Only saw this video a year late... but I grew up a huuuuuuge Elton John fan when I was in grade school and middle school in Los Angeles. I had the full page ad that ran in the Calendar section of the Los Angeles Times for his Dodger Stadium shows... I had his TIME magazine cover ("Captain Fantastic") hung up in my room, along with a poster of Elton as the Pinball Wizard. His 70's output was among the best series of music ever recorded. My list is fairly close, but I had to put "CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY" album as his best. The packaging alone was mind-blowing. I remember going to my local record store (Aaron's Too in the valley) when this album came out and buying it. I was absolutely blown away by the package: TWO BOOKLETS (Scrap Book and Lyrics Book,), poster, and fan club flyer. Then the actual music... My god. The title track has EVERYTHING I want in an Elton / Bernie song... wonderful lyrics combing through a delicate song that explodes to life. The drums might be the best recorded drums in rock history (w/ XTC's Black Sea album). "Better Off Dead," "Bitter Fingers," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and maybe the best closer ever: "Curtains" with it's chiming, elongated closeout to this masterpiece. After that, Id' agree with you about most of your comments: "Grey Seal" is amazing... same with "This Song Has No Title"... My two others in the Top 3 would be "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Madman Across The Water"... I also adore "Honkey Chateau" and "Tumbleweed Connection" and the self-titled masterpiece, as well. I've got to do a typographic portrait of Elton... such an amazing talent. Thanks (again) for your wonderful thoughts on his best years, Mazzy!!
I was incredibly lucky to see Elton with Dee, Nigel and Caleb at a run down club in the Uk just as he was breaking in America. A battered old white piano and a tiny, sweaty, overcrowded club. He was absolutely brilliant.
Another reactor here on RU-vid is a musician in his own right and had Nigel and Dee play on a song that this guy wrote. He learned from Nigel that when Nigel was being recorded for all of these Elton John albums, there were 16 microphones placed strategically to get that full, rich drum sound that we have come to love from Nigel!.
Absolutely bang on the money! Tumbleweed Connection is a true masterpiece. My favourite album of all time. Just perfect on every level. (Your comment regarding Stevie - bang on the money too.)
@@tipple58I would say that Stevie Wonder, Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Bowie and Elton all had a run of records in the Seventies where they seemed to walk on water. It was their time.
Elton’s best period for sure. Great video choice-so much better than a complete discography! Captain Fantastic for me. It just works as a whole faultless from beginning to end, and so intimate! Mazzy nails it with his comment about the drums.
Amoreena, Come Down in Time, Where to now St. Peter are 3 of the best songs in history by any artist or songwriter. Lyrics, music, arrangement, mood, delivery...stellar.
Exactly- Capt. Fantastic is perfect . I used to bumb my mom"s ear plug with a transistor radio at night . They played the hell out of "Someone saved my......"
I won a pair of tickets to see Elton. I love Elton. You have expanded my love of Elton. When I love that concert I'll be thanking you for the understanding of Elton you gave me.
I’m not Elton John’s big fan and I never was. However, the song I’ve Seen That Movie Too from the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album is in my opinion a masterpiece. It’s hard for me to clearly explain why, but I guess because it’s so convincing in terms of personal emotions it conveys. And the whole album is outstanding indeed.
These albums are all special, and personal as well. #10 is a top three for me. "Don't Shoot Me..." often gets overlooked, and at the time "Crocodile Rock" was just a side closer. The tracks I love are "Blues For Baby And Me," "Have Mercy On The Criminal," and perhaps my favorite "High Flying Bird." These are top Elton/Bernie songs in my mind, and the whole album has a unique feel. Still, to each his own - and thanks for the inspired video.
Don’t shoot me was definitely a step in a more pop direction, but people shouldn’t sleep on it. Teacher I Need You and High Flying Bird are favorites. Daniel is Perfection.
Great job Mazzy; Elton definitely ruled the 70’s. You gotta give credit that all these Albums were different than each other not repeating the same thing over & over. They all had their own vibe & style. Loved the lyrics booklets & photos that were always included not many artists did that. As you said Producer Gus Dungeon was a major part of the E.J. sound & Elton always acknowledges that Thumbs Up.
