The Playlist: Vol. 4 – Madman Across the Water

Even with thousands of songs on my I Pod and in my I Tunes library, I still find myself searching…searching for that perfect song to download. Often times, I don’t even know what I’m looking for. There is too much…and to many good bands, albums and songs to choose from. If you have the same problem, perhaps my blog can help. Each blog, I will feature one album and my favorite three songs from that album. My goal: help you create the perfect playlist. Enjoy.

Artist: Elton John
Album: Madman Across the Water
Release: November, 1971

Click Here to sample the album.

Brief History:

Madman Across the Water: The album that put Tiny Dancer on the map.

By 1971, when the album was released, Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin were showing their true quality. The two worked like a machine. The lyrics were written first and the melody followed. Tiny Dancer was no exception.

Taupin said the song Tiny Dancer was meant to encapsulate the sunshine movement radiating from the west coast. If Mona Lisa’s and Mad Hatters is a New York song, like Elton claims, then Tiny Dancer could certainly be called a California song. It’s a look into the seductive west coast culture and expressive women who draped themselves in embroidered denim and silky lace. It’s a stark contrast to English propriety.
 
Madman Across the Water is not touted as one of Elton John’s Best albums. I would disagree. It’s an album in which you can hear Elton morphing from classic pianist to Rock legend.

Fun Fact:
In 1974, Elton performed on John Lennon’s song Whatever Gets You through the Night. The two ended up onstage together during one of Elton John’s concerts that same year. It is thought to be Lennon’s final concert.

Top 3 Songs:

1. Tiny Dancer
2. Levon
3. Holiday Inn

Honorable Mention:

Honorable mention for this album has to go to the cover song Madman Across the Water. The musical arrangement is fantastic and the opening lyrics pull you right into the song.

Complete Album:

1. Tiny Dancer
2. Levon
3. Razor Face
4. Madman Across the Water
5. Indian Sunset
6. Holiday Inn
7. Rotten Peaches
8. All the Nasties
9. Goodbye