Is this an Elton John BANGER?! | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@andyandalex]

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to keeps.com/andyandalex to get 50% off your first order of hair loss treatment. Let us know what Elton song we should hit next!!! And what are you thoughts on this song, a bit much, or classic Elton?!

[@Verlopil]

This is classic. If you listen to more of his catalog you'll realize how many rockers he has. Wait until you listen to Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting or The Bitch is Back.

[@otisdylan9532]

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is the Elton song that I would hit next, unless it's really important to you to hit a true rocker next. In that case, hit "The Bitch Is Back" next.

[@bigpapavee]

Well if you want another rocker, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, His version of Pinball Wizard in the movie Tommy. My fave is a ballad called Border Song.

[@danieledlefsen940]

Great rocker! Try Saturday Night's Alright for Fightin.

[@stevencantrellzenroom7383]

You guys made me 😆 this morning. Thx….

[@garydrewlevine]

The lalala was in fact meant to be reminiscent of that '50s doowop sound which is in fact what the song is primarily referencing so I think it's a very clever and appropriate touch, the fact that you don't like it is a different issue entirely but it definitely fits with the theme of the song.

[@sgtBelson]

‘Susie’ and “while other kids were rockin’ ‘round the clock” are clear references, but I’m pushing 60, and ‘50s tunes were still being played a bit when I was a kid. A&A might want to explore some Everly Brothers or Buddy Holly for reference.

[@bobbyd968]

@@sgtBelson I agree and it is a take off of a popular song from the 50's called "Little Darlin" by the Diamonds.

[@knightyyz]

Listen to Pat Boone's Speedy Gonzales. I'm surprised EJ got away with his lalalallala's...

[@MoMoMyPup10]

I think Alex pretty much explained that's exactly why he doesn't like it all that much.

[@knightyyz]

@@bobbyd968 and at the Hop and Oh Carol and Speedy Gonzales

[@bodaciouscowboy]

"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" is a certified banger! It is the hardest rocking out of all Elton's hits.

[@sjw5797]

Why does everyone forget about "The Bitch is Back"?

[@stevedem76]

@@sjw5797 "Bitch is Back" is definitely the hardest hitting Elton John song.

[@davidschecter5247]

They listened to the entire YELLOW BRICK ROAD album already.

[@anthonysalomone9225]

The full album reaction to "Goodbye Yellow Brick" on Patreon is worth the $1. That album has many deep cut rockers as well as "Saturday...." One of my favorite EJ songs is "All the Young Girls Love Alice", but that album has many great tunes!

[@manuelester7420]

It sure is. I love that song. (Saturday night's alright for fighting) For sure😍😎

[@Cheryworld]

The Crocodile Rock was a dance craze that never existed. Nostalgia for something that never was. The 50s style was intentional. Fun song

[@bgallagher8129]

There actually was a dance called the alligator, but never the crocodile.

[@littlejimmy7402]

Or I'd add, that they tried to make "Exist". A dance craze that didn't go viral.

[@visaman]

It was a clever reference to See You Later Alligator, by Bill Halley, and The Comets.

[@guitar_player_bernie]

yeah, it's an ode to 50s Doo Wop

[@alexjbennett1017]

Also, Crocodile has "rock" in it for a poetic effect -- rock-a-dial rock in effect

[@Pait728]

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is a must. From the 1st album in history to debut at #1 on Billboard. If you want more of a rocker try "Bitch Is Back"

[@guidototh6091]

My favorite Elton John song.

[@ClayLoomis1958]

I don't know. Song preferences are highly subjective, and Elton has so many great songs. My favs have always been Philadelphia Freedom, Honky Cat, Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, The Bitch Is Back, and All The Girls Love Alice.

[@badkitty4922]

I absolutely love Someone Saved My Life Tonight. Something about it just resonates with me. As much as I love pretty much everything by Sir Elton, that song touches me in a way I just can't quantify.