Wow, what a thoughtful, touching, moving tribute to one of the best musical artists of my lifetime. No wonder I love your videos, this makes me wanna pull and play Elton’s entire 70’s catalog. What a wonderful video, Mazzy, thanks for this. 👍❤️
Excellent and thorough rendering of a unique artist at the time. Also, agree about including Friends and the live album. Music mattered in the 70s and Elton represented something like The Beatles for many. Fun, inscrutable, casual talent.
The debit US album is perfection. The song "First Episode at Hienton" is still one that gets my gut tied up in knots. Good list of lp's you have there.
Great video. Thanks Mazzy. The first ever music I bought was Elton's greatest hits on cassette as a 12 year old in 1974 Agree with you on Grey Seal.my favourite on GYBR.
Thanks for this. It brought me back to a fun time of my life. Saw him once at the Fillmore East opened for Leon Russell. One of the best concerts I ever saw. Elton was a huge part of my hippie days.
Great video that makes me want to listen to my Elton John's albums again. My favourite song of him is tickin' from the Caribou album which I personally think is weak otherwise. What a great song so perfectly delivered and what great lyrics.. thanks again for this nice video.
For me, it's Tumbleweed, Madman, Yellow Brick Road, then the rest. But as usual I love your commentary and certainly respect your rankings. Thanks for the recognition of Friends!
Thank you Mazzy - we love you too. Great video! EJ + BT certainly blew our minds for so many friggin' years. Don't forget to listen to their 2006 collaboration "The Captain & The Kid"...
I appreciate your knowledgeable insights and providing a format to discuss Elton John albums. My favorite is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player is my second favorite because only Goodbye YellowBrick Road has the same kind of consistency in listening and so many songs that I like. Daniel is my favorite song by him and Taupin and Crocodile Rock is also a top 10 favorite. I love the feel of the other songs too like the mix of aggressive rock with horns, swing, electric guitar and honky tonk piano with a great use of low register vocals like in Elderberry Wine, Midnight Creeper, I'm Gonna Be a Teenage Idol and the late night marquee spotlight cover conveys the sense of a live performance in a seedy but stylish seventies bar. I even like what seems to be the tongue and cheek overkill anger in Screw You. Another highlight is Have Mercy on the Criminal which is a great mix between Madman across the Water and Ballad of Danny Bailey on Gooodbye YellowBrick Road. However, there is also a great deal of diversity and balance with the fine ballads, High Flying Bird, Skyline Pigeon and Blues for My Baby and Me invoking a far more sensitive sense of dreamy idealism mixed wth a bit of melancholy. To me, the overall impression is this is the buildup to Goodbye YellowBrick Road and reminds me the most of it in diversity and quality and overall feel.
@@christy140 I meant The Elton John album, it was soooo good. The Empty Sky album wasnt released in the USA till after EJ album, and that was probably the right move....
I so enjoyed this video!! I have six Elton John albums. After watching this I’m on the hunt for at least four more. I just got your number one pick today through Discogs. It’s a great album ( not my number 1 but great) I’m surprised you didn’t mention Border Song. It just keeps building. I had forgotten about Caribou but will hunt for it. Thanks for the video!!
The night my dear grandmother had a stroke, my uncle drove me to the hospital then gave me the cassette of yellow brick road. I'd find out many years later that we live in the same town that wizard of oz author grew up in.there was a yellow plank road running through this town. The first I bought was don't shoot me then madman. I had the 11-17-70 on cassette then while working in a restaurant I met the cross-eyed toothless stuttering hunchback dishwasher and he gave me the vinyl version of 11-17-70. I did not know there is an expanded version. Meanwhile my father who grew up in DC and went to Woodstock lived in San Francisco and was a huge music fan with a massive record collection until he went homeless through the 90s. He was never an Elton fan though. I saw Elton in Syracuse off the One your, again in Cleveland with Billy Joel, Saratoga, Philly on the farewell tour and then one last time in Syracuse.
Interesting ranking and commentary. I enjoyed watching it. BTW, I think you are confusing "Take Me to the Pilot" with "Border Song". The latter is a gospel style song while "Take Me to the Pilot" is an all-out rocker. "Border Song" is the song that Aretha covered.
