A solid early Elton John album with nary a hit on it
594270
"Tumbleweed Connection" has the dubious distinction of being the only Elton John album from the Seventies that did not offer up a certified "hit" (neither did "Madman Across the Water" if you want to get picky, but "Levon" was always a highly requested song on FM radio). However, the lack of acknowledge hits just speaks in favor of this album, because anybody who listens to Elton John's albums knows full well that his best songs are rarely (if ever) the Top 40 hits. Even without the benefit of a hit single, this 1971 album still made it to #5 on the Billboard charts.

Half the songs on "Tumbleweed Connection" are 4:59 or longer in life, which means the odds were long that they would ever be played on the radio. Yet theses songs, such as "Country Comfort" and "Burn Down the Mission," stand out as some of the best work by John and lyricist Bernie Taupin during this period. The latter track remains a prime choice for the big finish at an Elton John concert to this day. There is something of a "country/western" flair to the album, at least as interpreted by two Englishmen, represented by not only those two songs but "Ballad of a Well Known Gun," "My Father's Gun," and "Talking Old Soldiers." I think those who were listening to Elton John before he became a star (operationally defined as anything before "Honkey Chateau," always had a preference for these early albums, especially those where Paul Buckmaster was doing the arranging and conducting. Ironically, on many of these songs, such as "Come Down in Time," it is John's voice and not his piano playing that stands out (note: Dusty Springfield is one of the backing vocalists on the album). There is also "Love Song," which was written not by John & Taupin but Lesley Duncan, who plays acoustic guitar and sings the duet.

