Conference mr1pst::music

    K.C.,
    
    	The album is tribute to the song writing team of Elton and Bernie
    Taupin(sp).
    
    	These guys have been around for a long time...
    
    B.A.
    

    The tribute L.P. is really awful drivel . Having heard the whole thing
    a few times I can honestly say that it was not worth the effort.
    Everything is dreary and limp  with an air of self-congratulation about
    the whole thing . The only decent thing is "Rocket Man" by Kate Bush
    and even that would be ordinary if she didn't have such a great voice.
    
     2 out of ten.
    
               Niall

> The tribute L.P. is really awful drivel . Everything is dreary and limp.

I totally agree. I heard it yesterday, and there wasn't one great song on
there. There were a couple decent ones - "Levon" by Bon Jovie was ok,
Oleta Adams "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" was decent, and George
Michael's "Tonight" was also ok. THe Kate Bush ("Rocket Man") and Sinead
O'Connor ("Sacrifice") were probably good, but I don't like either artist,
so its tough for me to judge.

I can't believe how *bad* some of them are! The Who doing "Saturday Night's
Alright For Fighting" seems like a match made in heaven, but its not at
all! Another really lame one is "Philadelphia Freedom" by Hall and Oates.

Really disappointing set, Elton and Bernie deserve better than this....

alan

    Can someone list exactly who did what?  The last note was a start, but
    I STILL want to get this album, and although I know who's on it, I want
    to know WHAT-all is on it.
    
    I'm sorry, but if you think that the Who's "Saturday Night..." is bad,
    then IMO this must be a GOOD album!
    
    K.C.

    I got "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" on CD for my birthday.
    
    I hadn't listened to it in over 15 years and I had forgotten what
    a great album it is:
    
    	Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
    
    		My favorite Elton song with no close second.
    		It's like "Elton does progressive rock".
    
    	Grey Seal
    
    	Candle in the Wind
    
    	Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
    
    Only thing on it I really don't like is "Bennie and the Jets".

    Re: .3
    
    Hey, Alan, how come the ones you *liked* (George, Bon Jovi) are the
    ones all the critics slagged?  Actually, I can't *imagine* Bon Jovi
    doing "Levon", on paper anyway it sounds like a good joke.
    
    						Brian

    
>    Hey, Alan, how come the ones you *liked* (George, Bon Jovi) are the
>    ones all the critics slagged?  

Actually, I thought I pretty much went along with the Globe review, except
for the Bon Jovi one. I know the Globe said the only good ones were Oleta
Adams, Kate Bush, Sinead O'Connor, and Rod Stewart (whom I forgot to mention,
but he does a nice job on "Your Song").

> Actually, I can't *imagine* Bon Jovi doing "Levon", on paper anyway it 
> sounds like a good joke.

Surprisingly enough, this is the most faithful cover on here. Jon *really*
comes close to duplicating Elton's voice and his mannerisms. Yeah, it might
be real derivitive, but its a lot better than some of the other stuff on
here!

alan

    I bought it last week and as yet have not had a chance to play it,
    but BILLBOARD gives it at least a passing review, with some slight
    differences as to their choices for best job.  Oleta Adams's cover
    was among those listed.  Since I'm a fan of both Elton John (as well
    as the John/Taupin songwriting duo) and Oleta, I'm anxious to hear.
    As for some of the rest--particularly Bush and O'Connor--I can take
    'em or leave 'em (especially Ms. Bush, who's never been a fave of
    mine!), but I do at least want to give them the benefit of the doubt.
    
    I'm dying to hear Tina Turner's version of "The Bitch Is Back"--THAT
    oughta be devastating!
    
    
    Sylvia
    

    Can someone PLEASE enter a complete listing of exactly who does what on
    this album?
    
    K.C.

The few tracks I've heard on the radio so far have sounded good overall:

 o  Phil Collins doing "Burn Down the Mission" -- excellent
 o  Bruce Hornsby doing "Madman Across the Water" -- excellent
 o  Kate Bush doing "Rocket Man" -- if I liked Kate's voice, I would have
    liked this one :-)
 o  The Who doing "Saturday Night..." -- well, they tried, but they just don't
    sound the same without Keith Moon

Maybe the rest of the album is filled with dreck, I dunno?

-Lance-

For K.C. and anyone else who cares, here is the complete track list for
"Two Rooms," the Elton John/Bernie Taupin "tribute album":

1.    "Border Song"   -   Eric Clapton
2.    "Rocket Man"    -   Kate Bush
3.    "Come Down In Time"   -   Sting
4.    "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting"   -   The Who
5.    "Crocodile Rock"    -    The Beach Boys
6.    "Daniel"   -   Wilson Phillips
7.    "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"   -   Joe Cocker
8.    "Levon"  -  Jon Bon Jovi
9.    "The Bitch Is Back"   -   Tina Turner
10.   "Philadelphia Freedom"   -    Daryl Hall & John Oates
11.   "Your Song"   -   Rod Stewart
12.   "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"   -   Oleta Adams
13.   "Madman Across The Water"   -    Bruce Hornsby
14.   "Sacrifice"   -   Sinead O'Connor
15.   "Burn Down The Mission"   -   Phil Collins
16.   "Tonight"   -   George Michael


And at the risk of being the lone dissenter among the pack (possibly
barring K.C.'s pronouncement), let me assume my new role as "the Anita
Hill of NOTES" and offer my comments:

Despite being in fine voice, showing tastefully-restrained guitar chops and
having an impressive list of sidemen, "Border Song" is a waste, IMO.  The
wistful, gospel-infused demeanor in Elton's original is eschewed in favor of
a honky-tonk flavor which makes it come off as cheap and tawdry.

"Rocket Man" is a wretched disaster.  I've never liked Kate Bush, so my 
prejudices are showing.  To my ears, her voice sounds as though her vocal
cords were soaked in alum--add to that the somber, almost dirgelike tone 
given to the arrangement, and the results are an aural aggravation.

For me, the other klunkers are:  

"Philadelphia Freedom"  -  The poseurs of blue-eyed R&B took all the punch
out of this number.  The result is a limp, plodding, mannered affair which 
is a far cry from the celebratory discofied thump of Elton's original 
(which I believe was written in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial).

George Michael's "Tonight" (and for that matter, George himself, IMO) suffers
from the same malady as Hall & Oates' effort.  A little too much melodrama
for my taste.  I swear, I could almost see him preening amidst the shrieks
of the girls in the audience.

I really liked Elton's version of "Sacrifice."  And for the most part, I
like Sinead O'Connor.  However, this time I think she made a serious mis-
step in tackling this particular song.  The understated anthemic quality
which worked so well for her with Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" does not
serve to do either Sinead or the song justice.

Phil Collins seems to always be a favorite whipping boy, but I like him.
He IS capable of excesses, though, and the liberal use of the Phenix Horns
in "Burn Down The Mission" during the interlude of the tempo pick-up takes
it slightly over the edge so that it sounds a tad bombastic.  If you're 
not a Collins fan, this will confirm your opinion of him.  But I think he
does a fine job on the slower sections, with an almost-identical reading
of Elton's version.

Contrary to what an earlier noter indicated, I did not think Jon Bon Jovi
sounded like Elton in "Levon," though his attempt was sincere.  Oddly enough,
his voice to me was reminiscent of Axl Rose, and that may have clouded my
impression of the song (I'll refrain from any G&R bashing, though I detest
the group, and Axl in particular).  My apologies to Jon; he deserves better.

The Beach Boys' "Crocodile Rock"  teeters on the edge of the same sort of
schmaltz that trademarked their big comeback hit, "Kokomo" (though I DID
like that song), but it's a minor gripe.  The overall good-natured fun
of the song overcomes the camp.  Bruce Hornsby's nasal, almost whiny de-
livery nearly sinks "Madman Across The Water," but I loved his jazzy
piano noodlings, bearing the stamp of Keith Jarrett (one of his idols)
rather than Elton John.

And as for the "pluses":

Oddly enough, I like Sting's "Come Down In Time," despite its moody and
somber tone.  It's not quite as dramatic as his reworking of Hendrix's
"Little Wing," but it has an appeal.

And contrary to another noter's observation, *I* thought The Who's "Satur-
day Night's Alright For Fighting" was inspired!!  It had all the trappings
of many of The Who's early hits.  I'd almost have sworn Pete Townshend 
wrote the song himself, if I didn't know better.  Roger Daltrey's manic
growl gave the song just the right amount of "bad boy" attitude.  The quote
of "Take Me To The Pilot" was a little off-kilter, but otherwise it's a
grand paean to the "boys' night out."

The female equivalent to that would have to be Tina's bodacious "The Bitch
Is Back."  I knew this would be a song tailor-made for her "rockin' mama"
persona.  She changes the words slightly, saying "I'm the bitch, and I'm
back" and eliminating the line "I get high in the evening sniffing pots of
glue."  But otherwise it's a spirited romp, full of ballsy bravado.  I
can't wait for the video on this one!!

Though it borders on saccharine, I confess I do like Wilson Phillips' ver-
sion of "Daniel."  Sheathed in their wholesome harmonies, it has an endear-
ing innocence to it.  In an ironic twist of poetic justice, the sax solo
is done by a man named Daniel Higgins, who probably (understandably) got a
kick out of hearing the girls cooing his name.

Another highlight is Oleta Adam's "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."  I felt
she gave an on-the-money reading, with an understated, yet soulful injection
of gospel.  Likewise, I found Rod Stewart's "Your Song" to be poignant and
almost reverently loving, full of Stewart's fondness for his mate and fellow
soccer enthusiast.

Lastly, Joe Cocker gets a gold star for his raspy, yet effective "Sorry 
Seems To Be The Hardest Word."

For me, this makes up about 50% of the CD that I liked, so I have to say
that I'm satisfied.  My enjoyment of the "hits" far outweighs my distaste
for the misses, and I guess I can't ask for more than that.