[@kentzepick4169]

I understand the criticism of this song, including those who think it’s pop “fluff.” But those people forget that this song is an homage to early rock and roll, which was heavy on pop fluff. Loved this song as a kid. Don’t like it as much as I used to but any criticism of the song should be tempered by an understanding of the song is trying to be.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

I think Alex pretty much explained that's exactly why he doesn't like it all that much.

[@stevedem76]

I get what you're saying. This song was featured on an episode of the Muppet Show. My son loved singing along to this song as a toddler, but as an adult he will never play it. Still an iconic song of the 70s, though.

[@BeeBumper]

Homage or not it is lame. Pretty much anything he did post 1985 was an over the top parody of himself. Madman across the water vs Disney tripe. No comparison. Everything before that was genius for the most part and I will always love the old stuff

[@kentzepick4169]

@@BeeBumper What was this song, 1973?!

[@michaelmulherin9952]

good interpretation

[@stevebarracca8861]

I loved this song when I was in third grade. Now that I'm 59, not so much. Understanding the historical context is helpful. When this song was released in the early 70s, there was an oldies revival going on. Sha-Na-Na appeared at Woodstock, Grease won a Tony award, the movie American Graffiti was popular, oldies format radio stations became a thing, and the TV show Happy Days debuted. So this song was in sync with that phenomenon. As you note, this was an homage to 1950s rock-n-roll, in the same way that the Carpenters' song, Yesterday Once More, was.

[@Wordsmyth8]

Ditto. You got it exactly.

[@stevedem76]

I'm 56, that's some great analysis by you. I never would have made that connection, you're spot on about what was going on with pop culture in the 70s.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

I remember that I bought the 45. I got so burned out on hearing it on the radio, I think I ended up playing the flip side "Elderberry Wine" way more often!

[@dmCurator]

Spot on.

[@gregsager2062]

@@j.kevvideoproductions.6463 As well you should. "Elderberry Wine" is a better song than the A side; in fact, "Elderberry Wine" has received a fair amount of FM radio airplay over the years because it *is* a good Elton John song.

[@davidburkett4005]

Elton’s funnest song. I just saw him 2 weeks ago at Giants Stadium and this was one of the highlights with the crowd singing “La La La “ without the band. Great concert!!!

[@timgeary4550]

Elton's funniest: "Texan Love Song" !!

[@Meandmymirror]

Wow he’s still touring? It’s awesome

[@joeterp5615]

Sounds great! This is a preview for me, as I’m seeing him in Sept in DC.

[@davidburkett4005]

@@joeterp5615 You’ll Iove it. He can’t sing high but I had never seen him before and I considered it a real treat to see the last tour.

[@joeterp5615]

@@davidburkett4005 I’m excited, bought the tickets more than a year ago! (This is my summer of seeing legends - as I saw McCartney in June)

[@Maydoggie]

Y'all need to hit "Saturday Night's Alright For Fightin'", arguably Elton's rockinest song. Also hit "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" an excellent ballad and such an intriguing title.

[@JPSillyBeastt]

Yes! Another upvote for Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters

[@davidschecter5247]

They listened to the entire YELLOW BRICK ROAD album already.

[@eileendobbs8009]

Both good choices. I love Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters.

[@Dr_Bombay]

Mosa Lisas is quite possibly my favorite Elton John song, but some days it's hard to choose.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

@@JPSillyBeastt I have yet to see any "reacters" do it. Don't hold your breath.

[@johnhughes3214]

"Philadelphia Freedom" is a true banger from Elton, with production elements way ahead of its time. Plus it's the best song ever written for/about a professional tennis team. 🎾

[@chrisjohnson3694]

the line: "shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind"......Bernie Taupin, genius pure and simple

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

Meh

[@vincentschmitt7597]

He just performed that for the last time in Philadelphia a month or so ago.

[@Meandmymirror]

Oh my gosh I love that song

[@elainemarsh3477]

My favorite!

[@mrkitewine7700]

Elton appeared on The Muppet Show in the 70’s and did this , it was perfect. The Laaaa bits were done in perfect muppet fashion. Well worth checking out on KZbin

[@matthewdrake4385]

Kermit channeling his inner Elton and Elton wearing his rainbow chicken costume...you know the one.