Good stuff! I missed his debut record (?!?) and started with Tumbleweed Connection, which is one of my favorites of his, and in general for that time period. Great songs, great arrangements, love the Americana feel to it. Where to Now St. Peter stands out for me. And I was blown away when I first heard 11/17/70 (which is where I first heard Take Me To the Pilot.) I need to seek out that UK version. And saw him in the early days, one of my favorite concerts, I remember a children's choir or chorale group at the end of the set and encore which was amazing at the time! Thanks!
Wonderful stuff. Saw Elton in a small college near where I lived as Your Song hot the airwaves in the UK. He'd played an earlier gig that night in at the Marquee but fulfilled his obligation coz he'd promised the student union he'd play for them. Oddly enough, some years later he bought a mansion near that self same college and it's where he still lives when in the UK. So pleased you picked out Friends, a big favourite of mine and which I recently bought again, this time on pink vinyl. Keep up the good work. Love yer, Mazzy !!
Great video. Most of my collection is soul and jazz but it started for me with Captain Fantastic a perfect album and my favourite EJ album. Totally agree with your comment on Nigel Olsen on that record. The drum sound is magnificent throughout . Looking forward to seeing the man again on his current tour. Ps I love Blue Moves . Give it another chance 😀
Great video Mazzy! 1970's Elton John album is an excellent choice (although it would probably be number 4 for me). It has the classics Your Song, Border Song and Take Me to the Pilot. Sixty Years On is superb (I always loved the version he played live in Russia in 1979, with the images of the Russian war statues). Another favourite of mine on the album is The Greatest Discovery - a true hidden gem!
I’m going to have to revisit Capt. Fantastic. It’s been at least 20 years since I listened to it. I liked it when I first heard it, but it didn’t grab me in the same way as the albums that came before it. My favorite is Madman Across the Water. I love the huge orchestral arrangements juxtaposed against his Southern-influenced melodies. It’s a combination that should never work, but is pulled off flawlessly. Tiny Dancer, Levon, and the title track are some of Taupin’s best lyrics. Rotten Peaches, Razor Face, Holiday Inn, All the Nasties - just so f’n good.
You're a man after my own heart on this topic. Elton was magnificent in the first half of the 70's. But unfortunately he became moribund very quickly in the second half of that decade. Oddly enough, so too did many other successful 60's and Early 70's artists. Too many to mention in fact. I know that Punk/Post Punk/New Wave was a factor and I got heavily into that music as well but the "old wave" music lost momentum prior to that revolution. This diminution in quality of so many great artists after 1975 has always fascinated me.
Thanks for highlighting what a fantastic run of albums Elton made in the 70s. My personal favourite is Madman Across the Water, but Honky Chateau and Captain Fantastic are right up there too. Blue Moves definitely deserves a re-appraisal. It's more jazzy that his other albums, but the band are on absolutely top form. I find it a great listen.
Thanks for highlighting the early Elton John/Bernie Taupin years. There was a time when everything they touched turned to gold, and deservedly so. Tumbleweed would be my number one, but any combination of those top four albums would, pretty much, be on the money. Special shout out for Caribou too, which doesn't get the praise that it should. Great stuff!
Mazzy, I’m late to the Elton game, but now in my mid 60’s…I finally get him. What a fantastic album ‘Captain Fantastic…’ is. And you’re spot on about the drums in ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’. Mid 60’s and I’m an out of the closet Elton fan. Go figure…
Bravo, really good rundown of Elton Johns classic 70s albums. I’m happy you included Empty Sky and Friends. I thought Tumbleweed Connection would have been your number one but Your Song album is also a solid number one. I only wish you would have included The Westies album, still plenty of great tracks on that one. I made a cdr of Yellow brick road and narrowed it down to an excellent single album. There also a great bonus track, Great Seal on the Your Song album deluxe cd set and the Friends cd deluxe is also very good, Mick Ronson plays lead guitar on Madmen.
