Almost too subtle to fit in, yet still decorative, is acoustic guitar gilding provided by Davey Johnstone, appearing on his first project with John in what would become a long and fruitful collaboration. Its synthesizer-fattened design is something of a sonic yard sale, but orderly-not so much cluttered as intentionally overloaded. The A-side closes with the title track, which nearly exceeds its boundaries. It’s an odd sort of sonic urgency, more like noodling than cohesive design. Toward its end, an unheralded accordion lands front and center for an extended solo, trading licks with an electric guitar through the playout. The earnest “Razor Face” seems straightforward enough, alloying electric guitar with a guest organ turn by Rick Wakeman to form a rock backbone, but it’s a restless piece. Any cover is more echo than interpretation everybody can tell that this is his song. Offbeat and more than a little peculiar, the story of a balloon salesman and the son who wants out of their shared life requires someone who can handle the surreal with conviction, a quality John possesses in spades. “Levon,” on the other hand, is signature work. Watch the official video created for “Tiny Dancer” in 2017Īnyone can cover “Tiny Dancer”-the composition possesses a universal appeal any competent vocalist can wrangle with appropriate conviction. Levelheaded or outlandish, he is always convincing.
#Elton john album cover madman across the water full#
The song fully defines John’s vocal prowess: lively, full of character and naturally theatrical, but not in a way that overpowers any moment. The string section that emerges near the three-minute mark adds to that mix as it propels the song’s hook, a potent complement to the ascending drama of John’s piano line, and the final building block of an ingenious, gorgeous sonic assembly. Gus Dudgeon’s production (with an arrangement by Paul Buckmaster) tastefully mixes the homespun with the formal, initially combining pop and country in a manner decades ahead of its time. Madman takes no chances with the listener’s affections it isn’t two bars old when its first irresistible moment arrives, in the fluid piano trickle that lays the groundwork for “Tiny Dancer.” Welcoming and airy, it is a seminal pop contrivance, and the album’s greatest achievement. Michael Lang, Who Gave Us Peace, Love and Music With the 1969 Woodstock Festival, Dies.Joan Baez Interview: On Dylan, Aging and Her Farewell Tour.Bob Saget, Known For TV’s ‘Full House’ and ‘Blue’ Humor, Dies.Rod Stewart & Friends: 10 Great Collaborations.Johnny Winter Gets All-Star Tribute Album, Led By Brother Edgar.Rolling Stones Honored With Royal Mail Stamps.
When Tom Petty Moved On With ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’.9 Signature Rock Classics That Weren’t U.S.Jethro Tull Shares ‘The Zealot Gene,’ Title Track From New Studio Album.Kenny Loggins to Publish Memoir, ‘Still Alright’.When the Chambers Brothers’ ‘Time’ Had Come.