[@scottmessenger8639]

Definitely you have to check out the studio version of Saturday Nights All Right for Fighting, my favorite Elton John song!

[@matthewdrake4385]

Scott, I think they covered Goodbye Yellow Brick Road on Pateron awhile back. So they have heard Saturday Night's Alright.

[@theConquerersMama]

As a kid it made me so happy. Now it makes my kids happy

[@mobanewman7139]

Miss Piggy kissing his bared chest before singing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" cracked me UP when I was a kid.

[@macmvn]

When this came out in the early 70s, a 50s revival was in full swing. This song addressed it amazingly well. I sang in a 50s tribute band at the time and we also covered this song. There were no sexual connotations in the lyrics, just an homage to the 50s.

[@knightyyz]

The title of the song is actually a shout out to Bill Haley who wrote, See you later Alligator. With more shout outs to early rockers. Elton was accused of plagiarism for the lalalala parts because of Pat Boones song called Speedy Gonzales.... The whole tune is just saying early rock is better than the new rock...

[@russellparkinson5396]

Bill Haley didn’t write see you later alligator. That was a singer songwriter known as Bobby Charles whose real name was Robert Guidry. He wrote it when he was 14 years old.

[@kevinhayden4605]

I heard the “lalala” part was inspired by the Del Shannon song “Cry Myself to Sleep”.

[@MarkRosengarten]

This was a nostalgia piece for those who grew up in the 50's.

[@99sheepy]

A couple months ago, Madman Across the Water was a very close 2nd in the community poll. This song is a must listen, certainly one of Elton's best.

[@davidogg5269]

This! Madman from the Tumbleweed Connection album, not the album with same name. Also from Tumbleweed Connection, "Burn Down the Mission" is essential Elton John.

[@johnpbh]

Completely agree with Paul..... Madman Across the Water NEEDS to be listened to as the next Elton John track.... Title track of the album that Tiny Dancer comes from.... It's my favourite Elton album.... PLEASE, PLEASE do it...

[@cynthiasnyder606]

Yes!!

[@reevepar]

Glad to see this hear I was looking for Madman thinking someone had to suggest it just an awesome song it's a long listen but worth it.

[@loriwingate64]

I'm surprised Madman isn't getting even more comments. It's such a fantastic song!

[@Gregory......]

Please React to " Someone Saved My Life Tonight " Excellent Song !!

[@otisdylan9532]

That would be my choice too for next Elton song.

[@michaelknight2118]

This brings back some memories. To a lot of us this song was our first introduction to Elton John. Way before the the Sir. Philadelphia Freedom, a banger. Elton just get a better with time. Alex totally got the song.Thanks again for this smile.

[@flubblert]

Great song. Throwback. Not one of my faves of his, but he does rock it live. Quite the crowd-pleaser. Brings the whole house to their feet. Need to check out "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".

[@Gregory......]

Someone Saved My Life Tonight is my Favorite song by him by Far, and that's saying something considering Elton has 2000 Hits !

[@Jfieri1]

@@Gregory...... It was actually Elton's favorite song. He wouldn't allow it to be played in an edited version.

[@flubblert]

@@Jfieri1 I watched on KZbin his whole concert from Soldier Field Chicago last weekend, and yes he introduced it as his favorite song.

[@oboogie2]

I've been suggesting "Someone Saved My Life" to them for an age. Definitely my favorite song of his from what I think is his best album.

[@aviatom1]

Yup, loved early Elton, saw him live several times. Captain fantastic was the end of it for me though.

[@anthonysalomone9225]

"Honky Cat" or "Take me to the Pilot" would be good rockers to hit. If you looking for a potential S tier from EJ that you haven't hit, that would be "Madman Across the Water". Also...Andy, it sounds like you are saying "ell in" John... anyone else hear this, or is it just me?

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

Youth + Floridian accent.

[@davidogg5269]

Yes, "Madman Across the Water" from the Tumbleweed Connection album set, not the the album of the same title. And "Burn Down the Mission'" from Tumbleweed Connection.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

Honky Cat holds up better than Crocodile Rock. Honky Cat is so much more fun too.

