|
|
| Home: Music: Madman Across The Water |
Madman Across The Water- Amazon |
Another superb SACD
2005-10-04
Like all the other 70's era Elton John SACDs, Madman is a pure pleasure to listen to. Something no one has metioned so far is that RAZOR FACE has been extened an extra two minutes for a long jam by the band. It's very cool.
Heavy On Gospel, But No Good News To Preach
2005-04-06
This is the Elton album that breaks my heart--no, not in a good way. In following such a strong album as Tumbleweed Connection, and in keeping the basic Gospel/Delta Blues/Appalachian-Roots vibe and musical style from that previous album going, one expected the grand slam that it should have been. But, alas, we have a good album that hurts.
It also makes one scratch the head, because here even Elton can't rescue Bernie Taupin from his banality (or complete incoherence!). The new sleeve notes are quite revealing, as Mr. Taupin is quoted as admitting that he used a method of taking cut-up words, throwing them in a hat, and writing down what he pulled out next. He insists that the great poets and lyricists all did this--oh, right, Bernie. Well, if they did, they had twice the karma you had, I'm afraid. This album also marks the beginning of the sad intrusion (an utter travesty) of an overbearing production and orchestration team. They couldn't leave well enough alone, after finding a quite natural, organic blend on Tumbleweed, a blend of tasteful embellishments, instrument combinations, and a BAND SOUND. What the #*!? happened? What was wrong with the sound of real guitar/bass/drums? Were they competing with George Martin for a studio craft prize?? There are two brilliant mistakes on the album--two song-suites that hint at a more classical/pop amalgam Elton would try years later. Ambitiously-honed songcraft that no one could equal is on display in "Indian Sunset" and "All The Nasties". BUT, it all falls down on the plywood of these stupid lyrics! The first song's lyrics attempt to send up the American Native on a third-grade level, much like the send-up of the Civil War on Tumbleweed's "My Father's Gun", but not as offensively. Then, on "All The Nasties" we get, what? A slap at the critics? It's about as weak a rebuke as saying, "You guys are right." A real missed opportunity for music and lyrics. But Elton stirs us with his imagination. Speaking of which, can you imagine what Elton would have made here with George Martin and Geoff Emerick at the boards? A lyricist on the order of Elton's buddy John Lennon giving him reason to write such gospel-inflected music?? I shudder at the thought!!! Footnote: This is the second, tamer version of "Madman Across The Water", a madman already on his Thorazine, thanks to the violins' schmaltz, thank you very much, Buckmaster/Dudgeon! The definitive version of Elton's masterpiece is the earlier take, found as a bonus on Tumbleweed Connection.
Elton John's Defining Masterpiece
2005-03-27
Of all the "two-per-year" albums Elton John's contractual agreement imposed he deliver during his initial 1970's sojourn - considered his finest era as an artist, and most certainly his most fertile and organic creative period - MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER remains, without a doubt, his crown jewel and flawlessly overshadows his entire four decade [ongoing] catalogue. The magnificently haunting and brilliant masterpiece title track alone is worth seeking out and purchasing on the various compact disc original/"remastered"/alternative version(demos; etc.)issues/and most definitely this[sonic wonder]SACD version, for the irressistable sounds within justifies one's curiosity beyond comprehension. This entire album is Elton John's finest moment ever - regardless of the ongoing disputes as to which album from this period is the best. MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER is a rare breathtaking vocal/orchestral/singer-songwriter's[accidentally innocent]life's work[in a panoramic view]realized to utmost perfection. He covers more ground on this disc alone than he does during his entire career! The two majestic standards["Tiny Dancer/Levon"] which initially propelled this incredible recording to stratospheric selling status upon its release are merely surface hints of Elton John's musical genius, which lies within the remainder of this stupendous album's remainding tracks - it's unbelievable that none of these became hit singles in the wake of "MADMAN's" popularity, but still, they have become Classic Rock radio playlist staples in their own right through the ages. MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER has aged genuinely well and remains a mesmerizing classic amongst the most supreme albums in Rock history. Thirty some odd years later, currently in the next millenium, Elton John remains a rarily gifted artist whose current musical creations continue to capture the imagination of unsuspecting listeners' ears and draw new admirers to the circle of his magical allure.
A blueprint for what 5.1 SACD should be
2004-12-19
Peteyspambucket has pretty well summed up what John has done with this 5.1 mix in more detail than I ever could. I can only add on songs when John uses an orchestra, the sound level of his vocals seem more realistic in relation to the size of orchestra.
John has set the blueprint for what a 5.1 SACD should be. It is simply amazing. Perfect separation and clarity without being gimmicky. While other 5.1 mixes may simply use the rear channels for echo or effect, John perfectly places instruments in each giving a true surround sound effect. John truly shows the potential for SACD 5.1 when in the right hands. Like Peteyspamucket, I too wonder what it would sound like if Greg Penny who did the 5.1 mix on this and Tumbleweed Connection would get his hands on the master tapes for other artists. Imagine a Hendrix, or period Beatles or Stones, it boggles the mind.
Mad Music
2004-11-19
Madman Across The Water completed a trilogy of albums (including Elton John & Tumbleweed Connection) that rank right up there in rock history. Madman Across The Water's songs are more like short stories. The writing is so detailed and precise and the music is sprawling and thematic. "Tiny Dancer" is one of the most beautiful songs Mr. John has recorded. "Levon" is a classic and the title track is a haunting piece. "Indian Sunset" has the Old West sound that mimes the sound of Tumbleweed Connection. "Holiday Inn" is a tale of life on the road and "Goodbye" is an epilogue to the album.
 Read for more: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html%3FASIN=B...
Browse more in:[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] ... |
|
|
(c) 2005-2006 Giga Goods - Release New Products Online
Submit New Product | Submit New Software | Submit Press Release | Submit French Press Release |