Thanks so much for this explanation of his music. I have seen him once a few years ago and appreciate how prolific he was with hits. When I saw him life it allowed me to see what an amazing musician he is. I am definitely not too cool to recognise his talent 😊
I bought a record player a year ago (haven't had one in years) and have many of my older sister's albums (god rest her soul). One of them was Honky Chateau, the original copy and never heard it until recently. When I heard Honky Cat I was blown away. When those horns punch in I get goose bumps. The whole album is fantastic.
hEY mAZZY, another great video. I have 3 EJ records in my collection (the cassette I had of 2 Low 4 Zero in the 80s doesnt count) and I thought thats all I needed. None of those 3 even make your top 3!!! Enough said. I'm especially intrigued by Tumbleweed Connection. Cheers mate!
I also loved Elton's early '70's albums. Most of my favorites came out when I was in high school. My favorite two are Yellow Brick Road and Tumbleweed Connection. When Caribou came out, I really hated it (I even hate the cover), and never bought another Elton album until the mid '90s. I bought Rare Masters, a double CD, that contains material from the first half of the 70s - outtakes, b sides, and other rarities. I really enjoy that CD. I've never listened to Capt Fantastic, but after seeing your video, I guess I'm ready to give it a try. Also, some personal history, when Yellow Brick Road came out, I was a senior in high school. Soon after graduating, I stopped listening to a lot of music that I liked in high school, Elton being one of the victims. Anyways, I really enjoyed your video.
I'm not crazy about "Don't Shoot Me..." or "Caribou", but there is a song from each, that I just love. "Have Mercy on the Criminal" on "Don't Shoot Me.." and "I've Seen the Saucers" from "Caribou". I got each album when they came out, and I still love these songs just as much as ever.
Fantastic. I listen to all those albums all the time. My sister was 10 years older than me and was a 60's hippie. She turned me on to Elton at an early age. Thank goodness we both got to see Elton live at least once before I lost her in 2011 and although I listen to either DJM or MOFI pressings of these I still have her UNI's. As a side note, and I know you have heard this but the song Bernie wrote for Elton for Jack Whites Epic Sessions "Two Fingers of Whiskey" reminded me that they can still put out Tumbleweed era music when they want. I wish they could reach back and do one more album of like minded songs.
very nice...despite elton's 'parody' of later years, his early works cannot be denied....and i love the fact that you mentioned bernie taupin so often...too many leave him out of the equation....and, if memory serves me, bernie left him around the 'blue moves' years, which set about elton's decline and really showed how important they were together....excellent 'ranking'...captain fantastic does deserve more love...good on ya'...peace always my friend...rocky
Really enjoyed this video Mazzie, i was right there with you during the greatest period of Elton's career. You rankings make sense and you articulate the reasons for the ranking so clearly. You inspire me to put them on the turntable tonight ;)
Thank you! Got to see him twice and so glad I did. It's a toss-up between Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy and Good Bye Yellow Brick Road. Living down the hill from Caribou Ranch, I feel him in his songs recorded here.
Late to the party here but I'm so glad you mentioned "Friends". It seems like that album was released as a cutout from the beginning! But it's so intensely romantic and lush. Like most it's GYBR for me, but I could interchange many of these masterpieces at the top depending upon my mood. And I agree about "Ticking", but as I'm sure someone else might have commented, it was about a mass murder at a bar called "The Kicking Mule".
There’s a live version of that song and quite a few other songs from the early seventies in yt. Great to see him performing live on British television from back then. We did not get to see any of those performances in the U.S. I barely even knew what EJ looked like in the 1970s other than seeing photos of him back then.
I have 1300 CDs. I have less than 20 records. Even though I have both Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy on CD I couldn't pass on them both when I found both records for a $1 each in Goodwill last month.
Hey Mazzy - great analysis of this greatest period of Elton John's best era. Your comments will make me go back to revisit Elton's catalog. Thanks again for your insights here... So, maybe up sometime soon for you will be a ranking - commentary of The Band's studio albums (including their last - and not worst - "Islands"...) Peace out.
Interesting insight as always . My first was Don't Shoot Me and would place it higher. Blue Moves also more favourable. Some great album artwork. Would appreciate a 70's couple of Box Sets similar to the Bowie ones
The Union, with Leon Russell deserves an honourable mention. His live album in Melbourne Australia, in the late eighties, provided a sign of hope during a uninspired era for Elton John.
