Wow, Thanks, keep forgetting how good this album is.

 scott_bruce wrote: 
If the definition of "mainstream" includes your run-of-the-mill typical annoying classic rock station and even the lame midwestern definition of progressive rock radio (and my definition includes both), then yes, you will hear it all the time. 

No offense to Elton.  Much respect is due.  Just burned out on this.  Even after a decade+ of eschewing FM. 

I hear ya!  This was indeed a golden period of creativity for Elton, and I vividly recall my mother shaking her head in amazement and disbelief as she was talking with a fellow shopper in the check-out line about the cover story on all the tabloids — "Elton John a Multi-Millionnaire Rock Star!" at the local grocery store in '73 or 4...  She and the other lady were saying, "He's so GOOFY!" and "—My land, yes, all those crazy glasses and get-ups!"  They may have been in disbelief, shock and denial at his newfound riches, but there was no denying the fact that his songs were all over the radio and TV at the time, and he and Bernie T. definitely ruled the Pop Charts!

On_The_Beach wrote: 

Im listening on good headphones, and I thought to myself: "thats odd, ive never heard that irritating howling noise in the background of this song before."  Turns out they were testing the emergency sirens in my neighborhood.  Carry on.

Over the years this has grown to be my favorite Elton John song.  Just something about it...

Ugh. Please stop playing this song. Please. I turn the station (ANY station) that plays this. 

 scott_bruce wrote: 
St. Louis is a noted Elton John hotbed...

 trailhub wrote: 

OK Trailhub, I have to hoist the Bullshit flag on this one. Roughly how often DO you hear Levon being played on mainstream radio there in St Louis?

Gawd I'm sick of hearing this song (on mainstream radio, not here). But have to admit that it really is a good song, overplayed or not.

 jersey_birdman wrote: 
From '70 - '75 EJ & Bernie put together an almost unbelievable string of classic albums . . .

1970 Elton John
1970 Tumbleweed Connection
1971 Madman Across The Water
1972 Honky Chateau
1973 Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
1973 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
1974 Caribou
1975 Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
1975 Rock Of The Westies

. . . but all good things must come to an end.

 listen_n_sf wrote: 

close, my tranny was hidden under my pillow, lest 'the oldies' heard.....

 gemtag wrote: 
Don't forget Gus Dudgeon, very instrumental in his early sound and production
incredible juncture of talent.     

I wouldn't have survived growing up without Elton John's music.  The first album I ever bought was Captain Fantastic.  I used to be so in love with him growing up!!  I shoulda known right then I'd have trouble with men!!  Still love him!!

I grew up in the 80s and always considered myself aware of Elton John and his sound, but I recently went back and listened to this album for the first time and was blown away by its groovy sophistication. Well played Messrs Dwight and Taupin!

This man is a genius.

 rdo wrote: 
Never noticed that before...thanks for pointing it out rdo.

Definitely his best album and imo his best song. He and Taupin made a great team. This is how I will always remember Elton John. A young brash kid with a song and an attitude. 

I don't like the idea of Elton John. I don't like the glam, the ridiculous outfits, the shoes which should never have even been imagined, the crap glasses, the sad haircuts (and the sadder hair transplant). I don't like the chirpy 80s superstar in a boater, the Candle in the Wind tortured mourner, the trashy 70s glitter-bedecked Pinball eejit, the various attempts to come back with an album of meaningful songs.

But the first two or three albums are utter genius, cracking song-writing, great orchestration, good musicianship (even if the drummer were once accused of sounding like he is slapping a frankfurter against a bucket). Brilliant stuff, and this is one of the best.

Ho hum. 

 Art_Carnage wrote: 

What about the play on words?  "He shall Believe On" 

Had no idea how much I loved EJ until I saw him in concert last spring.  2 hours and 45 minutes of solid playing and probably 3-4 songs were unbeknownst to me. 

The meaning is pretty obvious. It's about how wealth destroys the Tostig family over three generations.

Alvin Tostig has nothing, but when his child arrives, he decides it's time to make his fortune, which he does. His son is raised in an environment of wealth and privilege, but still has a sense of duty. But later in life he became consumed with money, and went a bit mad. His own child feels abandoned, and hates his father. You know, it's pretty much the George H. W. Bush story.

I bought this album two or three years ago to get Tiny Dancer and love every song on it, it's one of my favourite albums now.  Early Elton really was great stuff.

Great song, and very interesting comments thread. Thanks to all, especially B & R for bringing a smile to my neck of the woods.

 Cynaera wrote: 
Love that sentiment, Cynaera. Your admonition reminds me of a personal motto of a former colleague: "Do what's right. Do it right. Do it right now."

This song is just fantastic. It changes my mood (for the better) the minute it comes on.

Right on, Elton!

 handyrae wrote: 
I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic the other day and had to listen closely to these lyrics because this was on the station I was listening to.  Pure idiocy.  Not a bad tune though.

Another shining ship in the fleet of masterpieces put out by Elton and Bernie!