To each his own.


Sylvia

    Anyone catch the fascinating EJ/David Frost interview on PBS this week?
    
    I always knew that EJ wrote the melodies after BT wrote the lyrics, but
    I didn't realize how fast the process was.  EJ said he generally comes
    up with the melody within 20 minutes to 1/2 hour, and occasionally has
    the track recorded within two hours of first sitting down at the piano
    with the lyrics in front of him.

    The previous reply has been set hidden by the moderator... for many
    reasons which relate to the basic principles of the notes file.
    
    Brian
    MUSIC Mod

	
	RE: .5  I too was recently listening to "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" 
    	after a long time in between listens and I still enjoyed it.

	I just happen to catch the David Frost interview, it was very 
	fascinating.  In all the years since I first listened to Elton
	I don't recall seeing many interviews especially one as personal.

	It was really an amazing process how quickly he came up with
	the melodies after seeing the lyrics.

	He and Eric Clapton are doing a double bill show this summer at
	Wimbley but are there other plans scheduled together?
	
    	- Jim

    Love his Diet Coke commercial...almost enough to drink the sludge
    (ALMOST...but not quite)!  :^)
    
    K.C.

    
    
    Did anyone catch the new video of George Michael and Elton?  "Don't Let
    The Sun Go Down On Me"  What an awesome tribute??
    
    I thought GM did a great job with it and having Elton sing, too was
    great.  I do love that "George Michael"
    
    
    Leslie (RON) Read-Only-Noter

    Elton John was my favorite for a few years in the '70's and I just
    can't see the point of Elton John's songs without his voice and piano. 
    (I know the point is that it's a tribute, but I don't personally see
    the point in my bothering to buy the album, since I'd rather listen to
    him doing his own songs.)
    
    I haven't heard the Kate Bush version of Rocket Man, but my daughter
    told me she considers it one of the worst covers she's ever heard.  She
    went on and on about how much she hates it.  :-)
    
    I really don't listen to Elton John's music much these days.  I think I
    OD'd on it in the 70's, but still consider him one of my all-time
    favorites.  Saw the interview with Frost and enjoyed it, and have seen
    him in concert 4 times in the past.
    
    Lorna
    

    Well, folks, I went out and bought "Two Rooms" last night, and gave it
    a close listen.
    
    With the exceptions of 3, I thought this album was excellent!  A lot of
    feeling and a lot of heart went into this.
    
    The 3 exceptions were Clapton (Slowhand got a little TOO slow), Bush
    (She was fine 'til she got to the chorus - then she lost me) and George
    Michael (we got a bum disc - this wouldn't play!)
    
    Although not a Beach Boys fan, I thought that they were GREAT doing
    "Crocodile Rock", and if Wilson Phillips had done any better job on
    "Daniel" I would have been a basket case.
    
    So THAT'S who Oleta Adams is - Awesome!
    
    I was pleasantly surprised with Stewart and Cocker - they both sounded
    better than usual.  And although Bon Jovi sounded WORSE than usual, he
    gave "Levon" a good swing.
    
    The hub and I differed on opinion on Sinead, but he doesn't like her
    anyway.  "She doesn't sing over the music!"  (Boy, was he surprised a
    verse later!)
    
    Just about everyone else was pleasantly par for the course.
    
    K.C.

    AHA!!   I was right--K.C. and I are pretty much simpatico in our
    impressions of "Two Rooms"...at least, we agree on the clunkers
    (Clapton, Bush and George Michael).
    
    That reminds me, though--with the recent spate of anthologies/multi-
    disc box sets that have flooded the stores for the holidays, does
    anyone have the Elton John box set ("Now And Then," I believe it's
    called)??  Can anyone tell me the selections included??
    
    
    Sylvia
    

    Anyone happen to know where the concert footage for the George and
    Elton version of "Don't let" was recorded?

<<< Note 54.20 by SWAM1::BASS_SY "If it doesn't splatter, it'll bounce" >>>
    
<<< That reminds me, though--with the recent spate of anthologies/multi-
<<< disc box sets that have flooded the stores for the holidays, does
<<< anyone have the Elton John box set ("Now And Then," I believe it's
<<< called)??  Can anyone tell me the selections included??
    
    Hi Sylvia!  The title of the EJ boxed is "To Be Continued ..." - it's
    four CDs with an excellent ??-page accompanying booklet to boot.  IMHO,
    the choice of tracks provides a first-class overview of his career, and
    it's amazing just how many 'classics' you encounter along the way.    
    
    Recommended purchase!!
    
    - Dougie

    ...just heard on 'BCN that Dee Murray passed away today,in a hospital
    while being "treated" for cancer....Elton issued a statement saying
    that Dee was one of the reasons for his early success....one of the
    great bass players. always solid studio and live perfomer....another
    loss for rock n' roll....rest in peace,Dee Murray......
    
    sad mac
    

    Oh no...  (insert large sigh here)
    
    Dee (IMO) was probably one of the best bassists I've ever heard. He had
    a clean progressive balzy tone that nobody came close to. Listen to all
    the early Elton disks. One disk that blew me away was that live album
    he cut at a radio station in 1975 (?) with Elton and just listen to Dee's 
    chops! Unreal!! How about his Uriah Heap days too! Way too cool for the
    listening public in those days.
    
    This is a grey day for me cause Dee was one of my biggest bass influences. 
    At least his pain is over....
    
	
                                 Fred (who's bummin with this news)

    I read in the Boston Globe today that Elton is putting on a benefit
    concert for Dee Murray at the Grand Ole' Opry in Nashville on March
    15th. Dee lived in a suburb of Nashville.  Nice touch!  I wish it
    was closer 'cause I'd definitely attend. 
    I hope Elton hits the road this year. He's overdue for the New England
    area.

    Re: .26
    
    Why did he cancel?  And (aside of that incident) what do you think of
    his music?
    
    K.C.

    RE .26
    
    Moderator here... turn down the volume on those opinions, eh? I spent
    my afternoon yesterday putting out a notes file confligration and I'm
    in no mood to spend another afternoon doing it. I'm invoking "executive
    privilege" and hiding both notes in question. The kind of statements
    you made are bound to attract heat from people who like the artists that
    you're trashing. Also, to call people names like you did in .26 is
    absolutely verboten in this here conference, and all conferences in
    Digital (read the recent John Sims memo). I'm not trying to tell you
    what your opinions should be, but please use a little judgement when
    expressing them.
    
    Thank you,
    
    Brian
    MUSIC Mod

Since our illustrious moderator rmvd my last message I shall only say this,

If you gave me Elton John Tickets I wouldnt go.  He cancelled 1/2 hour befor
show last time at the centrum (many were on there way in the pooring rain)
and he wasn't even in the country.

As for his music...hey great...I like him....personally....he doesn't deserve
my money on a ticket to a concert he'll cancel from England.

Re .31:

>    If you have since decided to disregard his entire catalog of music,
>    which is certainly "decent" by anyone's standards, I should think you
>    are only depriving yourself.
    
I don't wish to offend Elton's fans, but for the record, I can only recall
finding *one* of his many, many songs worth more than one listen. I've frankly
never understood how he became popular. No accounting for tastes, and all that.

Just pointing out that Elton John's music is by no means universally
acknowledged to be great, regardless of whether his treatment of his fans does
or doesn't leave something to be desired. Carry on...

Bob

    Re: .32
    
    Hey...you should put that-all in the "I Don't Get It" note!  :^)
    
    I love EJ & his music, but would never play it when a non-fan is
    around.  (But then again, my household is run on a "request line"
    basis).  ;^)
    
    RE: .30  (I think)
    
    HAD you ever found out why he cancelled?  Could it be something wrong
    with his transpo?  His health?  Maybe he fell down (and couldn't get
    up)?  (sorry)
    
    K.C.

    Re: .30
    
    I find it very hard to believe a performer would wait until a half-hour
    before a concert to cancel. I'm not saying you're incorrect, but if
    you're talking about last year's concert at the Centrum (January?), I
    had great seats and was dissapointed, but found out well in advance
    that day.
    
    Re: .32
    
    Just wondering what that "one" song was that you liked. As a person
    who has trouble finding one song of Elton's that I dislike, I was
    curious as to what you considered his "best".
    

Re .34:

I may have the song title incorrect, but I believe it's "Do You Know What I
Mean." Very atypical, from what I've heard- not a rocker, none of Elton's
standard (and for me, ho-hum) routine keyboard stuff. Just a wistful, simple
(intentionally, I believe) sound and lyrics to match.

In case I have the name wrong, some of the lyrics were:

I know it's very hard
To leave behind the life you knew.
But there's no other way
And now it's really up to you.

Chorus:
Love is the opening door,
Love is what we came here for,
Noone could offer you more-
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?

I think fans will agree this is a tad off Elton's usual turf- with the possible
exception of "Candle in the Wind." Not coincidentally, I find the latter his
next best attempt...

Bob

    Re:  .34
    
    You're talking about "Love Song" off the Tumbleweed Connection album
    which contains some great songs/lyrics, none of which were overplayed
    on pop rock radio like his later stuff. I am one of those early Elton
    fans that still enjoys listening to Tumbleweed, Madman Across the
    Water, Empty Sky, Honky Chateau and the Elton John album.
    
    In my opinion, it's his best stuff, and if you listened to these
    albums, especially Elton John and Tumbleweed Connection, you'll hear
    a lot more "atypical" songs and realize there's more of those "simple
    sounds".
    

    I like a lot of Elton's songs, but there is one I like so much, and
    stands out so much compared to everything else he's done, that I
    sometimes wonder if he really wrote it.
    
    Actually, it's "two songs":
    
    	"Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"
    
    Among the best time I've ever had playing music was doing that tune
    with one of my bands.

    My favorite albums were "Rock of the Westies", "Goodbye Yellow Brick
    Road", "Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy" and "Caribou".
    I guess you could say his middle years were my favorites.
    