@@mazzysmusic keep trying man. 😊 Parts of this album are heartbreaking in a good way if you know what I mean. There's a fragility and a vulnerability to Leon Russell's voice that just grabs me.
I couldn't help feeling that the introduction was a bit too long, but maybe that's just me. Pleased that I hung in there as there were some interesting elements that I didn't know... I'd have to disagree with this list, but we're all different, so total respect for this post. Personally I think that you were a bit harsh on GYBR. Jamaica Jerk-off is a fun track to try to take away some of the seriousness of this masterpiece, as does Your Sister can't Twist.... You passed over I've Seen that Movie, too - Ballad of Danny Bailey - Dirty Little Girl and All the Young Girls Love Alice. (Side 3 is my favourite complete side !) I'm probably bias as this was and will always be my favourite double album 🤩🤠🎹. Thank you for this informative post. Ps. I do agree with your top 3 but I would always have Captain Fantastic as the pinnacle 🤩🤠🎹👍
It was wise to stay within that first burst of Elton John's career, an almost unparalleled string of creativity. After that the albums are more similar and less special. Glad you mentioned Friends too, since few know it exists. Madman got a real drubbing from the East Coast critics after 17-11-70 because they wanted him to go in that direction and resented the orchestration; I'm glad you ranked it so high. I first saw him in late 1974 (I believe) and that was a real show. Love your off the cuff, unscripted presentations.
All good to great albums imo. Actually, I think that “Blue Moves” is my favorite Elton John album. For me, it was a welcome return to his “Madman Across The Water” period in a way - a relief from the super radio-friendly music of the 74’ 75’ period. The album is quite diverse musically, and I think Elton’s vocals were at his absolute peak - particularly on songs like “Idol”, “Boogie Pilgrim”, and “Tonight”.. I agree with you about the “Friends” album, enjoyed the video Mazzy 👍
Great video. Made me put on my thinking cap I’d say Honky Chateau and 11-17-70. The production and small combo vibe, well, fantastic. And you are correct: a bunch of filler on Goodbye…. And thanks for making me spit out some coffee with that Capt Kangaroo comment. Priceless. Speaking of which, check out the history of the Capt Kangaroo theme song. Interesting.
Great review. That reprise on Empty Sky goes through all 9 songs on the record, in order. I agree this was Elton's best era. I'm like you - I don't listen to Rock of the Westies or Blue Moves, and, your ranking was pretty close to mine. The Diving Board isn't a bad listen, worth hearing if you haven't.
Taupin must have titled the album Tumbleweed Connection. Something Beethoven knew, you can win a woman's heart with the piano. Elton John is the favorite. Thanks for the video!
Mazzy, don't remember if you've ever done a "perfect sides" video or not, but Side One of Madman is a perfect side. I'm starting up a channel soon (you and some others have inspired me), and when I do my Perfect Sides episodes, I'll definitely talk about that one.
I only have Captain Fantastic which I love - when I was a teenager in the ‘80’s I used to think that Elton was the devil! I absolutely hated his music in that period. Two friends introduced me to CF in the mid 90’s (under duress I must say) and I fell in love with it. I picked up a mint copy right away with all the inserts for 5 English pounds. I still play it to this day. One thing that people don’t talk about so often is Elton’s singing - so good and I feel he is underrated as a singer, such a beautiful voice he had when he was younger. I’ll have a look out for some of those albums you reviewed, especially the live album. Enjoyed this, thank you.
Glad you mentioned Friends soundtrack. Great songs 'n wonderful orchestral arrangements by Paul Buckmaster. It would be high on my list o' top 10 faves. I had 2nd row center seats in Dallas for the Tumbleweed Connection tour-amazin'! Elton, Nigel 'n Dee blew us all away. Mark-Almond opened the show. I highly recommend checkin' out Elton John Live On BBC TV (1970) on you tube. As good as it gets! A must see...
Great video.My favorite is Goodbye yellow brick road. Agree this is the only period that matters for Elton although I would put Rock in the Westies on this list. His last good album imo. BTW the Rascals had a lyricist in Eddie Brigati(although he did play a little percussion) and Felix Cavaliere did the music.