[@aliwantizu]

@@davidogg5269 Yes to both!

[@gregsager2062]

The Elton John banger hit that A&A have not reacted to yet is "The Bitch is Back".

[@JULIE-eo6lg]

I was 12 and at my 6th grade graduation when they played this song. That was it, all of us hit the dance floor and just danced. Didn't care who was who. We just had a great time. So blessed to be in a time that played great music.

[@Sopmylo]

Strange to think this song was released only 12 years after the 50's ended. It seemed an eternity.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Saturday Night’s Alright is a great Elton John “banger”.

[@johnhughes3214]

Alex: I guarantee you'll like "Bell Bottom Blues" a lot more then "Crocodile Rock." You'll actually hear Eric Clapton singing in falsetto. A must listen.

[@clarity8]

Hugely recommend Bell Bottom Blues.

[@gregsager2062]

Agree. "Bell Bottom Blues" is a must-listen for Andy & Alex.

[@xmoomoo9158]

I’ll take Elton over Eric

[@dannydorko7075]

'Don't let the sun go down on me' should be next

[@corbinhbucknerjr558]

Two deeper cuts on the same album, "Teacher, I Need You", and "Elderberry Wine" are also well worth a listen.

[@alkronlage5236]

Agree. Great songs on that album. I think my favorite deep cut on it is Midnight Creeper.

[@melissadambro8873]

Try "Take Me To the Pilot" from the 11-17-70 album - it was a live version, very raw, and done for a radio studio introduction to him in general. He and his band absolutely knock you out!

[@newfiemom8696]

I’ve been singing this song with my dad since I was years old. I’m still doing it in my early 50’s it’s such a fun song 👏🏻🎵 love Elton

[@allisonreed7682]

Fun reaction! Next - “Madman Across the Water,” the version from the album of the same name. Have a great weekend! 🐊🎶🎵

[@davidogg5269]

"Madman Across the Water" from the Tumbleweed Connection album is the better version

[@TheWood005]

This was the first song I ever really got into when I was a kid. This and Let'em In.

[@Shadowrider1872]

GOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!!! ☮️💟♾️

[@catbutte4770]

Hey John! Good morning! 😸

[@dottiegillespie8067]

Good morning John!!! Sending happy vibes your way!

[@mikel3363]

*~ SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING ~*

[@yambo59]

PLEASE - if you want to hear one of Eltons BEST rockers do the song "Saturday nites alright for fightin" - its a great Elton jam, a 70's CLASSIC rocker and probably the biggest banger of his career far as in his heyday.

[@jamesholland7330]

and "the bitch is back"

[@aquatarkus2022]

The Who did a pretty good cover of SNAFF.

[@yambo59]

Crocodile rock was a supposed fantasy dance, nothing more and its a great crowd song they love it and sing along, I saw him once in St. Louis MO and the audience just automatically chimed in with just a wave from Elton, a great night. Im 62 and grew up with Elton on the radio and in my record collection, you couldnt turn a corner without hearing Eltons hits in the 70's and 80's

[@bobbyd968]

The la la's were taken from a 50's banger called "Little Darlin" by the Diamonds. They were a Canadian group who were very popular in the states and the Brits loved early Rock & Roll. Elton was no exception.

[@HollyVee]

Yep, homage to early rock and roll lol. I always thought the line about Susie leaving them for some foreign guys referred to the Beatles.

[@danjennings8618]

This is far from my favourite Elton John song but in concert it's so much fun. It's a concert staple for Elton

[@gregwasserman2635]

There are crocodiles in North America and they are found, among other places, in the US. The difference between an alligator and a crocodile is the shape of their snout. In a crocodile, the snout is more triangular coming to a rough point, whereas as an alligator has a broad snout, with a rough rectangular shaped head.

[@johnhughes3214]

Not one of Elton's personal favorites from his catalog, but I have to say I love it. Makes me "remember when rock was young," or at least much younger. Wish we could go back to those days.