    As for favorite songs, "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding",
    "I've Seen the Saucers", "One Horse Town" (on Blue Moves), "Empty Sky",
    "Tower of Babel", "Captain Fantastic...", anything on Rock of the
    Westies.
    
    Mike

    Re: .37
    
      No question "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" was a great
    combo of songs. One of the trademarks of Elton's concerts was to open
    with that combo. It really got the night off to a great start!
      
      As this note started with the discussion of "Two Rooms", the Elton
    and Bernie Taupin tribute, I thought I'd add a note about the "Two
    Rooms" video. It's pretty well done and contains some good footage
    of Elton's early years, as well as frank discussion from both, about
    each other. 
    
      While on the topic of favorite songs, I have trouble because there
    are just too many I've enjoyed. I would have to say "The Greatest
    Discovery" off the Elton John album, and "Skyline Pigeon" off Empty Sky
    rate pretty high. From the later albums (mid-70's) I really enjoyed a
    song from Blue Moves called "Someone's Final Song". 
      I could go on and on... 

I like the teenage suicide song with the tap dance solo (courtesy of the
great Legs Larry Smith).

    
    
    	Can anyone send me the lyrics to "Tower of Babel" (off-line
    	of course). I'm not an Elton fan and would rather not have
    	to purchase an album, but I'm working another song(?) with
    	the same title and I'd be curious to see this one.
    
    	Thanks!
    
    
    		Heidi Leinonen @MRO
    		FSOA::HLEINONEN

    
    	Was there an early album called Valhalla or something like that?
    	I remember a real high energy tuned called "If I could only fly"
    	which I liked a lot.
    
    	-pat

    
    	Wasn't "Valhalla" on EMPTY SKY?
    
    
    	- Jim

    re: .43
    
    Yes, Valhalla is on "Empty Sky". Boy, was that a long time ago!
    

    ...happy 45th, Elton....you're the greatest......BTW, new book on
    Reginald out by Philip Norman, got a good review in today's GLOBE
    about it...he's the same guy who wrote "Shout", about the Beatles...
    
    anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
    
    mac
    

    Happy new hair transplant EJ.
    I know it only cost you $27,000,but,hey,thats allright..
    
    
              Crazy_whadda_weave_Al

    
    Is Elton playing a show with Clapton in the upcoming months?  Here on
    the east coast I mean.  of the U.S.
    
    carol

    Yes.  The clerk that I spoke to at Coconuts (near the Pheasant Lane
    Mall in Nashua, NH) said that he is going to an Elton/Eric show soon,
    but I don't remember where it was.  
    
    K.C.

	Hartford, CT or Sullivan Stadium (Foxboro, MA) or some where else,
	Wembley for sure!

       An Aug. 18th date was mentioned for an Elton/Eric Clapton combo
    at Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro, MA., but the last I heard it wasn't
    official.
        Does anyone know more? I don't believe tickets have gone on sale
    yet. 

    stil no announcement about tic sales .   who usually handles Foxboro
    ...Ticketmaster?
    
    carol

Perhaps this time he'll actually be in the country
when the concert gets ready to start.....

Elton Go Home!

Disgruntled fan,

TW

	I find the book about Elton John and/or Bernie Taupine.
        If such a book is issued, I want to know its title and pubilisher.

        In Japan, though "Your song" is very popular song, 
        it is very difficult to find the book(including lyrics, music)
        about Elton and Bernie.
        
        Please give me information.
        Execuse me that my english is poor.

        Thanks in advance.

                                       Atsuyuki Hosoya (JIT406::HOSOYA) Japan

    Hey...your English is good enough to get a point across!  :^)
    
    A suggestion...if it is available where you are, try to get the
    videotape "Two Rooms".  There is a lot of great information on it.  No
    lyrics, tho...for that, the CD "Two Rooms" (Elton John/Bernie Taupin
    songs done by other artists) has the lyrics to some of the most popular
    songs, including "Your Song" (My personal favorite).
    
    K.C.

	That book caught my eye last time I was in Tower, I'll try to 
	remember to see who the publisher/author is next time I see it.

	- Jim

    Anyone have any idea if Elton will be touring nationally this year
    (specifically Atlanta?)
    
    Dan
    

    Well as you know he is touring the UK with Clapton/Raitt, and while he
    is over here he is playing a few solo shows. So I would have thought he'd do
    the same in the US...play one night with Clapton, and then fit in a few
    shows on his own.
    
    MArk

    *sigh* I can dream...
    
    K.C.

    Why bother dreaming...there are too many facts :)
    
    FACT:  Elton/Clapton/Raitt/Stigers are touring the UK
    FACT:    "    "      ?      ?       "    "     "   US
    FACT:  Elton is playing a few solo shows whilst over here
    PROBABLE FACT: He will do the same in the US :)))))
    
    Oh well perhaps dreaming is better :)
    
    MArk

    New EJ Album release June 23

    still no word on tix for Elton at Foxboro ..... hmmm
    

    
    
    		I just heard on the radio that Elton John will be 
    		performing at the Shay (sp) staduim on Aug 21st.
    		As far as I know the tickets are not on sale yet.
    
    		Where is Shay stadium anyway?
    
    		Liz  

    Shea Stadium is located in Flushing, NY (Queens).  It is the baseball
    stadium where the NY Mets work their non-magic (flame intended). 
    Located near LaGuardia Airport, where the planes fly overhead every 5
    minutes, it is NOT the nicest place for a concert.  I saw The Rolling
    Stones there three years ago and Grand Funk Railroad more years ago
    then I care to remember!  The sound tends to drift away and whatever
    group is playing needs to have an EXCELLENT sound system.
    
    Ticket bracelets for Elton John/Eric Clapton will be distributed this 
    Friday at 12 noon.  Ticket go on sale via Ticketmaster on Saturday
    starting at 9AM.  I don't know the prices, but if you call your local
    Ticketmaster I'm sure they'll supply the details.
    
    Fredda

    
    
    
    FYI..
    
    Thought everyone would want to know ticket (rip-off) prices for Elton
    John/Eric Clapton.
    
    They are $35.00 PLUS Ticketmaster fees for regular seats.  Gold Circle
    ticket prices haven't been anounced yet, however, we believe they will
    be in the neighborhood of approximately $50.00 plus Ticketmaster fees.
    And if you call on the phone there is an extra phone charge!
    
    Since this is a baseball stadium the orchestra is hundreds of seats
    across, so you have no guarantee of an unobstructed view!
    
    Also, parking will probably be $6.00 per car.
    
    Regards,
    
    Fredda

    That is OK....They are playing 3 sold out nights at Wembley Stadium,
    72,000 a night and the tickets(including booking fees) were
    30pounds...around $60......But we do get Bonnie Raitt aswell :)
    
    Mark

    
    Heard on the radio this morning that Elton will not be touring in the
    US until the fall - it appears that he will not be touring with Eric.
    Eric, on the other (slow)hand will be at Great Woods and at Shea Stadium 
    as we all have heard and rejoiced over!
    
    carol

    Anyone give a listen to the new EJ album.  Havn't picked it up
    yet.  is it worth it?
    
    Dan
    

Is anyone surprised Elton is a noshow again.

not me....no sir.

TW

Bought this disc and thought it was just ok.
No strong hooks in any of the songs but I wanted
to put a few words in from the cut entitled
The Last Song:

Yesterday you came to lift me up
As light as straw and brittle as a bird
Today I weight less than a shadow on the wall
Just one more whisper of a voice unheard

Tomorrow leave the windows open
As fear grows please hold me in your arms
Won't you hlep me if you can to shake this
anger
I need your gentle hands to keep me calm.

Cause I never thought I'd lose
I only thought I'd win
I never dreamed I'd feel
This fire beneath my skin
I can't believe you love me
I never thought you'd come
I guess I misjudged love
Between a father and his son.



---------------

There is more to this powerful song and for me
it a beautiful remembrance of a son dying of aids
and the final - perhaps first time, desperate -
contact he has with his dad.

Perhaps others will see different things in the
song, but it is my hope that if it is released
as a single, it will move you as it did me.

The album is only ok, but this song sparkles even
though it is brief.

All my Best,

TW (who liked SLEEPING WITH THE PAST better)

THE ONE has lush piano by Elton...I like it.

Nobody pass out now...

TW

    The Atlanta paper characterized the album as muzak.   The new single is
    only receiving airplay on adult contemporary stations.  The CD is just
    OK -- nothing great.  Sleeping With the Past was a far superior effort,
    IMHO.  
    
    I think the new single is OK, but the piano is a little too lush for my
    liking.  
    
    Who is Vance Buck, the person that Elton dedicated the album to?

       Now that I've listened to the new CD a few times, I think some
    folks are underestimating this CD. Yes, I still like "Sleeping with
    the Past" better, but the first 6 songs on "The One" are quite good.
    And the last song is another Elton/Bernie masterpiece.
       The duet with Clapton on "Runaway Train" is powerful! I hope that
    is the next hit. Then again, if it does that, they'll kill it
    with overplay. Never mind.
       Still no word on a Boston area concert? What's the deal?
    

    I thought I heard that Vance Buck IS 'The One'...
    
    Great Piano solo at the end of "Sweat it Out"
    
    There is ALWAYS one exceptional ballad on each EJ Album.  The Last Song
    is certainly it. 

    
    Maybe this has been mentioned before, but.....
    
    who the $%#%$#^%#% is Bernie Taupin????????????????????
    

    
 >>   	That's Elton's long time asscociate co-writer..and very good one at
 >>   that...he and Elton wrote all of the hits!

	(i.e., he was the lyricist. And it's said that they used to 
	work separately - Bernie would write the words and throw them
	over the wall for Elton to put to music.  Amazing.)

    They would work in "Two Rooms" hence the name of the latest CD
    
    Joyce

Re .76:

What's amazing about having one person write the words
and the composer then setting them to music?  That's
been a popular songwriting practice for hundreds of
years...

