_Cp3us
A Town Called Jubilee (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyycWBJk3Qw&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL&index=3
Oscar Wilde Gets Out (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmnIwGOjoA&index=2&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL
The Open Chord (Wonderful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-BZSryH7T0&list=PL3SPwwCTiBltabRhYRn9yD26BrANO0nqY
That's very good to know. I remember that Elton had a slow start until he teamed up with Bernie and then magic happened. Thanks for pointing this out.
He has re-teamed with Bernie Taupin and his last 3 albums:
The Captain & the Kid
The Diving Board
Wonderful Crazy Night (from this year)
They represent a return to form for this legendary artist. Worth checking out.
Try these:
Postcards from Richard Nixon (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXJbg4girOc
Just Like Noah's Ark (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1EYI_Cp3us
A Town Called Jubilee (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyycWBJk3Qw&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL&index=3
Oscar Wilde Gets Out (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmnIwGOjoA&index=2&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL
The Open Chord (Wonderful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-BZSryH7T0&list=PL3SPwwCTiBltabRhYRn9yD26BrANO0nqY
That's very good to know. I remember that Elton had a slow start until he teamed up with Bernie and then magic happened. Thanks for pointing this out.
michaelc wrote:
No not just you.
the early stuff was amazing, later stuff just fluff.
He has re-teamed with Bernie Taupin and his last 3 albums:
The Captain & the Kid
The Diving Board
Wonderful Crazy Night (from this year)
They represent a return to form for this legendary artist. Worth checking out.
Try these:
Postcards from Richard Nixon (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXJbg4girOc
Just Like Noah's Ark (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1EYI_Cp3us
A Town Called Jubilee (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyycWBJk3Qw&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL&index=3
Oscar Wilde Gets Out (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmnIwGOjoA&index=2&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL
The Open Chord (Wonderful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-BZSryH7T0&list=PL3SPwwCTiBltabRhYRn9yD26BrANO0nqY
No not just you.
the early stuff was amazing, later stuff just fluff.
He has re-teamed with Bernie Taupin and his last 3 albums:
The Captain & the Kid
The Diving Board
Wonderful Crazy Night (from this year)
They represent a return to form for this legendary artist. Worth checking out.
Try these:
Postcards from Richard Nixon (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXJbg4girOc
Just Like Noah's Ark (Captain): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1EYI_Cp3us
A Town Called Jubilee (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyycWBJk3Qw&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL&index=3
Oscar Wilde Gets Out (Diving): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmnIwGOjoA&index=2&list=PL3SPwwCTiBlstjGAZkmTwQojHGTrLblSL
The Open Chord (Wonderful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-BZSryH7T0&list=PL3SPwwCTiBltabRhYRn9yD26BrANO0nqY
michaelc wrote:
No not just you.
the early stuff was amazing, later stuff just fluff.
HA! Yah.....his early stuff was the body of the cake. All the later stuff...as good as it was in its fashion, was merely the icing....most of it a bit too sweet for my tastes.
But hey...in music it allows for all types of "flavoring" don't it?
No not just you.
the early stuff was amazing, later stuff just fluff.
HA! Yah.....his early stuff was the body of the cake. All the later stuff...as good as it was in its fashion, was merely the icing....most of it a bit too sweet for my tastes.
But hey...in music it allows for all types of "flavoring" don't it? Cueburned wrote:
No not just you.
the early stuff was amazing, later stuff just fluff.
This album and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. By the 90's I thought Elton was vying with Phil Collins for putting out the most crap. But that's just me talking.
No not just you.
the early stuff was amazing, later stuff just fluff.
rabaak wrote:
Love almost everything Elton has done, as long as we are not forced to listen to the 'Bitch is Back' or 'Benny and the Jets'.
My thoughts exactly! very great accustic and elektric
sound....
sound....
I don't understand why Radio Paradise doesn't play us THE UNION paired with Leon Russell or even The Diving Board; there's plenty of tracks that could reconcile everyone with Elton once and for ALL.
Love almost everything Elton has done, as long as we are not forced to listen to the 'Bitch is Back' or 'Benny and the Jets'.
I'm not even an Elton John fan, but this LP, early in his career has an entirely different feel than the string of mega-hits that later defined him. A little bit country and quite genuine, with no glitter. The only one I ever really enjoyed. A thoughtful and insightful oldies selection by RP, in my opinion. At least they don't play "Saturday Night", et. al. LoL
Sorry, you have turned into just an oldies station. I have followed for years but bowing out. Thanks for before.
Pop music never really got any better than this, did it?