[@lilpoohbear653]

yep:)

[@thomashorton5715]

Saturday night’s all right for fighting you must listen to

[@ChristopherMmmm]

When the la la la's started, I knew Alex would hate it lol

[@unclestinky6388]

"Saturday Night's Alright for a Fight" is the rockingest Elton song I can think of.

[@TubeHelen]

Burn Down the Mission is a very good song that Elton John frequently used as an encore in his concerts.

[@sendtosw]

The Elton John banger is "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."

[@jjmalaprop9968]

Crocodile Rock was the song that got me into Elton John when I was 8. First 2 albums I saved my allowance to buy. First concert when I was 10. But I grew out of it by the time I was 12 and today, it’s his most throwaway popular song from the height of his career (1976 and earlier). Don’t hate it, but ...

[@chrisolivo6591]

‘Levon’ is the best Elton John song.

[@BadErnest]

The bassline slaps, the double-tracked vocal on the third verse sounds great, and it’s just plain fun. Elton’s homage to the ‘50s rock that filled his childhood. Not meant to be taken to seriously but it’s absolutely great.

[@tonic8177]

Great skating rink jam

[@nicholasmckibbin1510]

Solid A song. Not one of my personal favorites but it is certainly catchy. I suggest Levon or Madman Across the Water next. Also Daniel, Border Song, and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.

[@JPSillyBeastt]

Yes to Levon, please!

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Levon, Border Song, Take Me to the Pilot & Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters would be my recommendations. Or they could just listen to all of Tumbleweed Connection.

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Levon, Madman, Mona Lisas, Daniel --- big YES to all; Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me --- heck yes, very dramatic. Love them all!

[@jflago]

This song starts up quickly and just keeps the pace all the way through! So FUN!

[@andyb7942]

To Andy's question, a couple of other rock songs that remember having Elton has from his classic period are "The Bitch is Back" and "Pinball Wizard" - Elton's version of "Pinball" rocks a lot harder than the Who's imho (and The Who probably my favorite band of all-time).

[@howardbalaban7051]

Personal preference, but The Who's Pinball Wizard iz done as it should be and Elton overdid it. But I get that it's a HIGHLY subjective choice.

[@kevinlogozzo3952]

Great take!! Bitch is Back is a great banger and when I was a kid in the 70s, it felt so naughty to crank it!!😬 I also am a huge Who fan but Elton’s Pinball Wizard is what brought me to Tommy when the movie came out and introduced me to The Who!! I agree with you, I just love Elton’s version!! The guitar and piano solo in the end is a “Turn it up to 11” moment!!

[@heidigrezel2596]

My suggestions, as well. Meal Ticket, a good rockin' deep cut off Captain Fantastic. Grow Some Funk of Your Own, off Rock of the Westies. Many more, of course!

[@lisaannbarriner9633]

Elton did a duet with Neil Sedaka in the early seventies called BAD BLOOD. I was maybe fifth grade? Anyway, I loved that song at the time. I’m wondering if it still holds up.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Loved this as a kid it was actually the first Elton John song I ever heard

[@pamnicklas5536]

The flip side of the 45 single was Elderberry Wine which I really liked also.

[@kv99990]

Major shout-out to Elton's band (Nigel, Dee, and Davey), who really boosts his wonderful songs. Next for me would be Philadelphia Freedom.

[@oldrth]

Check out “I’ve Seen That Movie Too” brilliant Elton John tune.

[@TB6791]

During the time this came out there was a big push on the radio back in those days and they called 50's oldies and goldies so it was his homage to that style of music. Similar to "Old Time Rock and roll" by Seger or "You're 16" by Ringo.

[@heidigrezel2596]

Also think, you guys should do 11/17/70, LIVE album. Recorded during a LIVE radio performance. 23 yr old EJ, Bassist Dee Murray, Drummer Nigel Olsson, are rocking it. Following their phenomenal, debut @ The Troubadour.😍🎶

[@modmary3527]

I just checked the Poll History. You are correct! It WAS supposed to be Bell Bottom Blues today. Not DIO, he’s next week.

[@johnbriggsmusic]

You guys have got to hit Madman Across the Water. It's an absolutely stunning song with one of the coolest string arrangements I've ever heard.