    Au contraire, with most songwriting teams, the music comes first.

    >>What's amazing about having one person write the words
    >>and the composer then setting them to music?  That's

	I find the product of this particular set of non-collaborative
	efforts amazing, pardonnez-moi.  But even if one of them had
	done it alone, I would find the product amazing.  Call me
	easily impressed if you like.

        Diane
  

    Elton John tickets go on sale saturday 8/8 for 2 shows at Great Woods:
    
    Sept 15
    Sept 16
    
    Tickets are avaiable through ticketmaster
    
    Bob

Re .79:

In classical songwriting and opera, words almost always come 
first.  The composer will set poems by a poet or librettist.
Occasionally the composer will also write the words, occasionally
there will be more collaboration (especially in opera and other
musical theater), but those are exceptions.  In rock songwriting 
things tend to be more flexible.

Re .80:

I don't disagree at all with calling the John/Taupin songs
themselves amazing!  It's just that they followed the same
songwriting practice that has worked for thousands of composers
for hundreds of years.  That's not to say that their songs
sound like anyone else's, or that they aren't a uniquely
talented pair!

>I don't disagree at all with calling the John/Taupin songs
>themselves amazing!  It's just that they followed the same
>songwriting practice that has worked for thousands of composers
>for hundreds of years.  That's not to say that their songs
>sound like anyone else's, or that they aren't a uniquely
>talented pair!

	Okay.  Well, I wasn't aware that most teams wrote their
	songs in a virtual vacuum.  Always assumed it was done with
	one guy leaning over the piano with the words in his head,
	while the other guy picked out a tune or something like that.
	Not to be simplistic about it, but you know what I mean.
	I'm astounded that in their case, the music so perfectly fits
	the lyrics; that Elton John could apparently sense the 
	nuances of emotion behind the lyrics with such precision.

	I guess you can't ask me not to be amazed, Michael - forgive
	my naivete'.  8^)

	Di
	
	

    Well, caught EJ at Lakewood Theatre here in Atlanta last night.  Great
    show.  He hasn't lost any thing at all.  The corud was great, I had
    lawn seats, and it rained from the moment the concert started until the
    last enchore.  He can still rock with the old stuff, and I really enjoy
    the new.  all in all, well worth the cold I can feel comming on.
    
    PS,  anyone know who the David is that he dedicated a song to in the
    concert.  I believe that he said something about him being ill.  I
    could be mistaken.
    
    Dan
    

    He did the same dedication in London last month...I just asumed it was
    one of his old "friends" who was dying of Aids or something.
    
    Mark

     re. 84 and .85,
    
    What songs did he do from the new CD, "The One"?  Did he do his usual
    20+ songs, or is he cutting down because of age?  He's coming to New
    England in September and I think I'm going to have to pay dearly for
    tickets. Can't miss this show!  

    Let's see, he sang from 8:00 till 11:00, without stopping.  I'd
    say he sang over 20 songs, but is was raining, we were roudy, hard to
    say.  From the new Disc, he played "The One", "The last Song",
    "Whitewash county" (southerners loved that one), "When a woman doesn't
    want you", "And simple life".  A pretty good selection from the new
    disc, although I had hoped he would have played Runaway train".
    
    Lemme see If I can remember some of the songs he played.
    
    Rocket Man (excellent), the b*tch is back, Monalisa's and Mad hatters
    (parts one and two), Sad songs, Funural for a friend, Love Lies
    bleeding, Dont let the sun go down on me, Candle in the wind, sorry
    seems to be the hardest word, your song, Alice, burn down the mission,
    Saturday night.  Thats 19 that I can remember off the top of my head.
      
    
    I know there were more, but that's all I remember.  two songs he really
    went a long time were Rocket Man and Sad songs.  Sad songs must of went
    on for five minutes before of piano jamming before he got into it. 
    the end of rocket man went on for five minutes as well, with a pretty
    good starfield laser show on the back wall.
    
    I wasn't crazy about the backup singers, they kinda reminded me of the
    Pepsi girls, Uh Huh.  One of them had tremendous range, and got to show
    off.  
    
    I like his new Bass player too.
    
    

Does anyone have dates for the tour?

Will he be playing in Colorado?

I haven't kept up on this, but my brother asked me if I could find out for
him....  What date(s) is Elton John playing at Great Woods?  (September
sometime, is it?)  Are tickets available?  Sold out?

Thanks!

-- Cathy

Cathy,

Elton is playing on Sept. 15 & 16 at Great woods.  Both shows are sold out!

I have heard a rumor that the shows may be cancelled, has anyone else 
heard anything about this?

DAve

    
    I wouldn't doubt it... EJ seems to cancel alot of shows now and then
    due to exhaustion or other health problems.
    
    Later...
    Steve
    

    I am looking for two tickets to Elton John at Great Woods.  If anyone
    has extra tickets, please contact me.
    
    thanks,
    
    Kris

    
    New show added at GW.  Tix on sale next Thursday..(I believe)
    
    /ab

    
>>    New show added at GW.  Tix on sale next Thursday..(I believe)
    

	Yes, through Ticketmaster - no phone orders.

	Okay, at the risk of eliciting a resounding "What are you - DEAF?",
	I have to ask about the lyrics to "The One".

	I just can't figure out what he's saying in the refrain's first
	line. 

	"..and all I ever needed was [__],
	 [like?] freedom fields, where wild horses run.
	 When stars collide, like you and I, no shadows block the sun.
	 You're all I ever needed - baby, you're the one."

	Sorry to be so dense about this, but it's driving
	me nuts.

	Thanks, Di

    re .96
    
    You've got it right.  "All I ever needed was The One"
    			  "Like freedom fields where wild horses run"
    
    Pick up the CD. Not only will you get the words but another 8 or 9
    Elton classics. It's well worth it. 

    is the track he does with Clapton on ONE ?

    Ad I heard on radio said that GW box office would be open at 10AM on
    Thursday to sell tickets for the additional show.
    

    Anyone know where my best chance of getting EJ tickets for the third
    show in the Worcester area.
    
    Thanks 
    Mike___

    re .98
    
    Yes, the track with Clapton is called "Runaway Train" and it is on
    the new CD "The One". A great song.
    

    Does Elton ever do "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" in
    concert?
    
    Either in the past or recently?

    re .102
    
    "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"  is almost always played.
    Elton was known for starting his concerts back in the 70's with this
    song. The stage would fill with smoke to set the mood. 
    An earlier note said he played it in Atlanta on his opening night
    last month.
    Can't wait to see him at Great Woods. Just got my tickets to the
    3rd show on Sept. 18.
    Did anyone see him last night on the MTV Music Awards? He and Bryan
    Adams seemed to be the only "normal" acts there! 
    

    
    >Did anyone see him last night on the MTV Music Awards? He and Bryan
    >Adams seemed to be the only "normal" acts there!
    
    Huh?  How about Eric Clapton?
    

    re .104
    
    Sorry about that. I didn't see Clapton perform. He looked great
    receiving his award, but I missed his performance. What song did
    he do?
    I was so offended by Howard Stern that I shut it off soon after!
    

    he didn't play it as the opening number in Atlanta this time,
    but he has every time I've seen him before (4 times)
    
    He did play it later in the show
    

    well I bought the CD "ONE" and yes a very good EJ release...the last
    one I bought was Rock of the Westies when it 1st came out....the past
    stuff seemed to be nice but nothing drew me to buying them....the last
    time I saw Elton was July 4th 1976 in Foxboro (Dave Mason opened) and
    he did FFAF/LLB and it was a very visual and musical treat...but that
    was over 16 years ago....I saw him on MTV music award and thought his
    voice has suffered over the years but he still has balls to rock with
    anyone as was proven when he joined GnR in the ending......the man
    still has style and class !
    
    about ONE the last track "THE LAST SONG" is just wonderful...Bernie has
    such a way with words .... and Elton can still can express them with
    such feeling....after all these years....
    
    Chris

    I am going tonight...and will write in a review tommorrow.  I am
    pyched about the show!
    
    I would love to get backstage passes (wouldn't we all?).  If anyone
    has ANY idea how I get get a hold of a pass please write back.
    
    Thanks!
    

    
    	Are there any tickets left for any shows?
    
    	A friend wants to go.
    
    	And where/how can tickets be ordered, if at all?
    
    	Thanks for any info.
    
    							GTI

    re. 109       Forget it!  All sold out long ago.  The only chance 
                you have is buying scalped, or paying dearly thru
                a ticket agency. Good luck!
                                          

    
    	OK ... thanks!!
    
    							GTI
    

Saw Elton last night at Great Woods. This is actually the first time I have
seen him live, I just never got around to catching one of this shows before.
I tell ya - I was missing out on something!

Two things struck me last night - first, Elton has an incredible catalog of
material to choose from, and he did a fine job at doing so. And second, he
plays a lot more piano in concer than I expected, and it was GREAT! I guess
I thought I'd be just hearing a jukebox of hits last night - but there were
several extended jams that really rocked, and Elton was playing the hell
out of that Roland piano!

Some of the songs I remember (I don't know the new songs, except for "The
One", which he played): 

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (opener)
Rocket Man
The Bitch Is Back
Philadelphia Freedom
Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Alice
Burn Down The Mission
Sad Songs
I'm Still Standing
Saturday Night's Alright
Your Song
Candle In The Wind
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Two songs that ran together that I didn't know (Mona Lisa?) - these were
  *excellent*!
The One
Daniel
Tiny Dancer
and more.......

Oh, and he also played "The Show Must Go On" in a moving tribute to the
late Freddie Mercury.

The band was very good (Davy Johnston was a standout), and the sound was 
better than anything I've heard at Great Woods since Frank Sinatra a couple 
years ago. 

