Elton John - Madman Across the Water

Mad about the Madman

Two words should do it: Classic Elton. But I'm a man of many words, so... The first album I ever bought - back when there was ONLY vinyl - was Elton's Honky Chateau. That started a love affair that I thought would never end. Unfortunately, it ended 15 or more years ago when Elton seemed to stop trying, but everything up to and including "Reg Strikes Back" has amazed me. As for this disc, there's a reason that "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" still get constant radio play - they are totally awesome. But my favorite track is the title cut, a haunting song that Elton delivers with a passion I miss, but fortunately preserved for all time. Now remastered, it stands the test of time. "Goodbye Yellow Brick" may be Elton's career-defining disc, but this disc, although more raw, is a worthy addition to anyone who has even the slightest interest in the Great Sir Elton. October 4, 2008

Amazing album, drags near the end

The standout track on this album for me is the incomparable "Levon". This track alone is worth buying the entire CD for - because it so powerfully complements the rest of the CD. "Levon" manages to be a brightly orchestrated, upbeat sounding pop song that is absolutely haunting after a good listen. This is a complex, intricate song with amazing strings and percussion, topped with Elton's driving piano and a slightly understated vocal, if anything Elton ever sings could be called understated. Bernie's lyrics give "Levon" its edge, and they create the perfect level of tension and foreboding in this song. A most unique, and at the time, quite daring song.

The rest of the CD is excellent as well, especially the title track, "Razorface" and the overplayed and now somewhat irritating "Tiny Dancer", which still takes me back over 30 years when I hear it. The best thing for this song as far as I'm concerned is that I harly ever listen to FM radio any longer, so when I put the CD on, TD sounds fresh again. "Indian Sunset" is another tension filled, occasionally haunting song, with a deeper message than the pop styling of the music might suggest. The last few songs tend to not do much for me, although I do like "All the Nasties", with that one and only Elton John piano line. This is a classic album from an artist who would go on to have every bit as great an influence on pop, rock and British Invasion music as anyone ever has. September 14, 2008

His Masterpiece Stands Is Still Worthy Today

MATW is EJ's and Bernie Taupin's best work by far, with melodies and harmonies which are by turns gorgeous, startling, powerful and delicate. Bernie's lyrics, which at other times could come off like ponderous faux-profundity, here seem perfect. These are not typical Top-40 pop songs, yet you can sing along with them...and want to. Of course "Tiny Dancer" is one of the most achingly beautiful and deeply passionate love songs ever written, and is today deservedly a standard. "Levon"'s story about class and familial alienation has to be almost unique in Top-40 history. And the other songs are just as good. Lush orchestral work by Paul Buckmaster. It's a must-have.

August 19, 2008

outstanding

Madman is vintage ELton at his best. The first forur songs are classics, nevermind that the womnderul Levon and Tiny Dancer, possibly his best song is the title track. a often convoluted and confusing song lyrically but when one delves deep into teh meaning you can see the wonder and comlexity of Taupins lyrics, a must for any EJ fan June 27, 2008

Madman Across The Water

Elton John-Madman Across The Water ****

The dynamic duo of Bernie and Elton are to pop music what Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are to rock n' roll. In the early days Bernie would crank out some excellent lyrics (for the most part) and Elton would create beautiful melodies to complement the lyrics, and Madman Across The Water is one of the very best examples of the duo before they called it quits on each other.

As 'Tiny Dancer' prances it's way out of your speakers you can really tell you are about to here some pure British pop bliss. Needless to say 'Tiny Dancer' went on to become one of his biggest hits due to it's lush instrumentation and picturesque lyrics, with just a slight country twang. It is among El tons all time best. 'Levon' follows next, and aside from, 'Mona Lisa's And Mad Hatters' off Honky Chateau it might just be his very best track. The story telling lyrics and great piano work make for one memorable track. 'Razor Face' aside from being sandwiched between two classics is quite the amazing tune itself. In El tons canon it stands alone as it sounds nothing like the rest of his work and must be heard to truly understand and appreciate. The title track, and focal point of the album 'Madman Across The Water' runs next and boy is it epic. Shock-pop at it's finest. At a staggering length the song never bores and is always haunting. 'Indian Sunset' is quite the adventure. Really the only song that could follow the title track. It is up, it's down, slow then fast. The sudden tempo changes mixed with the creative instrumentation paint a picture in your head to follow the lyrics making this one of Elton and Bernie's most memorable ventures together.

Now this is where they lose me. The rest of the album I could honestly do with out. 'Holiday Inn' to me is pointless and annoying. 'Tiny Dancer' had some twang to it while 'Rotten Peaches' sounds like Elton and Bernie are trying to do Hank Williams Sr. and well that just doesn't fly. 'All The Nasties' is for lack of better terms or care is just plain stupid. While 'Goodbye' could have redeemed the later side of the album even it could have been discarded and Elton could have just released this as an EP in my book.

Over all I still gives this a four star review because the good is amazing, and while the bad does smell pretty rank....Elton at his best is chilling and his best here is just that. Totally worth checking out! June 12, 2008

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