[@davidogg5269]

Essential EJ would be "Madman Across the Water", the version from the Tumbleweed Connection album. Another EJ banger is "Burn Down the Mission" from Tumbleweed Connection as well.

[@mobanewman7139]

Tumbleweed is my favorite album of his.

[@scottboswell6406]

This song rocked, ROCKED, when he performed this on The Muppet Show!! 70's Elton was a muppet himself, LOL! Automatic A+!!

[@ellenb2498]

A 70's homage to the 50's. I LOVED this song as a kid when it was new and on the radio! My favorite Elton John tune is the much quieter and sadder Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. And darn, I typed homage before I heard you say homage........

[@Greg-bz2bf]

I first heard this some in grade 7 (1973) when our cool music teacher taught us to sing this song while he played piano. Memories.

[@billd.4224]

Okay guys... The Ides of March: " Vehicle" . Do it, you won't regret it!

[@comet52]

No one ever seems to mention the great, driving bass line that underpins this song. Thanks for doing it. I was just a little kid listening in amazement to this when it was all over the radio.

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorite songs from a legendary illustrious catalog. So fun! Please do someone saved my life tonight next! Very personal song If you want more fun, try Honky Cat. And then Philadelphia freedom

[@Gregory......]

I 2nd that, Amazing song !

[@thewal1ofsleep]

"Someone Saved my Life Tonight" might be my favorite Elton John song, but I might say something different if you asked me tomorrow.

[@leetroy3129]

Oooh yeah! Honky Cat is a good one!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

You Both Will Truly Enjoy Discussing & Analyzing The Lyrics & Story Behind This Classic,, Elton John "Levon"

[@Willie_McBride]

Levon is a must. Absolutely cannot wait to have your guys dissect the lyrics. Also Someone Saved My Life Tonight, which is prob my fave EJ song. But then again: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters; All The Girls Love Alice; Love Lies Bleeding/Funeral For a Friend; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; and…. So Many More!

[@kennethjenkins3972]

This song was huge and LaLaLaLaLa is iconic, go to party for people my age and everyone will sing along and rock out

[@KathySandru]

I'm a fan of Elton & love his music, but my absolute favorite Elton song is "All the Young Girls Love Alice" from the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album

[@kevinlogozzo3952]

That was a great deep cut banger for those of us that had the album when it first came out! They did the album on patreon.

[@greggw.brevoort]

As others mention, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is a must, but one of my favs is the title track of that album, "Captain Fantastic ...". Lastly, Caribou, the album, is Elton John deep-cut gold. "Pinky" "Grimsby" and if you want a ripped-from-the-headlines/nothing-ever-changes gut punch, "Ticking".

[@fidoz2370]

The Bitch is Back is a great rocker from EJ.

[@brianmiller1077]

There was a big 50's revival in the mid-late 70's (Happy Days TV, Grease musical and movie, American Graffiti movie) and this fit right in.

[@rickkratz2979]

You've got to go back to older songs like Take Me To The Pilot, Madman Across the Water, Burn Down the Mission or Where to Now St. Peter to appreciate how much EJ was a rocker in the early part of his career.

[@JPSillyBeastt]

Yes please! Burn Down the Mission is phenomenal, especially in concert.

[@Mona.555]

@@JPSillyBeastt Yes, the Original Elton catalog is ten times better. I don’t care if this is a tribute to the 50’s. As Rick and you said in previous posts, those are Elton at his best and most creative. Pilot, Madman and Mission are just so…(insert your critique). If I don’t ever hear Crocodile again, I won’t care.

[@dynodon9182]

The King Must Die. Sixty Years On.

[@RetNemmoc555]

Love all of those. I also prefer the very early (pre- Don't Shoot Me), but I still have maybe the next three after that. I also have a couple of live ones like 11-17-70 (NYC radio concert) and one I picked up at a thrift store: Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony (1986). The last one is interesting because you can hear his voice croaking a little. This was right around the time he had throat surgery.