Overall, a fantastic show!!!

alan

    re: two songs that ran together
    
    Mona Lisas and Mad hatters, part I and II
    
    

    Sounds like a great show.... how long did he play for?

    I'm going to the show tonight 8-).  I've seen him a couple times before
    and he was great at each show.  Question ...can't remember who
    Freddie Mercury is/was.  The name's familiar, but I can't place it.
    
    Nance
    

Freddie was the lead singer of Queen (We are the Champions/We will Rock
You) who died of AIDS last November.  Elton played at the Concert for Life
which was given this spring to raise money for Aids research.

Tim

    
    	Is there anyone else who feels the way I do? I went to the
    	concert on wednesday night at great woods and I did not think 
    	it was that great. I expected so much more. The traffic was
    	horrendous. They must of sold 10,000 more seats than they had
    	room for, to many people and the concert was too short. 
    	I thought Elton was excellent but that diet coke can has to go.
                                                       
    	Anyone else feel this way?
    
    	Liz

>The traffic was horrendous. 

Always is; unless you get there early.

>They must of sold 10,000 more seats than they had room for, too many people 

Not likely... Unless people were climing over the back fence at an alarming 
rate, I'd say the ticketmaster computers wouldn't screw up like that.  I 
believe GreatWoods holds about 16 thousand... 7 in seats and 9 on the lawn.  
That's alot of people, but no more than any other sold out show.

Later...
Steve

    re .118:
    
    Sorry, but I didn't really feel that way (except for the traffic, which
    is always horrendous).  Elton sang for about 2 1/2 hours without an
    intermission, which I didn't think was too short.  He didn't sing a
    couple of songs I expected (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bennie and the
    Jets, Levon), but he does have a lot to choose from!
    
    What really made the concert for me was the addition of the four huge
    video screens for the benefit of the fans on the lawn.  Most of the
    time the camera was right on Elton, and we could probably see him
    better than some of the fans with pavilion seats!  I don't know when
    Great Woods added those screens, but it was great not to have to stand
    on my tip-toes all night to try to see what was happening on stage.
    
    -- Lisa

    
    	Great Woods had that for NYR&S revue too.  I've only been there
    	twice now but that was really great!!  Lawn seats with huge
    	live video is really great!
    
    	Better than in the pavilion with binoculars.
    
    	Tom
    

    We too went to the Concert on Wed night. The show was superb. Even
    though Elton seemed a little upset when the keyboard hit the &**)'er
    a few times a just added a little more flair the show . If other bands
    can smash guitars and brake amp's Elton can certainly roll a keyboard
    or two. He played over 20 songs, all with great intensity. As for
    parking , that is a problem Great Woods has , and should not be
    reflected against the performers. What would be great if they installed
    2 large drive-in screens and replayed the concert while the folks are
    in the lot for 1-2 hrs. Might be on to something here...
    
    Great show,
    
    
    Mike
       

re: .118  Yes I do feel overall A- Elton/ C- for Great Woods

For what he played, it was great!! A little disappointed that he didn't play
longer (one encore song or was it two?) for the $$ I'd say it was ok. 

The biggest bummer of all, we were in traffic longer getting OUT than the
concert lasted, well over TWO hours!! Getting in wasn't that bad, ~15 min.
We should've parked across the street/somewhere other than in the free lot!!
 Warning! If you get there and they try and send you to the right side - Don't
 do it! 
They have kids that don't look old enough to drive directing traffic out. 
This probably was more the reason I say it was just ok

    
    I saw him Wed night and thought he was great.  I thought he played a
    lot...about 2 hrs, 20 min...a lot longer than other concerts I've been
    too.  He's got so much to choose from that he could've played A LOT 
    longer, but you can't go on forever! 8-(
    
    It's definitely no fun getting out of Great Woods after a concert, but
    you learn to expect it there.  That shouldn't take away from the show
    itself..
    
    He played 2 encores - Candle in the Wind and Your Song.
    
    Nance
      
    

      We saw him Friday nite and there were no flaws that I could see. He 
    hit every song he played. Of course he can't hit the high notes in
    "Daniel" anymore but it still sounded great.
      My favorite for the night was "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies
    Bleeding". It sounds better every time I see him.
    
    							Art
                                                           

    It was a wonderful show Friday, (and a dream come true for me,
    never saw Reg before).  He closed with "Your Song" after playing
    "Candle in the Wind" and it was beautiful.  I did find it amazing
    that the man's been able to maintain his huge popularity as long
    as he has, I found out why he's such a great performer (puts on
    a great show, and wow is Davey J. good!), and I was quite amused
    that while all the (young) folks around me were singing the latest
    hits, they were all relatively calm while I went nuts to "Tiny
    Dancer" and "Burn Down the Mission".  Guess my age is showing.

    re: .126
    
    Amen on the cudos for Davey Johnstone.   
    
    He always seems to come up with those "just right" guitar hooks.
    
    I played keys in a band that did "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies
    Bleeding" and as much fun as the keys are on that tune, I'd have given
    anything to play those guitar hooks instead.

    I'm looking for information re. a brand new 2-CD set which has just
    been issued by Rhino (?) in the USA - it's entitled "Rare Masters",
    and is a compilation of long-lost flipsides, outtakes and live cuts
    from (mainly) the early part of his career.  Supposedly, it has
    excellent liner notes written by Bernie Taupin.
    
    Anyone in here seen this in the stores at all?  Ideally, I'd like to
    see a track listing for it ... could be a neat set to complement the
    4-CD boxed set issued a coupla years back.
    
    - Dougie

    re  .128
    
       I got the "Rare Masters" 2-CD set for Christmas. It's all old
    material from Elton's early years (1968 or so to 1974 maybe?). There's
    some neat stuff on there from the "Friends" album, including the title
    track as well as "Honey Roll" and "Seasons".
       Let me know if you still want a listing and I'll provide it.
    
    						Art

    
    My favorites of early and middle periods of Elton's songs are the
    
    1) Pinky and Ticking both from Caribou
    
    2) Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters (Part I) and Rocket Man 
       from Honky Chateau
    
       BTW, which record is Part II of this song from ? Where can I find
       it. Can someone help ? Is Part II using the music from Part I as
       well ?
    
    3) Holliday Inn and Goodbye from Madman across the waters
    
    4) I've been a teenage idol and high flying bird from 
       Don't shoot me I am only a piano player
    
    5) Writing, We all fall in love sometimes/Curtains and the title song
       from Captain Fantastics and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 
    
       Last but not least.
    
    All these great songs are not contained in his greateat hits Vol I and
    II. These asongs re also among the greatest but not over-run. 
    
    I have listened to and owned most of his LPs except Tumbleweed
    connection. How is this record rated among his others ?
    
    I think Captain Fantastic... was his greatest LP on the overall.
    What's opinion ?
    
    Steve
    

    I agree on CFaTBDC.....I got it when it was released....great music and
    the art work on the LP was unreal ! gee I think I will go buy the CD to
    upgrade the worn out LP I have (never mind my turntable doesn't work)
    
    He early work to me is his best but I did not listen to much of his
    work after Rock of the Westies and now after I bought One I might check
    out some of the stuff I've missed....
    
    Chris

    My personal fave is "Madman Across the Water", but Capt. Fantastic
    remains a great album. "Tumbleweed Connection" is also a great album,
    if you like "Honky Chateau" and "Elton John" you'll love T.C. ...
    
    "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" remains the standard against which all
    other E.J. albums will be rated (as it should be, a classic piece of
    work). I also love "Blue Moves", but started to lose interest with
    "Rock of the Westies" ...
    
    - acp

    
    I agree that Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy is a very good
    album and yes the cover is definitely a piece of art. There were two 
    little booklets in that album, containing some very interesting stuff
    about Elton and Bernie. I don't have the album anymore, moving from
    one country to another I had to leave the vinyls behind and I didn't
    get a chance to replace it in CD yet. So I don't recall very well the
    stories in those booklets (oh, actually, one of them was the lyrics,
    right ?), but they had, in cartoon form, the stories of their first
    years.
    
    There was something interesting about the Eurovision song contest (the
    national televisions of European countries have this grandprize
    song contest once a year), Elton and Bernie wrote a song for Lulu and
    she scored the lowest or something like that ???? 
    
    Could someone who still has that book please post this and other
    interesting portions from their "stepping into the music business"
    years. I would love to recall what was in that book, the last time I
    perused it was 8 years ago.
    
    My favourite song from Captain Fantastic is "Someone Saved My Life
    Tonight" (you nearly had me roped and tied).
    
    My favourite Elton John album is Honky Chateau.
    
    I think he is a bit of a jerk though (he admitted to being a jerk on a
    tv interview). I was upset when in Stuttgart he showed up an hour late
    because he had forgotten his favourite earring in Hamburg and he waited
    for his people to fetch it from Hamburg with his jet, before he would
    step to the stage. Stuttgart and Hamburg are two ends of Germany,
    northest and southest. And he wouldn't stay in Stuttgart because there
    were not nice enough hotels to accomodate him.
    
    Lale
    
    

    re. 130    Mona Lisas and Mad hatters (Part II) is on the "Reg Strikes
              Back" CD. It's a decent CD, but not one of his best. Although
              one of my favorite EJ songs is on that CD called "Since God
              Invented Girls".
    
    As for best albums, I agree with .132 that "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
    stands above all, but "Captain Fantastic","Honky Chateau", "Don't Shoot
    Me I'm Only the Piano Player" and "Blue Moves" are great also. 
    
    I've bought every Elton album and his last two, "Sleeping with the Past"
    and "The One" have been just as great. I'd say "The One" is a notch
    better.
    
    No one's mentioned his early 80's stuff when he put out "Too Low for
    Zero", "Jump Up" and "Breaking Hearts". I guess those years didn't
    make good impressions on anyone. All three of those contain some great
    Elton stuff.
    