Elton John was certainly prolific during this early period and had the great advantage of those Buckmaster string arrangements. The self-titled "Elton John" album was released in the summer of 1970, with "Tumbleweed Conection" following in February 1971. That same year saw the live "11-17-70" and the "Friends" soundtrack released as well, with "Madman Across the Water" coming out at the end of the year. In 1972 with "Honkey Chateau," Elton John would become a star. But all of this is before the dazzling costumes and bizarre collection of eyeglasses, which made Elton John the Liberace of pop rock. This is way back almost to the beginning, when it was all about the music. By the time "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" came out, those days were clearly over. This CD version of the album offers up a couple of bonus tracks from John and Taupin, with "Into the Old Man's Shoes" and the original version of "Madman Across the Water," which clocks in at 8:52.
2204387
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY is a great album that traces the lives of Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin, and especially their working relationship. The album, despite hitting Number One, only spawned one hit single, the Number Four ballad "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", which was about how Elton was advised by Long John Baldry not to go ahead with his marriage plans, as they were obviously driving him to the edge of doing himself in. However, that wasn't seen as an issue, as the album was meant to be a concept piece, not a collection of individual singles as his other albums had been. That said, despite its five-star rating, its predecessors, including HONKY CHATEAU, GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD, and CARIBOU, as well as its direct successor, ROCK OF THE WESTIES, are slightly better and should be purchased first.
1359840
From the opening track, Never like this before (a cover of a sixties soul song), this album rocks. Marcia wrote two of the songs herself (Love's spell and That's enough of that stuff) and draws on a variety of sources for the other songs, including soul, R+B, blues and zydeco - the latter represented by the title track, originally written by Clifton Chenier.
Yet the overall feel of the album is rock'n'roll update for 1985 (when this album was recorded). Comparisons with Jerry Lee Lewis are understandable - Marcia plays the piano in a similar style to Jerry. Not much tinkling of the ivories here - they take a real pounding on some of the tracks.
Although this is a very upbeat album, there are a few slower songs to vary the pace, and Marcia is well capable of singing those as well as the rockers.
This is one of Marcia's earliest albums, but it still sounds fresh and exciting. Rock your blues away with this or any other album by Marcia, who is brilliant at what she does.
4444048
Tumbleweed Connection was John's third album and was initially released in 1970. It also represents the height (for me) of John's collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Taupin was, by all accounts fascinated by life in the post-Civil War south and west.. The album did not spawn any `big hits' and none of the songs from Tumbleweed Connection have made it onto any compilation of John's greatest hits. However, Tumbleweed Connection when taken as a whole is, in my opinion, a great album. Any fan of John would do well to add this to their collection. I would also recommend Tumbleweed Connection to those who may be prone to dismissing John as simply a `performer'. I think listening to Tumbleweed Connection may just change your mind.
4052424
I have never been a huge fan of Elton John, but I liked his music well enough to merit the purchase of a greatest hits album. There have been many Elton John compilations that I have seen, but this one seemed to suit my wants best. I am not at all disappointed. This album has all the material that I love from Elton John. I would definitely recommend this one if you're a more casual Elton John fan.
2421202
This is great 70's classic rock in the year 2000.  It's great, full of funky rhythms, guitar riffs in one ear and out the other when the next one pushes its way in, bomming drums and pounding beats.  And of course, the various sounds and piano are highly commendable and Elton John's appearance is a real class act.
Skin is good, the guitars are great, good effect.  Vent, just kind of skip past that one.  Why Pt. 2 is the best song onhere and one of their best, nice homage to the 70's.  10 Years Later is really good, showcasing Ed Roland's wonderful voice.  Boast is good, another of those repeating words, but rocking out thought, because the words don't matter, the music does, kind of songs.  Turn is good, a nice little ballad-ish tune, I enjoy the reformation it portrays. You Speak My Language just thumps.  Perfect Day is great, just great, I'm so glad Elton John decided to tag along.  After All and Over Tokyo are gentle and subtle kind of tunes, though very stylistic.  Happiness is the guns a blazin' play out that reminds you about the beginning of the album, so then you hit repeat and play it all over again.  It gets my highest recommendation.
4359619
This was The Carpenters debut. At that point, they still had to work and find their trademark sound, but even so, the resulting debut album is a very good one, with some memorable moments. The title track is different version of the commonly known, and the main difference is the absense of guitar, which was added later in 1973 when they reworked this track for its inclusion on the Singles Album. Karen's voice and drums were also re-recorded in that version. This doesn't mean that the version on this album isn't very fine. But this song isn't the only good track. "Someday" and "Eve" are another good examples of their potential, in which Karen shows her golden voice. The rest of the album is filled with songs that, perhaps are not very known or often played on the radio, but without doubts, fine songs.
Overall, it was a very promisory starting.
4657492
This is a solid good EJ album. If you are an EJ fan, I recommend it without reservation. If you are not, or if you are hesitating, I have the following to say: I think Elton lacks ambition. He is at the danger of repeating himself. The songs are ok, some are good, but as a whole, predictable. Yes, it is back to the roots, country-style, and I love for example "Porch swing in Tupelo", but the mood is different from, say, Honky Chateau or Tumbleweed Connection. A bit too much autobiography (Elton had enough autobiographical albums in the past!), very autumnal and nostalgic. Ok, he is 57, but come on, this is supposed to be rock music! Where are the surprises? Where is a "Funeral for a Friend", a "Song for Guy", where is an "I'm Still Standing"? Most importantly, where is a "Boy in the Red Shoes", the masterpiece and culmination point of his 2001 album "Songs from the West Coast"? Where is the anger, where is the adrenalin from that song? Some of the songs and some lyrics on this CD are simply flat (Notable exception, especially for the lyrics: Freaks in Love shows Bernie bitter and sharp as ever!) Elton and Bernie can do better!

In summary, yes, Elton should stay Elton, but I feel on this album he lacks innovation. Three stars, and they hurt me a bit, since I am an EJ fan, and I was hesitating between three and four. Anyway, it is not bad, a mediocre EJ album. "West coast" was better; he needs some more fire, ingenuity and intelligent risk taking on the next album, or I will fall asleep.

By the way: Whether you agree with my review or not, I don't think this album will make it in the US. Why? Because the album notes do not depict America how it wants to be depicted. Instead, it depicts America how it really is: Crumbling houses, Town of Gay(!), empty roads... Be as it may, Elton seems more courageous with his album layout than with his songs these days...
14433
This is a great collection of his music.  Call me old, but not much of the newer music tops Elton John.
4259958
Another terrific CD of early music.  Some of the best work, in my opinion, of Elton John's early days.
4240258
This album was Kenny's first for Reprise records as a solo singer (he was signed to the label in the 60's with his country-pop group, First Edition). He had just left RCA records (and EMI/UA before them). His highly successful career was not without critics, however. The single off this album "Planet Texas" was perhaps his least successful single ever and it was called a "joke" by serious music critics (who obviously missed the point, it WAS a joke/novelty song).

Still Rogers has made a habit of surviving and after than minor hiccup this album went on to be his 25th top 30 album.