[@johndrx165]

In the 1970's there was a lot of nostalgic nods to the 1950's and early 1960's. Just like now is the 1980's and 1990's and even early 2000's. Happy Days, American Graffiti and Grease are examples. Many of these artists grew up during that time.

[@thomasflynn5366]

One of my favorites as a child but not so much now. I prefer his edgier stuff now.

[@gw2955]

It's one of the songs that puts you in a time and place if you were a kid in the 70s. It brings back a lot of memories.

[@kcronin7211]

As you expand your education, you may need to go back further into the 50s, because a lot of the "throwback" songs of the 70s and 80s were heavily, heavily influenced by this birth of rock era. (Billy Joel, David Bowie, and John Lennon all did entire records that were homages to that era, if not straight up covers.) So this song depends somewhat (especially that driving piano, and the la la las) on the rock/rockabilly/origin of rock time period - and there were classics of their kind among them that are probably important foundational stones for really "getting" this kind of thing, like Great Balls of Fire (which I think you covered) and a whole lot of Jackie Wilson (Which I don't think you have covered?) Anyway, rant over. But perhaps your educations have only started, padawans.....

[@pax61]

Agree totally. Don't think Alex got this at all, a function of his age and the fact that this generation is three or four removed from the era Elton was singing about. Not my favorite Elton tune, but ya can't let personal tastes and biases obscure the clear virtues of this tune - catchy melody, keyboard work, active bass line, and most of all those vocal refrains he felt annoyed by - that was the signature sound of that era!

[@sjw5797]

Way overdue by now.

[@chrisofnottingham]

BTW, the biopic Rocket Man is well worth a watch

[@lisadowney6777]

Throwbacky? Absolutely! Intentional. And we *loved* the nostalgia craze in the 70’s. Sock hops, saddle shoes, even poodle skirts. Think about this song if you ever play a theme or riff from the seventies in your own music. 😉

[@wendyt7958]

Love Elton. Just saw him a couple weeks ago and at 76 years old, he's rockin...amazing! You gotta react to "Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" Multi faceted tune that takes you on a journey

[@Mr05Chuck]

He has so many songs that I would recommend over this one. At least 50. This is alright. It was a huge hit. Great fun at the concert I went to in 1974. Indian Sunset is a great deep cut. You’d dig it.

[@jamesbenton8347]

And Holiday Inn from the Madman album. In fact the whole Madman Across the Water album is flawless.

[@JPSillyBeastt]

Another vote for Indian Sunset. Unbelievable song.

[@stevedem76]

I think "The Bitch is Back" from his album "Caribou " is extremely underrated. I always wondered if the swearing in the lyrics kept it from being played more on the radio.

[@tommack9395]

My favorite song on Don't Shoot ME, was and is 'Blues for Baby and Me'... is a hidden gem in music, lyric and arrangement.

[@leetroy3129]

I agree with Alex! It’s not one of my favorite E J songs. However Sir Elton doesn’t have any bad songs!

[@chrisbauder3327]

You have to know the context of the time that the song came out. This came out during a time when in the States, we were in the midst a '50's revival. Grease was on Broadway, American Graffiti was in the theatres, Sha-Na-Na had a summer replacement variety show on TV and Happy Days was in development. This song was part of this homage to all things '50's.

[@andyb7942]

Just a fun homage to the long gone days of early rock 'n roll. Figured that Alex would dislike that focus of the song. I know that (and Andy) would like another of Elton's most fun songs from this era, *Honky Cat* - I know Andy said that "Rocket Man" had the best instrumentals of any Elton song he'd heard so far, but he may rethink that with Honky Cat.