    As for Captain Fantastic, it was an Elton/Bernie autobiography put into
    music. And I do remember something about Lulu, but not the specifics.
    Time to dust off that album jacket and reminisce! 
    
    As for his worst, by far the disco album "Victim of Love" wins this 
    easy.

    Re: .132, .134
    
    I have to disagree abouot "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".
    
    OK, I'm the only human in the universe to say so, but to me it's
    overblown.  While it has its moments, the stretch of the double album
    was too much for Elton and Bernie.  Edited to a single LP, it would
    probably indeed be Elton's crown jewel, but as is...
    
    Being able to carry the entire album is one of Elton's weaknesses,
    maybe it's because he's so prolific, still turning out an album a year
    as if it was still the sixties.  "Madman Across The Water", for
    instance has a great first side, but side two is weak by comparison.
    In fact, I'm trying to remember the last time I *played* side two of
    that one...
    
    							Brian

    re. 135    "I'm the only human in the universe to say so..."  
    
                You're right, you are the only person I know that says so!
    Seriously, how can you POSSIBLY consider editing GYBR to a single LP???
    Take the following songs, which to me are some of his best, and you're
    well past what would fit on one LP:  Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies
    Bleeding, Candle in the Wind, GBYR, Grey Seal, Saturday Night's..., 
    All the Young Girls Love Alice, Harmony, Social Disease, Danny Bailey,
    Bennie and the Jets, Roy Rogers, Sweet Painted Lady (great song).         
    That's 14 great ones that I can remember. The only song I disliked was 
    Jamaican Jerkoff.
    
    As for Madman..., the 2nd side did not get the airplay of Side 1
    (Levon, Tiny Dancer), but it's got a great ballad in "Indian Sunset",
    an upbeat "Holiday Inn", and a short, sweet "Goodbye".   I guess we
    disagree on all his stuff!
    
    Oh well, that's what makes this notesfile work.
    

    
    Can anyone tell me whether the Part I and II of his song
    "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" are songs with different
    lyrics but the same tune or entirely a different story ?
    
    How is Part II as I have collected Part I only and I love it.
    
    What is your overall impression of the "Reg strike back" album ?
    
    S.L.
    

    re. 137
    
    "Mona Lisa's Part II" is a completely different song. The lyrics,
    beat and story are all different, although he does make reference
    to Spanish Harlem a few times. It's an upbeat song, and it takes
    a while to get used to (in my opinion) but I really like it. The
    chorus is great!  If you care, I've included the words. 
    As for the album, if I were to rate GBYR, Honky Chateau and others as
    10's, "Reg Strikes Back" would be an 8.  The first 4 and last 3 songs
    are well worth listening to, it's the 3 in the middle that I consider
    fillers. The best song on the album (CD) is the last song titled
    "Since God Invented Girls" (classic Elton/Bernie lyrics). 
    If you want, I can make you a cassette of the CD and send it to you
    to see if you like it. Let me know, I really don't mind. Anytime I
    play Elton it's a real treat. I enjoy all his music and if there's
    other songs you'd like taped, just ask. Send me a note to my account
    (Vicki::Mansor). As a matter of fact, I have extra CD booklets of the
    "Reg Strikes Back" CD that I got from a WBCN promotion when Elton was
    in town promoting in 1988.  No, I didn't meet him, but my "jackass"
    brother-in-law did because he's an ex-DJ and was invited. Knowing it's
    my life-long dream to meet him, he tells me after the party that he
    met and had his picture taken with him!  
    Anyway, here's the words to ML's and MH's Part II:
    
    I used to think that New York City, fell from grace with God. 
    And innocence abroad, waged a war for the underdog.
    When the snow falls, and Central Park looks like a Christmas card,
    I just looked beyond the bagman,
    And the madness that makes this city hard.
    
    I heard a basketball, somewhere out beyond a chainlink fence.
    Inner city prisoners, argue for the right of self-defense,
    But there's a fast break, 
    and every work of art wakes something in the soul,
    Just focus on the brush strokes, 
    and the bouquets that the dancers hold.
    
    (Chorus)  (three times with slightly different endings)
    Spanish Harlem still sounds good to me, Yeah Mona Lisa's gettin' older.
    Standing in the shadow of Miss Liberty,
    While I walk along the west side, down through Little Italy,
    Searching for the city, that took away the kid in me.
    
            

    Anyone else hear about Elton coming to the Boston Garden in April for
    2 shows?  I hope it's true. Can't get enough of his music.

    A friend of mine also heard it...April 16/17.  Tickets go on sale this
    Friday at 10:00 through the Garden and Ticketpro.
    
    

    Tickets go on sale this friday for two shows april 16 and 17...........

    Got my tickets!!!  Had to settle for Saturday's show but who cares...
    I certainly hope Elton has a different set of songs than the ones he
    did last September at Great Woods.
    Has anyone seen him recently that can tell us what the show consists
    of?  I know that if he starts off with "Don't Let the Sun..." we're
    in trouble and will probably hear the same stuff from "The One" tour.
    I'm going to give him a little more credit and hope for a different
    set.
    

    re. 142
    
    I also have tickets for the Saturday show.  I saw him in Sept at
    GreatWoods and was surprised to learn he was coming back here so soon. 
    I hope he plays a different selection too (although I enjoyed the
    show).  He doesn't have a new album coming out that he's promoting,
    does he?  Haven't heard of one.
    

    re .143
    
    I don't know of any new Elton album but maybe he will surprise us 
    with a few new songs. I heard him say in an interview that he has done
    5 or 6 songs for the upcoming Disney hit (yet to be named) that follows
    Aladdin. He said the songs were real upbeat and he had fun doing it.
    Hopefully he can mix the songs up (he has so many) and play some
    different ones in April. He has to realize that the crowd will notice
    the same set of songs!

    I'm looking for good tickets for my wife and myself either show. 
    I tried when they went on sale but no luck. Anybody out there have
    good tickets they want to sell??

    
    A friend of mine is looking for two tickets (adjacent seats) to the April 
    concert. Please contact Brian at 886-3283. 
    
    Thanks,
    
    John

    Hi,
    
    Who is the opening act for Elton John tonite?
    
    Thanks everyone
    

    What opening act?  He's all there is...no need for more!
    

    Well, we were at Saturday night's show and what a performance!  Elton
    and his band were fabulous, they didn't miss a beat, and went non-stop
    for 2 and 1/2 hours!  This was definitely a better show than the Great
    Woods show in September, probably because of the song selection.
    If anyone cares, I've listed the songs in order that he sang. There
    were 25 in all. The highlight of the night was when Elton put on a Red
    Sox shirt given to him by Roger Clemens that day. The back of the shirt
    said #21 with "ROCKET MAN" across the top! EJ then proceeded to
    dedicate "Rocket Man" to Rocket Roger.
    Here's the list:
    
    1.  Pinball Wizard
    2.  Bitch is Back
    3.  Take Me to the Pilot
    4.  Guess that's why they call...Blues
    5.  Phila. Freedom
    6.  Empty Garden  (tribute song to John Lennon)
    7.  Simple Life
    8.  The One
    9.  I Don't want to go on with you like that
    10. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part I
    11.  "    "     "   "    "      "   II
    12. Come Down in Time
    13. Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
    14. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (best of the nite, IMO)
    15. The Last Song
    16. Funeral for a Friend
    17. Love Lies Bleeding
    18. Rocket Man
    19. Bennie and the Jets
    20. Sad Songs
    21. Show Must Go on  (Freddie Mercury/Queen)
    22. Saturday Night's Alright for Fightin'
    23. Don't Let the Sun...  
    24. Jumping Jack Flash  (great job on this one!)
    25. Your Song

    Did anyone see Elton this past weekend?  I know he had two dates
    scheduled at UMass and also in Maine.  Just wondering how it was...
                                   

    I attended the Elton John show at the Mullins arena Friday night.
    It was a very good show but a little more "boring" than I expected.
    I hadn't realized that it was just Elton (on piano) and percussionist
    Ray Cooper... No backup band what so ever... Elton played a lot of 
    his earlier material. The first nine songs were solo Elton. Then 
    Ray Cooper came out during "Funeral for a Friend". This guy was 
    really good on percussion (Timpanis,Bongos,Tamborine,Xylos,Gong, etc.).
    The arena isn't bad viewing at all for a show but the sound 
    swayed in and out --- where I was sitting I noticed a lot of echo...
    Elton played for 2 hrs 50 min straight... 
    
    /wayne

re -.1  Interesting ... the show you described sounds exactly like the one
I saw in Boston, 13 years ago.  

    re .151
    
    Thanks for the review, sounds like I missed a good one.  I was also at
    the Elton/Ray Cooper concert at the old Music Hall in Boston but I
    thought it was more than 13 years ago.  .151's note could be right
    though.
    I ranked that performance at the Music Hall as Elton's best. His early
    stuff sounded great as his voice was strong and the band wasn't there
    to drown him out.
    I'm sure this tour is also great but Elton doesn't hit those high notes
    like he used to. 

    Elton was the first artist that I latched onto as a kid.  I've been
    completely bored with his material and shows over the last 10 years or
    so, but, when I heard that this was going to be a solo show with Ray
    Cooper (like those Boston Music Hall shows, which I loved), I decided
    to take a chance and go (we went to the evening Portland, ME show).
    
    Boy, I'm glad I went.  28 songs, 22 of which were from before 1978.
    And most of those weren't singles -- lots of obscure album tracks.  I
    really enjoyed it.  It was similar to those Music Hall shows, only
    shorter.
    
    I've attached a set list below.
    