This album presents Rogers on top form (as ever) with wonderful ballads "The vows go unbroken (always true to you)", "Maybe" (a duet with fellow country singer, Holly Dunn), "Love the way you do" and more.

The cover of Labi Siffie's "Something Inside So Strong" (the albums title cut) improves upon the good original version that was inspired by the free Nelson Madella campaign.

In short, this album is typical Kenny Rogers and that can never be a bad thing.
4144297
George Michael has become better known for his sexual orientation issues and for being arrested in a public bathroom in L.A. than for his musical legacy. But in the late 80's he was musically a big deal with the success of the monster album "Faith" which came on the heels of his radio hit friendly duo Wham. He was clearly trying to establish himself as a more serious musical artist at each step along the way and with "Listen Without Prejudice" he largely succeeded to accomplish this feat. Not much on this record sounds like the pop music that made "Faith" as successful as it was with the possible exception of "Freedom" which would have easily fit into that record. Most of the songs are ballads and there was less emphasis on the hit song, MTV friendly numbers than trying to write emotive songs that resonated with the listener. The album is largely acoustic and Michael's voice has a tonal quality that reminds me of Gino Vanelli (Cowboys and Angels) on occasion. Perhaps the best song is "Waiting for That Day" which again is mostly acoustic with an interesting addition of  the Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want" at the end which includes an actual royalty acknowledgement on the liner notes. The song "Soul Free" is more upbeat and is served up as a counter to the largely introspective song writing that dominates the record. Overall, this record is a stripped down view into the soul of a guy who was struggling with enormous fame and personal issues that would continue to haunt him years later. But, as far as music in 1990 is concerned I put this record right up there and give Michael full points on this excellent effort.
I was curious about the cover photo which I assumed was a concert scene. But when I noticed the bathing suits were very dated looking I saw that it's actually a cropped version of a photograph of Coney Island beach in 1940 by a photog named WeeGee.
1606348
Being a prog-rock diehard I do not make the above claim lightly. Elton and Bernie are in rare form on this one, perhaps due to the personal nature of the material. I am lucky to also own this on vinyl thanks to my folks who bought it in '75. The blend of songwriting, lyrics, production, and arrangements make this a fluid and enveloping listening experience. It is difficult to comment on individual tunes although I do particularly like the title track and "Writing". An added bonus is the involvement of David Hentschel (check out his production work with Genesis). The arrangements are excellent with a diverse smattering of instrumentation and the mandatory (and sometimes slightly out-of-tune) background vocals from his band.
Elton has a long list of amazing songs and buying several of his other CDs to pick out a good one here and there leads me back to the seamless consistency of "Captain Fantastic". The artwork is among my top 3 favourite album covers--worth picking up at a used record store just to look at. Get out your headphones, lie down on the floor, close your eyes, and enjoy...
3482832
Containing all his solo studio albums up to 1986, three hits compilations and a live album, this box has the added bonus of an album that John recorded in 1966, which was only pressed to give a few copies to family and friends, here titled John Denver sings.

As a long standing fan, I have reviewed some original albums and some compilations. I am re-acquainting myself with other original albums that I once had on vinyl but didn't upgrade to CD, and hearing for the first time albums that I never heard at all. Even the ones I have on CD sometimes sound better than before.

John's albums after 1986 (and not here) are generally not as well known as the music here, but his final album of new recordings,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/All-Aboard/dp/B0000029ZZ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">All Aboard</a>, is an outstanding collection of train songs, proving that he was still able to record great music right to the end.

The bonus CD from 1966 includes four Beatles covers, some original songs and other covers. Babe I hate to go (which John wrote) would later be re-titled Leavin' on a jet plane, in which guise John recorded it for Rhymes and reasons, later becoming a huge hit for Peter Paul and Mary. The final track is Farewell party, in which John doesn't want his funeral to be mournful - a stark contrast to a different song of the same title that Gene Watson recorded. John's Farewell party song closes an excellent album that might not have sold in huge quantities had it been released commercially, but is definitely worth a listen.

I'll review at least some of the other albums individually as and when I feel like it, and may occasionally revise my existing reviews of John's earlier releases. Suffice to say that this is a great collection.

Finally, here's a list of the albums involved, with the numbers that are conveniently put on the spine of each sleeve alongside the name. 10 and 11 were, of course, originally issued as a double LP.