Great singer/songwriter, but also a legendary Golden Boy. Come on you 'Orns!
Note the abundant Barnet after his very expensive follicles transplant.
Note the abundant Barnet after his very expensive follicles transplant.
There's only one word for this song, this album; Epic. 
But even so I view it with some musical regret. EJ has had a stunning career, nooooo doubt about that. Full of some amazing music. But for me....well...how to describe it? I was mid-16 when this album first hit the airwaves. I had just really started to explore what music was all about and this one captured me. I probably wore shavings off that LP listening to it so much. That's vinyl for those less discerning of the period (heh). For me it had it all. So this man, this Madman, and I walked the same path together, musically.
But then came his late of age discovery of self. Now don't get me wrong I'm not being critical. It's great when a person discovers something they'd hidden from themselves. It could be sexual. It could be spiritual. But I've found that those who discover things "late" in their lives always tend to go over the top "in your face" with it. In EJ's case he went queen with a capital Q. As another threadster said, he started chasing Liberace. There's nothing wrong with this, in fact in some ways it's hilarious. But our musical paths diverged at that point as his style in that regard also went the same way. You could say he went glam before glam was glam. I'm not glam. I was more into..."Yeah...that's great EJ! But can I have some more Madman?"
Again...no criticism of the man...more a reflection on my changing musical tastes of the day. I was heading Stevie Ray Vauhn, Allman Brothers, Jeff Beck's way. But whenever I hear this song, or this LP, I reflect back on the man who put it out at that time. One wonders, for all his brilliance, what may have occurred had he followed the Madman's path? We'll never know....but when in concert these days the fact that he pulls pieces from it kind'a sort'a makes me think that he wonders too? Regardless, for me this particular piece of his art will always be his signature piece; his Opus.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
But even so I view it with some musical regret. EJ has had a stunning career, nooooo doubt about that. Full of some amazing music. But for me....well...how to describe it? I was mid-16 when this album first hit the airwaves. I had just really started to explore what music was all about and this one captured me. I probably wore shavings off that LP listening to it so much. That's vinyl for those less discerning of the period (heh). For me it had it all. So this man, this Madman, and I walked the same path together, musically.
But then came his late of age discovery of self. Now don't get me wrong I'm not being critical. It's great when a person discovers something they'd hidden from themselves. It could be sexual. It could be spiritual. But I've found that those who discover things "late" in their lives always tend to go over the top "in your face" with it. In EJ's case he went queen with a capital Q. As another threadster said, he started chasing Liberace. There's nothing wrong with this, in fact in some ways it's hilarious. But our musical paths diverged at that point as his style in that regard also went the same way. You could say he went glam before glam was glam. I'm not glam. I was more into..."Yeah...that's great EJ! But can I have some more Madman?"
Again...no criticism of the man...more a reflection on my changing musical tastes of the day. I was heading Stevie Ray Vauhn, Allman Brothers, Jeff Beck's way. But whenever I hear this song, or this LP, I reflect back on the man who put it out at that time. One wonders, for all his brilliance, what may have occurred had he followed the Madman's path? We'll never know....but when in concert these days the fact that he pulls pieces from it kind'a sort'a makes me think that he wonders too? Regardless, for me this particular piece of his art will always be his signature piece; his Opus.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
coloradojohn wrote:
From what has been published, he would go into the studio and lay down the piano and vocals. (which blows my mind)
Then it was up to Gus Dudgeon and the band to "fill in".
Mister Dudgeon evidently was a great deal of that early sound.
Rest in Peace Gus
Amazing, how intensely, how masterfully he crafted the early gems; how sublime, the way he orchestrated, the way he played; immortal... A buddy and I have recently digitized all the stuff we grew up on; just the other day, we were freaking on how GREAT all the old EJ was...
From what has been published, he would go into the studio and lay down the piano and vocals. (which blows my mind)
Then it was up to Gus Dudgeon and the band to "fill in".
Mister Dudgeon evidently was a great deal of that early sound.
Rest in Peace Gus
Jimryan2000 wrote:
Is that the new invisible font?
Is that the new invisible font?
ozzie1313 wrote:
I agree. Though I did enjoy "Saturday Night's ..." when I was a young teen with my brogues, quarter tips and tonics.......
For my taste, this was the most outstanding work from Elton John. However, all the rest of his music bears little resemblance to this album.I always longed for more music from him that resembled the style in this album. He is a genius, but most of his stuff is merely Liberace updated.
