Lyra Jane, I'm happy to hear that someone I know has a good report on the album. In about 6 hours it'll be in my hot little hands as well.
I read a scathing review of the new U2 by whatshisname, Jim Derogatis. I have an irrational tendency to take it personally when someone rips apart something I love, and had an extreme knee-jerk reaction to his review. (Sorry, I don't have a link.)
I get it that not everyone likes U2, and some people downright loathe them. But how about reviewing the album, and not sniping about iPod ads and putting a bunch of "Bono thinks he's God" jokes at the end? How is that an album review?
Between that and the Ryan Adams answering machine thing, I'm wondering if Jim is just a cranky man.
Those of you who might know better, what does he like?
You know what I'd forgotten? How absolutely excellent Elton John used to be. Listening to Madman Across the Water, and it's sending shivers down my spine, it's so fucking good.
Yep, right up to about 76-77, then plummet city. There are some good collections around that have b-sides and unreleased material so you can really mine those best years.
When did Yellow Brick Road come out?
My parents got a free Elton John 8-track when they bought a used car in '75. That was the main reason I became an Elton John fan at an early age.
When did Yellow Brick Road come out?
1973.
Tumblee Connection was '71, Rock of the Westies was '75. That's his peak era.
the main reason I became an Elton John fan at an early age
K-tel did it for me, no really. Then I found out you could buy ::whole albums:: with the songs of the people you liked. Rock on!
Tumblee Connection was '71, Rock of the Westies was '75. That's his peak era.
"Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" are listed as 1970 in places, I think they are both strong. I like Empty Sky (69), but it is a lot rougher. It has Skyline Pigeon, one of his greats (but there are a lot of greats)
"Here and There" is the live album released in 76 that I was re-pimping recently. The cd release of a few years ago has a lot more material than the album originally did, and it is a treat. "Blue Moves" is the double album of 1976 and I think still has some lingering greatness attached to it. After that, it is just pain, although the '87 Live in Australia album is worth having. I think I last saw him live around 86 or so and the concert was brilliant, the legendary energy still totally rocking.
Tumbleweed Connection.
Oops. Anyway, in that span you also get Honky Chateau and Madman Across the Water and Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player and Caribou.
I still vividly remember the trailer for
Aloha Bobby and Rose
which used "Bennie and the Jets."