    				- Paul
    

    Your Song
    Skyline Pigeon
    Sixty Years On
    I Need You to Turn To
    The Greatest Discovery
    Talking Old Soldiers
    Sacrifice
    I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That
    A Woman's Needs
    Where to Now St. Peter?
    The North
    The One
    The Last Song
    Funeral for a Friend/Tonight
    Better Off Dead
    Idol
    Levon
    Indian Sunset
    I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself
    Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
    Take Me to the Pilot
    Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
    Crazy Water

    Crocodile Rock
    Bennie and the Jets/Pinball Wizard

    Candle in the Wind
    
                                    

    re.  154
    
    WOW!!!  What a list of songs! I've been waiting for him to perform this
    type of list forever. I can't believe I missed this show.
    I've seen Elton at least 14 times and I never remember seeing him do
    half of these songs (Crazy Water, Teenage Idol, Talking Old Soldiers).
    These are great songs!!
    
    Does anyone know if he's still in the area?  I heard he was going to
    perform at the Providence Civic Center soon.
    
    Help.. This is a must see for me..

    re .155:
    
    Sorry, but the Portland show was the last show in the States.  They're
    apparently off to Japan now.
    
    By the way, it wasn't Teenage Idol that he did, but Idol (from Blue
    Moves).
    
    Hopefully, there'll be a live album and/or video from the tour...
    
    				- Paul

    Paul,
    
       Thanks for the info.  I missed a great show, I'm sure. I had the
    chance but my wife wanted to go see a comic (Bob Nelson) in Boston that
    same night as the UMass show on Fri. night, so we chose that show.
       She's gonna hear about this for a while...
    Thanks for taking the time to list the songs also.
    
    							Art 

    
    How are Elton's chops these days?  I was always impressed with his
    early keyboard work like "Take Me To The Pilot" and "Burn Down The
    Mission"  and "Hay Chewed".  
    
    Glad to see him doing what I consider his best works.
    
    -Ed
    

    Can anyone who's seen a bunch of his shows tell me whether or not
    "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" is sorta a standard that
    gets done at most shows?
    
    I like a lot of his stuff, but that tune is (to me) by far, his
    crowning musical achievement and it's the one that would bring me out
    to see a show.
    
    	db

    Saw him once (July 4, 1976) (ouch!).
    
    He opened with it...
    
    Edd

    edd, wow and what an opener it was !!! the whole stadium was lite up
    from people torching those large coke cups !
    
    Dave Mason was the 2nd act...but do you remember who was on before 
    Mason ? I can't for the life of me....
    
    Chris

    Yep, Dave Mason and I also forget the opening act.
    
    We never got out of the parking lot until sometime *after* the sun
    rose!
    
    Edd

    John Miles? What did he sing? (play?) I don't even remember his name,
    much less the fact I've apparently seen him live. (Of course, not 
    remembering is proof I was actually there!)
    
    Edd

    re .158:  (THEBAY::CHABANED)

    > How are Elton's chops these days?

    I'm no keyboard expert, but I'd say his improvisations have greatly
    improved since the early days.


    re .159:  (DREGS::BLICKSTEIN)

    > Can anyone who's seen a bunch of his shows tell me whether or 
    > not "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" is sorta a standard 
    > that gets done at most shows?

    I believe he's done Funeral for a Friend every time I've seen him
    over the years (though I haven't seen *every* tour, but most of
    them).  It's usually coupled with Love Lies Bleeding, but not this 
    time (it went into Tonight instead).


    re .164:  (MANTHN::EDD)

    > John Miles? What did he sing? (play?) I don't even remember his name,
    > much less the fact I've apparently seen him live. (Of course, not
    > remembering is proof I was actually there!)

    He did mostly songs from his album Rebel.  These included the semi-hit
    High Fly.  Other songs included Music and Pull the Damn Thing Down.

    				- Paul
    
                                 

    I remembered the fact that the opening act had an LP named Rebel.....but 
    I kept thinking it was Bowie, but knew that could not be right....
    
    best part of that day was playing soccer with Elton's Road Crew....my
    Dad work at Shaffer Staduim (the 1st name) and I got in for free...so
    while I was hanging around waiting for the gates to open I was asked if
    I wanted to kick the ball around...
    
    Chris

    Sheesh, John Miles...that goes back a ways...I still have a copy of
    "Rebel", I remember thinking it was hot stuff when it came out, but the
    last time I played it I was wondering what I had been smoking back then 
    8^)  For Alan Parsons completists only.
    
    							Brian

    A little deeper in the John Miles rathole:
    His biggest hit over here was the slow "No hard feelings":
    
    "I've got no hard feelings,
    I've got no feelings at all"
    
    Henrik

    I saw the July 4, 1976 show in Foxboro, too.  I can't remember anybody
    coming on before Dave Mason either.  I guess the poor guy wasn't very
    memorable!!  I thought Elton was wonderful, but I was so far away that
    I couldn't even make out his facial features with bincolars.  I, also,
    remember that I thought Dave Mason *stunk*!!  I couldn't wait for  him
    to get off the stage, and for Elton to come on.
    
    I've seen Elton 3 times more since then.
    
    Lorna
    

    dave mason is/was hot.
    i've never seen him but like his music.
    
    did you like the early Traffic stuff?
    did you know dave mason was in traffic?
    
    rebop kwaki bah
    

    I too was at the Bicentennial show and remember John Miles, also buying
    the "Rebel" album with High Hopes. I remember thinking Dave Mason was
    pretty good that day. 
    Elton came out all dressed up as the Statue of Liberty. Great show, I
    remember he played alot of "Captain Fantastic and the BrownDirt Cowboy"
    stuff. At that time I think that was his latest release.
     

    
    does anyone hear anything about his next album project ?
    
    steve

    what about this tour stuff Im hearing, Billy Joel and Elton doing a
    summer tour together ?
    
    and BTW Happy B'day Reg !
    
    Chris

     It was announced on the Barbara Wa Wa pre oscar interview with
    Elton....tour with Billy Joel......how to get tickets is the question !
    
    This one will gross enough to pay the national debt !
    
    Jp
     

    Whats this"More_Than_Sexual"Thang I Distantly hear about Elton and
    Ru(*AcK*)Paul??  I hope it's only A Murmer.
    Any_One who saw the Vidio for John's Re_Make of"Don't Go Brakin My
    Heart"(Which has Paul All Over_It)might be Scratchin Their Heads also.
    
    
        Crazy_What_Ever_Al

       Any news on the opening night of the Elton/Billy Joel "Face to Face"
    tour in Philadelphia?  All I heard is that they played for 3 and 1/2
    hours and it was great.
       Any notes or songs performed would be appreciated.

       Only one word to describe the Elton John/Billy Joel "Face to Face"
    concert last night at Foxboro....AWESOME!!!   They came out just after
    7:30 and played for almost 4 hours with only a 20-minute intermission,
    playing 37 songs and rocking the place for most of the night!
       For those interested, I have listed the songs in order with some
    side notes. There is a page break in case you want to stop here:
    
    Elton and Billy perform the 1st 3 songs together:
    
     1. Your Song  (Billy starts the lyrics)
     2. Honesty
     3. Don't Let the Sun...
    
    Elton stays on...Billy waves goodbye for now
    
     4. Philadelphia Freedom
     5. Take Me to the Pilot
     6. Levon
     7. Rocket Man
     8. Simple Life
     9. The One
    10. New York State of Mind (Elton chooses one of Billy's)
    11. Funeral for a Friend
    12. Love Lies Bleeding
    13. I Guess that's...call it the Blues (Billy returns for just this one)
    14. Can you Feel the Love Tonight (from the Lion King)
    15. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
    16. Pinball Wizard
    
    Intermission
    
    Billy Joel returns...we'll see Elton later
    
    17. I Go to Extremes
    18. Pressure
    19. Ballad of Billy the Kid
    20. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  (Billy sings one of Elton's)
    21. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
    22. My Life (Elton returns to help out just this song)
    23. Downeaster Alexa
    24. Lullaby (dedicated to his daughter)
    25. River of Dreams
    26. We Didn't Start the Fire
    27. Still Rock and Roll to Me
    28. Only the Good Die Young
    29. Big Shot
    
    First Encore (the best part of the show!!! Both Performers stay the
    rest of the way...6 songs in the 1st encore)
    
    30. The Bitch is Back
    31. You May be Right, I May be Crazy
    32. Bennie and the Jets  (great piano duel at the end...great display!)
    33. Hard Day's Night
    34. Lucille  (old Little Richard hit)
    35. Great Balls of Fire                                       
    
    2nd Encore
    
    36. Candle in the Wind
    37. Piano Man (Elton starts the lyrics...the fans finish it!!) 

    re: Quite the piano players
    
    A DJ on a morning show described these two guys as "the top two piano
    virtuoso."
    
    FWIW, I don't really buy that.  Neither of these two guys could
    accurately be described as "virtuoso".  Neither of these two guys
    would disagree with that, nor would they want to be described as
    virtuoso's from what I've read in interviews.
    
    What they are are two of the very best singers, songwriters, showmen
    and performers whose principle instrument is piano.  That's compliment
    enough, but lets save "virtuoso" for the guys are who are actually into
    the technical side of playing (like Keith Emerson among others).  Billy
    Joel and Elton John are not into that.  It's not their thing.
    
    	db

    are there any other dates for this tour?  
    
    minneapolis maybe?
    
    	thanks - ann
    

    
    I'll be on the local crew for tonights Elton John/Billy Joel show.
    I'll post a note and let ya'll know how it went.
    
    -Peter Cook
    
    

      We went to the Joel/John concert in Giant stadium last weekend...it
    was a WoW performance, especialy Elton's Percussionist/drummer....
    this guy was amazing.....bald, glasses, about 40ish ? was all over the
    place....did a great solo...anyone know his name ??? I believe I've
    seen him back Eric Clapton ??
    
    Jp

    >  We went to the Joel/John concert in Giant stadium last weekend...it
    > was a WoW performance, especialy Elton's Percussionist/drummer....
    > this guy was amazing.....bald, glasses, about 40ish ? was all over the
    > place....did a great solo...anyone know his name ??? I believe I've
    > seen him back Eric Clapton ??
    
    Was it Ray Cooper?
    
