Drummer reacts to "Madman Across the Water" by Elton John (4 Track Mystery Bundle)

[@billdillon3886]

Much of the brilliance of this recording and many others is the genius of Paul Buckmaster. His string arrangements are legend.

[@johnpbh]

So, so true.

[@garyrausch1184]

I'm amazed how Sir Elton can take Bernie's poetry and hear the underlying tune and create such beautiful sounds

[@garyrausch1184]

Indian Sunset never gets the love it should

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Yup. He just has too may great songs. Talking old soldiers Ticking Blues for baby and me Greatest discovery

[@ruthlafler5622]

Some of the lyrics of Indian Sunset are pretty offensive, but the music is so gorgeous I forgive it! Maybe the most beautiful song Elton ever wrote.

[@christopherhann6725]

I so agree Indian sunset is truly amazing

[@smithpm81]

elton 68 to 76 was amazing

[@normandaubry]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@normandaubry]

What he did during that period is so great that it makes it nearly impossible to me to listen to what he did after, as the gap is so big. The only post 1986 album that I can listen to is The Captain and Me.

[@unclephil7650]

@@normandaubry I don't think I've heard that one. I'll have to check it out. Thanks

[@davidswearingen9652]

One of the greatest songs ever written

[@827dusty]

Madman across the water is about a guy in an institution across the lake. And his terrible life in a mental hospital. Great song.

[@lindaulloa4786]

Madman Across the Water is my favorite from this album.

[@garyrausch1184]

The strings and low brass on Madman bring the feeling of deep despair

[@annewoodard6803]

This album…. It’s called greatness. “Levon” is usually left off the list, so I’m glad you listened to it. One of my all time favorites from Elton.

[@nanlewis]

Might be his best album! So many wonderful songs!

[@normandaubry]

I think so

[@maraboo72]

@@normandaubry And I agree

[@fastcakes]

This is Elton's masterpiece. Forget Yellow Brick Road and other pretenders, he had many great albums but this one is flawless, every note and every word could not be improved. Special word to arranger Paul Buckmaster.

[@nanlewis]

I haven't listened to Indian Sunset in many years... it's making me cry again, even now.

[@davidswearingen9652]

It's hard to listen to Indian Sunset without a tear coming to your eye.

[@dawnschneider187]

Indeed!

[@joelliebler5690]

Fantastic heartfelt song even though it is factually inaccurate!

[@anahatatutu]

Classic Elton can't go wrong. 70s for the win again!

[@stpnwlf9]

I go back and forth between this record and "Tumbleweed Connection" as my favorite. I know that is blasphemy for a lot of fans who think "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is great, but for me, that record has always been too uneven. It has some great songs but also some real clunkers and no consistent stylistic flow to it. Madman Across the Water is beautiful, start to finish.

[@BillBitterman-ny2jl]

I agree about Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The high points are truly great songs but IMO, some of the weaker songs are actually some of the singles. I don't care for Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting and Benny & the Jets which lends creedence to my opinion that album singles are often not the best songs on the album.

[@willlockler9433]

I agree. Always enjoyed Elton John, but those two albums were the only ones I bought back in the day.

[@shirleybhs9zd6li5i]

"Tumbleweed Connection" will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first album discovering Bernie and Elton. What at first listen seemed simple, turned into a complex symphony of music and words woven so masterfully by the genius of Sir Elton John. All of their albums should be in a category of their own. Blessings.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Love elton, but madman has always been my favorite. When you put on the vinyl, the groove was constant beginning to end. Don't shoot me has great songs, but if I am in the mood for blues for baby and me, I am not on the mood for crocodile rock (and vice versa). Just my thoughts

[@Mikeyski4]

Tumbleweed, Madman, and Honky Chateau are the big 3 for me. Elton at his absolute creative highs.