[@skybluemarshall]

It helps to remember, this song was released in late 72. The Broadway show Grease debuted in early 72. The film American Graffiti was released in the Summer of 73. The Love American style pilot for Happy Days aired in 72 and the Happy Days show began in 74. Laverne and Shirley was a spin-off of Happy Days that began in 76 and lasted 8 seasons. The 50s tribute band, Sha Na Na formed in 69 and developed a big enough following to land their own variety TV from 77 to 81. 50s artists like Chuck Berry had their careers revived in the 70s. The Beach Boys produced the double album, 15 Big Ones in 1976. It was their best selling album since 1965 and it included several 50s cover songs along with new originals. The point I'm trying to make is that, unless you lived through the 70s it's impossible to overstate the enormity and the impact of 1970s, 50s Revival. This was no passing fad. This was a cultural phenomenon that lasted more than a decade (late 60s the early 80s). In high school, I hung out with at least four people, including myself who owned 50s Chevy cars or trucks. My friend still has his 55 Chevy Bel Air coupe from high school and a few years ago, he had it restored to match the Hot Rod style it had when he bought it in the mid 70s. Rootbeer brown with yellow and orange flames, beautiful restored chrome and a 283 mouse power motor. This song and every 50s style or cover song from the 70s represents a cultural experience that will probably never happen again. Not that big and for that long. I mean, think about it. Back to the Future came out in 1987 and we still had not completely shaken the 50s out of our systems yet. Even the rolled up, short sleeve, button up shirts, popped collars and cuffed jeans were a nod to the 50s and that lasted through most of the 80s. We're talking about almost a 20 year "fad" if you can call it that.

[@AugieDoggyDoo]

👏👏👏👏👏👏WOW! Thank you for that run through my life. That was excellent. You just schooled a lot of people. Those were the days, that's for sure. I was all up in it, lol.

[@CousinCreepy]

Always holds a place in my heart as it was the first rock & roll song to register with me as a child. Someone gave me the 45 because they thought it was too corney. It broke me out of my KTel Goofy Greats fever. I'm sure my parents were grateful to never hear Guitarzan and The Monster Mash ever again.

[@JPSillyBeastt]

I had that album! So many great songs - Ahab the Arab, Alley Oop, Life is a Rock...happy memories.

[@CousinCreepy]

@@JPSillyBeastt that and a steady diet of Dr. Demento must have really tested my poor moms patience. Cheers Jill!

[@louisrosario9522]

I have seen Elton John 17 times since the early 80s can’t go wrong with any of his music 🎶. My double bonus was seeing Elton John with Billy Joel in concert together for almost 4 hours that was musical heaven

[@johnhughes3214]

What happened to "Bell Bottom Blues " by D & the Ds? Wasn't that supposed to be today? Did I miss that one?

[@otisdylan9532]

I have the same question.

[@otisdylan9532]

I see now that A&A have said that they just goofed, and will do BBB next Friday.

[@tony057]

Check out The Bitch Is Back. A pretty good rocker from Elton. I remember him commenting at the time about how "naughty" it was to sing the word "bitch"

[@thomasflynn5366]

This is a great album. I would pick almost any songs on it over this one. Do Blues For Baby And Me or High Flying Bird.

[@darp76]

Indian sunset, just give it a listen.

[@sendtosw]

I always hated Crocodile Rock, even when it came out when I was a teenager. I thought it was beneath Elton John and his abilities. My favorite song by him: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters. Great song, you guys should give it a listen. Both lyrics and music are excellent.

[@christikirk7265]

Ya gotta love Elton John! Such an amazing talent! GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD is a must listen!

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, you'll love his "Philadelphia Freedom" and "Honky Cat"!! You should post your reaction to "Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting" from the album review in June.

[@gpxo11]

I think Elton was mimicking the Diamonds 1957 hit "Little Darling" with the Lala's in the background. also when Elton's song came out in late 72/73 there was a huge 50s revival going on due to the hit movie American Graffiti and later in the 70s the TV show Happy Days which was an outgrowth of "Graffiti."

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Your new set is so colorful, and I'm color blind with green and red like Alex! 😁 P.S. Andy and Alex give out a lot of A's and A+'s but almost every song they rank was a huge song on the radio for a good reason. It's a nice surprise when occasionally the rating gets something below that, like Alex's today.

[@bigdave1302]

He and Bernie wrote the song after Elton was in Australia. At that time Eagle Rock, by Daddy Cool was everywhere, about a dance called the Eagle Rock. Elton loved the song.

[@stephenriggs8177]

Totally campy, but a fun song. You just gotta roll with it.

[@andyandalex]

That’s fair