I agree. Though I did enjoy "Saturday Night's ..." when I was a young teen with my brogues, quarter tips and tonics.......
ozzie1313 wrote:
For my taste, this was the most outstanding work from Elton John. However, all the rest of his music bears little resemblance to this album.I always longed for more music from him that resembled the style in this album. He is a genius, but most of his stuff is merely Liberace updated.
My vote is for Tumbleweed Connection as his best, again IMO.For my taste, this was the most outstanding work from Elton John. However, all the rest of his music bears little resemblance to this album.I always longed for more music from him that resembled the style in this album. He is a genius, but most of his stuff is merely Liberace updated.
Haunting
rmagg wrote:
Here's his Bonnaroo set list--that's a sh**-load of hits!!
1. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding 2. Bennie and the Jets 3. Candle in the Wind 4. Levon 5. Tiny Dancer 6. Philadelphia Freedom (Elton John Band song) 7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 8. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time) 9. Hey Ahab 10. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues 11. Someone Saved My Life Tonight 12. Grey Seal (with Ben Folds) 13. Sad Songs (Say So Much) 14. All the Girls Love Alice 15. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me 16. I'm Still Standing 17. The Bitch Is Back 18. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll) 19. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
Encore: 20. Your Song 21. Crocodile Rock
Was lucky enough to see Elton four days ago at Bonnaroo. It was my seventh time seeing him and he still has the chops. Voice was a bit raspy due to the damp night air, but excellent show nonetheless. He said it was his first festival appearence. I found that hard to believe.
Here's his Bonnaroo set list--that's a sh**-load of hits!!
1. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding 2. Bennie and the Jets 3. Candle in the Wind 4. Levon 5. Tiny Dancer 6. Philadelphia Freedom (Elton John Band song) 7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 8. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time) 9. Hey Ahab 10. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues 11. Someone Saved My Life Tonight 12. Grey Seal (with Ben Folds) 13. Sad Songs (Say So Much) 14. All the Girls Love Alice 15. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me 16. I'm Still Standing 17. The Bitch Is Back 18. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll) 19. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
Encore: 20. Your Song 21. Crocodile Rock
Was lucky enough to see Elton four days ago at Bonnaroo. It was my seventh time seeing him and he still has the chops. Voice was a bit raspy due to the damp night air, but excellent show nonetheless. He said it was his first festival appearence. I found that hard to believe.
Elton John at his best - great song and iconic album.
9 > 10. What an amazing song!
I'm so very thankful that my older siblings had such great taste in music when I was a kid. I loved this record back then, and still do!
I'm so very thankful that my older siblings had such great taste in music when I was a kid. I loved this record back then, and still do!
Stratocaster wrote:
You are in the staggering minority.
And by staggering, I also mean probably drunk.
Is being in "the minority" a crime of some sort?
You are in the staggering minority.
And by staggering, I also mean probably drunk.
Is being in "the minority" a crime of some sort?
How very good he was at the time. I am amazed!
I knew it - but forgot!
Wonder (now) if he still good (doubts are allowed!)
Amazing, how intensely, how masterfully he crafted the early gems; how sublime, the way he orchestrated, the way he played; immortal... A buddy and I have recently digitized all the stuff we grew up on; just the other day, we were freaking on how GREAT all the old EJ was...
one of his best albums - grew up on him as my Mother loved him in the 70s - he was best partnered with Bernie Taupin
oldsaxon wrote:
Nice post!
I was a young man and listening to my cousin's LP of "Tumbleweed" and thought, I need this. So I took my pocket money to the record store but it wasn't to be found. I only found "Honkey Chateau". I bought it anyway and to this day I have never regretted it once. I am very pleased that the first two albums in my long line of record purchases included this fine recording. EJ did some pretty amazing music in his early days, I think "Madman" was amazing. I now have access to all of it, thanks to that interweb thingy, but nothing can top bringing home two unheard albums from the shop, bought because of stuff you heard in your cousin's basement, and dropping the needle for the first time on something great.
The other was a Jeff Beck album. Also good.
The other was a Jeff Beck album. Also good.
Nice post!
I was a young man and listening to my cousin's LP of "Tumbleweed" and thought, I need this. So I took my pocket money to the record store but it wasn't to be found. I only found "Honkey Chateau". I bought it anyway and to this day I have never regretted it once. I am very pleased that the first two albums in my long line of record purchases included this fine recording. EJ did some pretty amazing music in his early days, I think "Madman" was amazing. I now have access to all of it, thanks to that interweb thingy, but nothing can top bringing home two unheard albums from the shop, bought because of stuff you heard in your cousin's basement, and dropping the needle for the first time on something great.
