Elton John, in the minds of the masses, is an artist defined by his greatest hits. This is too bad, because between 1970's self-titled "Elton John" and 1976's "Blue Moves," the man born Reg Dwight released a run of albums that are simply staggering in their depth of quality. Even beyond that, Elton has, on occasion (usually 2 or 3 tracks per album) risen to the lofty heights of his self-described early 70s "purple patch." Here's a quick dip into but a few buried treasures by an artist once described by John Lennon as the most original thing to come along since The Beatles:
1 Salvation (Honky Chateau - 1972) - A side 2 opener that's easily the equal of "Rocket Man," this LP's most famous number. Infused with a gospel influence, Elton delivers one of his all-time great bridges in this song, featuring the killer Bernie Taupin line "a chance to put the devil down, without the fear of hell..." People who've grown up only hearing the Elton baritone vocal he's used for the past 25 years or so should listen to the strength and emotion he puts into the last verse.
2 Holiday Inn (Madman Across The Water - 1971) - Another side 2 opener, this life of a musician on the road song is absolutely perfect. New band member Davey Johnstone plays some fine mandolin, especially on the outro. Why this isn't in regular rotation on so-called classic rock radio is beyond me!
3 Ticking (Caribou - 1974) - Without question, the highlight of this record and one of the absolute highlights of the Elton John canon. A 7 minute, thirty six second opus that looks at American gun violence, sadly an issue that is always topical. Featuring just Elton on vocals and piano and David Hentschel on A.R.P. synthesizer, "Ticking" never fails to send a chill through this listener.
4 Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun (Tumbleweed Connection - 1970) - Brimming with influences including the American old west and Canada's The Band, Tumbleweed Connection is always seems to be in my top 3 Elton albums. This opener casts our hero as a man on the run from the law. Included in the 6 strong cast of backing vocalists is the legendary Dusty Springfield. Elton dusted this song off for inclusion in his 60th birthday concert at Madison Square Gardens a couple years ago and did a fine job of it too (much to my surprise!).
5 High Flying Bird (Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player - 1973) - It's not often I cite a track as achieving "Beatles perfection," but High Flying Bird hits those highs on all counts. Melody, lyrics, arrangement, performance...I wouldn't change a thing. For me, it remains one of the great album closers in music history.
6 The Wide And Laughing (Blue Moves - 1976) - There's undoubtedly stronger material on Elton second double album in just 3 years, but this track resonated with me from first listen. Featuring the ever versatile Davey Johnstone on sitars, a more "un-Elton John" sounding track you'd be hard pressed to find...great lyrics as well.
7 No Shoe Strings On Louise (Elton John - 1970) - A funky number, this one has Elton doing his best Jagger-like vocal. I'd love to hear a live version of this song, although I'm almost certain he never did it in concert.
8 Street Kids (Rock Of The Westies - 1975) - Clocking in at 6:25, "Street Kids" is an inspired EJ rocker that would be so refreshing to hear in concert rather than yet another airing of "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting." Great ensemble guitar work by Davey Johnstone and Caleb Quaye
make this track really shine.
9 I've Seen That Movie Too (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - 1973) - Covering the much trodden once bitten, twic shy ground, but making it sound oh so original. I've always appreciated this moody number, but the past couple of years it's become titanic for me. Elton's at the top of his game here.
10 Curtains (Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy - 1975) - A fond acknowledgement and farewell to one's formative years ("Just like us, you must have had a once upon a time..."), "Curtains" shall forever remain my favourite Elton John track (my friend and fellow Elton fan R.M. Chapman has said this shall one day play at his funeral). He outdoes himself on vocals, as does Nigel Olsson on drums. Add to that some fine mellotron playing by Elton and spot on bells courtesy of Ray Cooper, and the result is one haunting 8 minute piece of work. Masterful!
*Currently listening to: White City by Pete Townshend (1985)
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Considering your pro-70s bias, I'm not surprised at the omission of Skyline Pigeon from your list.
ReplyDeleteNo bias here (well, maybe a little)...I simply chose to focus on 1970-1976 this time around. I'll probably do a follow-up highlighting his other eras later on. You're right, though..."Skyline Pigeon" is a gem. It's probably the first classic John/Taupin composition.
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