1. Rhymes and reasons (1969)
2. Take me to tomorrow (1970)
3. Whose garden was this (1970)
4. Poems, prayers and promises (1971)
5. Aerie (1971)
6. Rocky mountain high (1972)
7. Farewell Andromeda (1973)
8. John Denver's greatest hits (1973)
9. Back home again (1974)
10 and 11. An evening with John Denver (1975)
12. Windsong (1975)
13. Rocky mountain Christmas (1975)
14. Spirit (1976)
15. John Denver's greatest hits vol. 2 (1977)
16. I want to live (1977)
17. John Denver (1979)
18. Autograph (1980)
19. Some days are diamonds (1981)
20. Seasons of the heart (1982)
21. It's about time (1983)
22. John Denver's greatest hits vol. 3 (1985)
23. Dreamland express (1985)
24. One world (1986)
25. John Denver sings (1966)
3228668
You know, I've had several people tell me to avoid Elton John's Empty Sky because, according to them, Elton's songwriting lacked focus since it's just an early effort that should be forgotten.  I have to strongly disagree.

In fact, I absolutely love Elton's classic early to mid 70's period (including Blue Moves) and I really don't understand how supposed gigantic fans of Elton's music can possibly find *any* major problems with Empty Sky.

There's honestly nothing to hate about this album.  It's completely loaded with one highly melodic song after another.  In fact, much of the style feels similar to his Tumbleweed Connection album, which is considered a masterpiece to most Elton John fans, so it makes no sense why Empty Sky is constantly ignored the way it is.

Perhaps people are turned off by the choice of background instruments.  You will hear flute, harpsichord, and electric guitar jams much more frequently than on future Elton John albums, but that's hardly a big deal.  Most of the time these instruments are played quite tastefully anyway.

Also, Elton's usual singer-songwriter style of piano-dominated pop/rock is all over the place here.  No kidding.  You'd never guess this is a late 60's album because it sure doesn't sound like it.  It sounds like Elton John already knew what kind of music he wanted to make from the beginning, so he went ahead and did it... for the next 40-something years.

Picking a favorite song is literally impossible and I'm honestly not saying that to get OUT of doing it either.  It really is a difficult thing to do considering there's not a single weak point on the entire album (including the bonus tracks- though to be fair, the last of the bonus tracks has a chorus that does repeat a bit too much).

I prefer this album to his follow-up self-titled album by *far*.  If you're an Elton John fan, you will be humming these memorable songs over and over again.
4783201
Tumbleweed Connection - 1971  (*****)  12 tracks  (60:13)

Obviously with a full 5-star rating, everything that can be said (deservingly) about this fantastic album has already been said.  But, since it is MY personal favorite Elton John album, I figured I would put in my two cents worth.  I recently decided to review all of Elton John's classic 1970's era albums which I had slowly acquired in the newly remastered versions on Island Records.  I decided to rate each song on every album so I could get an average just to see how the albums stacked up against each other.  With an average of 4.75 out of 5, Tumbleweed Connection won hands down, with Yellow Brick Road coming in 2nd with 4.41 out of 5.  The Remastered version sounds great and includes the stunning alternate version of Madman Across the Water featuring Mick Ronson on guitar.  This alone is worth the price of admission.  Into the Old Man's Shoes was the b-side to Your Song, but was originally slated for inclusion on the Tumbleweed album.  It fits into the record's "old west" feel pretty good.  Don't miss it.  Highly Recommended.

***** Review Updated - October 9, 2008 *****
2251146
Every serious Elton John fan, may think that "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was the milestone "Double Album" of his entire career. Certainly, almost every song in GYBR is (or sounds like) a Hit song!

What happened with "Blue Moves"? Well, first of all, please be noticed it is not 'GYBR Part II', it is a different work. Almost all the members of his band who played in GYBR were replaced by other musicians (the only one remaining being the talented guitarist Davey Johnstone).
There are short instrumental scherzos ("Your Starter For..." and "Theme of a Non-existent TV Series"), long, very sad ballads ("Tonight", "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"), a very nice 'love' ballad ("Chameleon"), a very funny and interesting instrumental ("Out Of The Blue"), a nice song that could have been used as another FM Radio Hit ("If there's a God in Heaven [What is He Waiting for?]")... Even some Disco-ed stuff ("Bite your lip [Get up and dance]!).

If you listen to it thinking it will be GYBR Part II, you're doing wrong and, be sure, you won't like this album. Just listen to it, considering it as a different Elton John musical work. In that way you will really enjoy it!