The other was a Jeff Beck album. Also good.
The other was a Jeff Beck album. Also good.
This was sooo good back in my middle school years. Don't know what happened to Elton since but this was good stuff.
jonahboo wrote:
Add 11/17/70 to the list.
my 2 cents - if you do not own any Elton - get:
Madman A.T.W.
Honkey Chateu
Tumbleweed Connection
then:
YellowBrick
Madman A.T.W.
Honkey Chateu
Tumbleweed Connection
then:
YellowBrick
Add 11/17/70 to the list.
When he was good he was so good!!! When he sucked, he really sucked!!!
His early stuff so good!!!!!! Oh this song was about Richard Nixon for those of you
who care.
His early stuff so good!!!!!! Oh this song was about Richard Nixon for those of you
who care.
When you grew up in the era of the tape cassette, you always remember you first CD and this was it. Played it so many times, musically and vocally, it showed the difference between cassette's and CD's....magnificently..... Will there ever be a sound related technological jump again, I wonder?
Thanks Dad for giving me my first CD player and CD, no other man (or woman :) ) I ever met knows music better than he does!
Thanks Dad for giving me my first CD player and CD, no other man (or woman :) ) I ever met knows music better than he does!
Hard to believe, as least for me, that Elton John and Bernie Taupin were so great together. their early works are far superior to anything later, even up to the present day. this is an easy 9.
I think it bears mentioning the obvious contribution of Bernie Taupin's lyrics when you talk about Elton John's best music.
jonahboo wrote:
excellent - but I would reverse that putting tumbleweed on top. but those are the ones fer sher...
my 2 cents - if you do not own any Elton - get:
Madman A.T.W.
Honkey Chateu
Tumbleweed Connection
then:
YellowBrick
Madman A.T.W.
Honkey Chateu
Tumbleweed Connection
then:
YellowBrick
excellent - but I would reverse that putting tumbleweed on top. but those are the ones fer sher...
There are two different Eltons, pre-1975 and post. Albums like this are a 7 - 8, but almost anything post-Bennie and the Jets (maybe one of the most annoying songs ever) is a 3. Quite a downgrade for the guy who co-wrote minor masterpieces like Take me to the Pilot and Teacher I Need You. Even this tune is not altogether that good, but it rises because it's got other goodies on the album with it. For sheer resonance, little surpasses his first hit, Your Song.
Whenever I hear our Reg from Pinner, I always think of Watford FC (aka 'By far the Greatest Team the World has Ever Seen') and of chanting, Zen-like, on the terraces "Elton John's Taylor-made Army" during the club's glory years of the 80s. A great singer and songwriter, for sure, but he has another very special place in the heart of Watford fans the world over. Here's to you, Reg - Golden Boy for ever :o)
Just awesome. At the risk of sounding a bit callous (not my intent); I'm truly happy for Elton now that he seems so much healthier and happier than when he was younger. That said, he sure did create stunning music when he was stoned, in-the-closet, and generally a mess. Go figure. Whatever the case his earlier and mid-career material is astounding. Thanks for the songs Elton, now please continue to be well!
Gone forever is this type of songwriting from this artist. Such a shame!
Stratocaster wrote:
You are in the staggering minority.
And by staggering, I also mean probably drunk.
Now THAT made me laugh. Thanks, and I couldn't agree more.
You are in the staggering minority.
And by staggering, I also mean probably drunk.
Now THAT made me laugh. Thanks, and I couldn't agree more.
bobcat1963 wrote:
You are in the staggering minority.
And by staggering, I also mean probably drunk.
i don't like the expression , but i HAD to give this a sucko-barfo, man, what a drag...
You are in the staggering minority.
And by staggering, I also mean probably drunk.
The line 'Is the nightmare black, Or are the windows painted' always reminds me of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. The book, that is. The Chief (first person, in the book) thinks something very similar at one point.
Wouldn't surprise me if Bernie borrowed from it.
Wouldn't surprise me if Bernie borrowed from it.
The version of this song on the remastered "Tumbleweed Connection" is even better than this version.
9 -> 10
We've met. But it's been a while. Used to be I stopped on Thursdays, just to hear his ravings. Take a boat, check out the old man. Head back home. Felt good.
He always knew it would happen. "Take my word, I'm a Madman don't ya know." The ripples, as ripples do, grew to meet my shoreline too. I started sending them back.
Years passed and a storm took the boat, broken on the reef.
Some boy across the way stopped by today, just curious to see who was making all the ripples.
The Madman is Me.