Loved this. I was a huge EJ fan back in the day and this video pretty much sums up my feelings about his early output. An amazing run of albums that still mean so much to me now. My personal favourite is “Madman” but like you say yourself, this can change at any given time and listening to this I will be giving “17-11-70” a few listens too. I continued buying Elton’s output well after the 70’s and my only disagreement is “Blue Moves” I really enjoy it and count this as his last hurrah. Sadly and maybe inevitably the quality started taking a downward turn and I finally gave up with the awful “Leather Jackets” back in 86’ Elton himself admits in his autobiography that he too had pretty much given up by that point as well. I’ve dipped in and out occasionally since then but nothing comes close to those incredible albums when he could do no wrong.
Been collecting records since the early 70’s but didn’t buy anything by John back in the day (all my friends had them so no reason for me to have my own. Been picking up his seventies stuff for the last five years or so. Brilliant songwriting team, the songs still feel fresh today. Agree with your surprising choice for #1. When I got my copy it was on my turntable for days. Only need Caribou to complete my John 70’s collection. I only buy records in the wild, and they usedto be a dime a dozen. Lots out there st
Madman Across The Water is my favorite Elton John album but it was good to hear your thoughts on the others. Tumbleweed Connection is probably my number two.
10. Rock of the Westies 9. Caribou 8. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 7. 17-11-70 6. Honky Chateau 5. Madman Across the Water 4. Elton John 3. Don't Shoot Me I'm Just the Piano Player 2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 1. Tumbleweed Connection Don't Shoot Me was the first Elton album I owned. The 2nd was the greatest hits collection. So much great stuff. I have always had a soft spot for Bennie and the Jets.
Great great list. For me Madman is highest, but some albums get caught up with who you first listened to them with. And Leslie Duncan!..such a name from the past! Did you like her record Moon Bathing? If so tell folks to check it out. People think they know all the ‘70s, but a lot is hidden away.
A surprising ranking insofar as it relates to rankings that you normally see of his albums . That said , his catalogue in the early 70s is one of the few that you could put in any order , and make a case for it . I am also of the opinion that Goodbye Yellow Brick Road has some filler , and would have made a much stronger single album . I saw him on that tour , the tour before it , and the Captain Fantastic and Caribou tours as well . He and his band always put on a great show . His albums were littered with hidden gems , that were often better than the singles that were released . As I said in a previous comment that I entered before watching your ranking , my favourite was displayed on your cabinet . It was the first album of his that I bought in 1972 , and it's greatness stays with me still . Here's my ranking in order of preference : Honky Chateau. ( hidden gem : Mellow ) Don't Shoot Me. ( hidden gem : Blues for My Baby & Me , with Teacher I Need You a close second ) Captain Fantastic ( hidden gem : We All Fall in Love Sometimes ) Madman Across the Water. ( hidden gem : Razor Face ) Elton John ( Hidden gem : I Need You to Turn To ) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ( Hidden Gem : Grey Seal. , with This Song Has No Title and Harmony right behind ) Caribou ( Hidden gem : Pinky , it's fabulous ) Tumbleweed Connection. ( Hidden gem : Talking Old Soldiers ) Rock of the Westies. ( Hidden gem : I Feel Like a Bullet. , the live version on his 4cd boxset is even better ) Empty Sky ( Hidden gem : Skyline Pigeon , the piano version on the Don't Shoot Me Cd under bonus tracks is the definitive version ) Cheers !!
So right about Elton John! Such a King in the 70’s. This is one song I do love by him in the 80’s. Blue Eyes, because it’s when I first met my wife and of course she had blue eyes. So tough to pick a favorite because every album had great songs. I guess if I had to pick one, it would be Goodbye Yellow Brick Road with Captain Fantastic a close second. I would definitely have put Don’t Shoot Me up higher, just for Daniel. Not sure why you diss the 50’s sound. Teacher I need You is so much fun, and great to do dance an east coast swing to.
I can’t rank any of these albums because my favorite songs change from day to day. I ❤ all of his seventies albums. His most creative period was from 1970-1976.
Great list, Maz. Blue Moves is under-rated for me. I love it. Captain Fan almost forgotten today, but a great double. I like it more than GYBR. The Union is also great late career album.
