The record’s opening track, “Tiny Dancer,” written about Taupin’s experiences in California while on tour with Elton, as well as his first wife, Maxine Feibleman, is a romantic tune full of extraordinary images. “Levon” is an evocative tale of the title character and his son, featuring Bernie’s colorful storytelling and a passionate vocal performance from Elton. The album is probably most renowned for two songs that have become legendary since Madman’s original release. There are emotional moments, rich textures, and memorable vignettes throughout the record, on songs such as “Razor Face,” “Rotten Peaches,” and the poignant “Indian Sunset,” the tale of a Native American warrior taking a final stand. Tony Burrows, who sang on a number of US and UK pop hits, including “Beach Baby,” percussionist Ray Cooper, and keyboard player Rick Wakeman, who was about to make a splash as part of the progressive rock band Yes, also appear on the disc. The song shows up on the album that bears its name in a powerful new version featuring guitarist Davey Johnstone, who went on to become a vital part of Elton’s studio and live band for many years. The moody, Leon Russell-inspired title track was originally recorded with Mick Ronson during the Tumbleweed sessions. “Holiday Inn” gives voice to some of Elton, Bernie, and the band’s experiences on the road, while the gospel-flavored “All The Nasties” takes a not-so-subtle swipe at the media, who were often pretty rough on Elton, even in his early days. The songs on the disc deal with deeply personal and often dark-hued themes. While Tumbleweed Connection was epic and cinematic in scope, Madman is a more introspective journey. Madman Across The Water was recorded at Trident Studios in London. Related: “When Elton John Met John Lennon” After a series of successful live shows in both the UK and the US, Elton’s label wanted another record, despite the fact that the year had already seen the release of the live album 11-17-70, and the soundtrack of the movie Friends, which featured songs composed by Elton and Bernie. In 1971, this talented duo was close to the peak of their powers. Madman Across The Water, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is a prime example of the masterful work of Elton and his songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin.Įlton’s magnificent music meshes perfectly with Bernie’s one-of-a-kind lyrics. Each of these records has its own distinct style and unique vision. From his self-titled sophomore effort to Tumbleweed Connection, on through to Madman Across The Water, Honky Chateau, Don ’ t Shoot Me, I ’ m Only The Piano Player and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. We’ll come again next Thursday afternoon.Elton John released a spectacular run of albums in the early 1970s. The ground’s a long way down but I need more. Take my word I’m a madman, don’t you know. It’s one of those that I told you long ago. The in-laws hope they’ll see you very soon.īut is it in your conscience that you’re after,Īnother glimpse of the madman across the water? We’ll come again next Thursday afternoon, They think it’s very funny everything I say. It’s quite peculiar in a funny sort of way. Take my word I’m a madman, don’t you know? It’s one of those that I told you long ago, There’s a boat on the reef with a broken back. He also experiments with different percussion. He seems to use the piano a lot less in this song then in most of his other work. I can’t tell if I like this one or the one on Tumbleweed Connection better. In the one on the Madman album there is also a lot of orchestral work. He released two versions of “Madman Across the Water”. He sounds feisty when he sings this song. The guitar solo is quite effective: it sounds dissonant, as if things aren’t right. Musically, this is the first time we hear John use a guitar in one of his songs. The way he describes it makes it seem like a family put a troubled young man in a hospital of some sort and they come and visit for a short time once a week. He is lucid, and joking and sarcastic, the only thing we really suspect that makes him “mad” is his half-joke that he might not be up high enough from the ground (presumably so that if he jumped he wouldn’t kill himself). However, the circumstances might be driving him there. “Madman Across the Water” by Elton John seems to be written about a guy who is in an asylum but might not be as mad as everyone thinks he is.
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