    Brian

    sounds like Ray Cooper to me too...

    It sure was/is Ray Cooper. He backed up Elton in the late 70's when
    Elton toured without his band, and he was with Clapton on MTV's
    Unplugged.
    I hear there's 5 shows at Giant Stadium! That's incredible to think
    that many folks want to see these two. Then again, it's close to
    Billy's hometown.

    Does anyone know how old Ray Cooper is?
    
    H

    
    
    	Ray Cooper is a dinosaur . . . but still kicks a$$!  I had the 
    	pleasure of seeing Elton and Ray play together at UMASS (Amherst)
    	last October and the guy is quite entertaining.  I wonder if
    	Elton & Billy Joel will make a VHS Video of this summers tour!  Did
    	they play the same songs at Giants Stadium as they did in Foxboro?
    
    
    	Mike

    If I remember correctly in "Rollin' and Tumblin'" during the Clapton
    Unplugged tape (the 2nd part) that Cooper turns the beat around for a
    few bars in the middle part of the tune by switching from playing on the
    back beat to playing on the down beat. Clapton chuckles and glances back
    as if to say "Damn you Ray, I told you to cut that out" and Cooper's
    standing back there grinning ear to ear like he's thinking "Gotcha!" I
    got a good laugh out of that moment.

    --Ron

    Does anyone know how old Ray Cooper is?  
    
    H

    	There is a song called "I FEEL LIKE A BULLET" that Elton has
    	in his box set and I was wondering if anyone knows what that song
    	is about?  "I feel like a bullet in the gun of Robert Ford!"   Who
    	is Robert Ford . . . no one knows when I ask them?  You are missing
    	out if you have never heard this tune before!
    
    
    	

    
    Not sure, but I think he was the one that shot Jesse James in the
    back....
    
    Jp

    re -.1,
    
    Correct, Robert Ford shot Jesse James. It's a great song and it is on
    the box set but originally came out on the mid-70's album "Rock of the
    Westies".  I think the only song on that album that became a hit was
    "Island Girl", although there are some other good tunes on the album.
    The ones that come to mind are "Grow Some Funk of Your Own" and "Hard
    Luck Story".

    
    	 	WBOS (92.9) reported this evening that Elton John 
    		and Bernie Taupin are working on yet another album.
    		It is scheduled to be released sometime this fall.
    		They also said that a Video & CD from Elton's and Billy
    		Joels summer tour will be released soon.  Has anyone
    		heard anymore about this?  That would be a nice addition
    		to my CD collection!

      The new Elton John CD "Made in England" is out and I give it a strong
    recommendation to buy.  This collection of songs is superb (I think).
    It's some of his best stuff, and if you're an Elton fan, you'll hear
    some similarities to the early works that made him so popular. 
      I'm a big Elton fan but critical when I think he's put out junk, but
    there's not a bad song in this bunch. Good mixture of ballads and
    rockers make this one of my favorites already.
      Lemme know what any of you think if you have it. 

    
    Is Elton touring right now? If so does anyone have dates?
    
    Thanks
    
    John
    

    
    
    John,
    
     Elton plays his second of three shows at Greatwoods in Mansfield Ma
     tonight.  I scooped two tickets for tomorrows show center (section 6
     row J, seat 4 & 5).  I haven't seen him for a least 5 years.  Although
     I saw him at the Garden twice, the Music Hall (now the Wang), and 
     Foxboro (Nearly 20 years ago!).  The face value of the tickets were
     45.50 each.
    
     Don't know where he heads to after Saturday night.
    
     Mark
    
     I'd like to have reactions from people who have seen the first show..
    

    
    There was a nice review of Elton's first show in the Living/Arts
    section of yesterday's Boston Globe.  It listed some of the songs
    he played and commented on some of the more exciting moments during the
    show.
    
    Check it out!
    
    -Brenda
    

    I was at the Friday night show and as a diehard Elton fan, it was
    another great show. He was very warm to the audience, acknowledging the
    fact that they've stood by him all these years despite his personal
    problems. 
    I was a little dissapointed with some of the songs selected though. With 
    all the great ballads he has to choose from he still continues to play
    the songs like Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Saturday Night's
    Alright for Fighting and Your Song that I've heard every time I've seen
    him. I've lost count but I've seen him between 15 and 20 times, and I
    keep waiting for him to drop those songs mentioned above and replace
    them with others.
    Elton played from 8:20 to 11:10, 10 minutes short of 3 hours. No break
    and no real jam session where he might take a break. He was non-stop,
    as was Ray Cooper, his percussion man. Cooper put on his usual
    fantastic show... 
    
    Anyway, for those interested in the list of songs performed at Friday's
    show, here's what I remember (and in this order):
    
     1. I'm Still Standing  
     2. I Guess that's why they call it the Blues
     3. I don't wanna go on with you like that...
     4. Sacrifice  (great song!)
     5. Dixie Lily (from Caribou album...great surprise...well done)
     6. Honky Cat
     7. Come Down in Time
     8. House (new album)
     9. Simple Life
    10. The One
    11. Take Me to the Pilot (maybe the best song all night)
    12. Made in England
    13. Someone saved my Life Tonight
    14. Don't Let the Sun
    15. Bennie and the Jets
    16. Rocket Man
    17. Can You feel the Love Tonight (Lion King)
    18. Levon (another great one)
    19. Believe
    20. Pain  (new album)
    21. Saturday Night's Alright...
    22. The Bitch is Back
    23. Your Song
    24. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (one of my all-time
            favorites but it didn't fit at the end of the show)
    25. The Last Song
    
    
    In my opinion he's still as good as he was 20+ years ago, and you get
    your money's worth every time. He doesn't hit the high notes anymore
    but he and the band pound out liek they always have. 
    
    							Art
    
    re. -1    Mark, nice seats, eh? we were in Sect. 5, Row A and loved it.
    	      What did you think of the concert on Saturday? Any different
       	      than above?	  	 

    ...well, I was at Saturday night's show....my wife and I decided @ 2:00
    to get lawn seats (or should I call them sand seats???)...anyhow, as
    a once-proud elton fan, he won me over again!!!!  We had not seen him
    since 1978 (Boston Music Hall), and man, Elton is BACK!!!
    
    Now some may say he never left, but after spinning his latest ans
    seeing him again, he just seems to have found it again....although this
    could be me,as my musical tastes have gone in varied directions
    lately....I was very pleassed and excited to hear a GREAT version of
    "Come down in Time" (Tumbleweed Connection)....all in all, a
    GREAT,GREAT show (eben from the sand seats!!!!)
    
    mac

    re .-1    Mac, as I've said in previous notes, having seen Elton every
    time he comes to town, is that the 1978 Music Hall show ranks as the
    best concert I've ever seen!  He never matched that performance but
    came close a few times, especially last year with Billy Joel. I would
    have to agree his shows are still "unbelievable", but also say that
    he's not back because he never left!

    I'm glad he still does "Funeral for a Friend" and "Love Lies Bleeding".
    
    I've always regarded that to be his masterpiece.

       As an update to note .197, I forgot that he sang "Pinball Wizard"
    towards the end of the show. My sister brought it to my attention when
    she was reading the list. I guess I overlooked it because it wasn't an
    Elton John/Bernie Taupin original...

    re .200
    
    Totally agree...and it was his custom in the late '70's to begin most
    concerts with it. It just didn't fit at the end of the show. The stage
    filled with smoke prior to the music and although it sounded as good as
    ever, I felt it belonged early in the show. I still went home and played 
    it the next day.

    Most musical events I attend involve a moshpit, but Elton holds a
    special place in my music collection; he was the artist I went 
    through junior high and high school with.  His was the first album
    I ever bought; the first concert I ever went to; etc.  I check out
    one of his concerts every two or three years to see how he's doing
    and hear what unexpected oldie he'll blow the dust off of this time
    out.

    The last show I saw of his was a solo affair with Ray Cooper a year
    or two ago in Portland, Maine.  That was a great night, containing 
    song after song that I never expected to hear live again.  I wasn't
    expecting that kind of set-list for this show, but I was *thrilled*
    to hear Come Down in Time -- that's one of my absolute favorite
    EJ songs and I had no idea that he was playing it this tour.
    Dixie Lily, though goofy, was fun to hear, too.

    Anyway, I concur with the previous noter who said that Elton is
    BACK (at least, in performance -- his later albums still do nothing
    for me).  In concert, I felt he had gotten quite dull in the late 
    '80's/early '90's.  He seems to have regained whatever it was he lost
    before.  I was especially glad that he played Funeral for a Friend/
    Love Lies Bleeding -- I certainly wasn't expecting that as an encore.

    It's great fun to see Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper still whooping
    it up.  And it's great to see how confidently Elton and crew work 
    the stage.

    I wished he'd forever retire Bennie and the Jets and Rocket Man (no
    Candle in the Wind this time out) in favor of some other older
    songs, but as long as he keeps tossing bones out like Come Down in
    Time, I guess I really can't complain.

    I'm really glad I went and I hope this burst of energy stays with
    him (from what I've read, it sounds like he was like this at Foxboro
    last year, too -- good!).

    Side note: I went to the Wednesday night show at Great Woods and 
    the setlist was identical to the one posted for the Friday night 
    show except that Levon was played earlier.  I've attached the
    Wednesday set list after the form feed.

    				- Paul


Elton John -- Great Woods -- Aug. 16, 1995

    I'm Still Standing
    I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
    I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That
    Sacrifice
    Dixie Lily
    Honky Cat
    Come Down in Time
    House
    Simple Life
    The One
    <piano solo>
    Take Me to the Pilot
    Made in England
    Someone Saved My Life Tonight
    Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
    Bennie and the Jets
    Levon
    Rocket Man
    Can You Feel the Love Tonight
    Believe
    Pain
    Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
    <percussion solo>
    Pinball Wizard

    The Bitch is Back
    Your Song

    Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding

    The Last Song