[@connieb4372]

First off, RIP to Dee Murray who was part of the Elton John band and family. Second, this album touched me when I was 12 years old and I STILL love it to this day, with Madman being one of my favorite Elton John tunes. I have twin daughters who are grown now and, of course, they grew up to love Elton and his older music just as much as I do. My husband and I took one of my girls to Las Vegas and we had the opportunity to see the band when he was in residence there on the Million Dollar Piano show. I have seen Elton probably 15 times and I don't think I've ever heard him do Indian Sunset except when we were in Vegas and my daughter was delighted that he did because it is one of her favorite tunes. I was also so excited to see that not only was his long time percussionist Ray Cooper there, but Nigel Olsson on drums and Davey Johnstone as well! Again, as you noted Lee, Elton in his prime.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Possibly best string arrangements, on any rock album...and there are a few out there. ❤

[@barrywerdell2614]

There is a 2ud version of "Madman Across The Water" with Mick Ronson and "Rumored" Jimmy Page on electric guitars. It's a heavy metal version which is available on some compilations.

[@billbitterman9487]

Another all-time great album from 1971. The # of great albums from that year is staggering. Many of the greatest artist of the era produced their greatest albums (or near greatest albums) in 1971. I own more records albums from 1971 than any other year…by a long shot.

[@redadamearth]

It's Elton John's best album. There was just magic going on between Taupin and John for this one. It's an insane album that could never be duplicated or imitated and could only exist in that era, but is absolutely timeless.

[@sammybeck7794]

..... hold me closer Tony Danza

[@LSorr3]

funny

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

Elton was on 99X Atlanta with Barnes and Leslie? back in the 90's making fun of the wrong words he has heard of over the years. I wish someone had recorded it off the airwaves. I heard it on the morning Rush Hour ride into the Downtown Interchange.

[@DocRock71]

MATW is easily my favorite EJ album, followed by Yellow Brock Road and Captain Fantastic, and then all the albums before Madman, which is truly on another level, especially with all the gorgeous orchestration throughout the alum...and the mandolin on Holiday Inn is also so great!

[@AirDOGGe]

A slow song but oh so powerful emotionally. I could not say how many times I have enjoyed listening to this one. The Madman album has several too-cool tracks.

[@michaelkeefe8494]

Levon has, at times, been my favorite Elton song. Cool to see you appreciate it.

[@christielysdale1815]

Levon is a gem, too bad so many don’t listen to it

[@leeannies-tears369]

Don't stop having a blast! This Elton s very best, in my opinion! You're making my day!

[@JimFlickinger]

It would be difficult to find 4 better Elton songs in a row! My favorite album of his! Great pick.

[@captainsatellite2112]

Elton has always been loyal to his band mates and kept them together best he could for decades. Love them all, especially Davey Johnstone on guitar.

[@michaelkeefe8494]

Elton's upward arc was really phenomenal. Great record after great record after great record and all different. Sort of plateaued after yellow brick road but his plateau was on top of the world.

[@ozmaile7938]

Mad man across the water (the song itself) is one of my Elton favorites

[@liannehoward4602]

My favorite Elton John album. Start to finish, superb. FYI... Warren Haynes does a cover of Madman Across the Water that will absolutely melt your face❤

[@kallsop2]

This is one of the best of Eltons early work. The title track is my favorite, but Indian Sunset is a song that resonates with me from growing up in Oklahoma and so many close friends are Native American and learning about things like the Trail Of Tears, gave me an immense amount of respect for them and their families and their heritage. Thanks for a great reaction.

[@1953jazzman]

I've been in love with this album for over 50 years and it still hits me just as hard as it did the first time I put it on my record player! Those first 3 Elton John records are pure gold!

[@scottstambaugh8473]

Same

[@RhondaHill-mi7cw]

Wall to wall, Elton John's and Bernie Taupin's best complete album and creation. So many songs I still hum and break out singing just out of the blue from this collection of songs. I have the original album and many of his others and this one is my favourite.

[@RebekR]

I got to see 2 concerts with Elton in 1972. Madman Across the Water was the 20 minute closer with a full orchestra behind him. Magical!!!

[@markmurphy558]

My two favorite EJ songs, LEVON and TINY DANCER. Taupin is truly a genius. The line " ON A CHRISTMAS DAY, WHEN THE NYT SAID GOD IS DEAD", hit me like a ton of bricks when I was 18 yrs. old.

[@deechatterton5828]

I think I'm in the minority here (a position I find myself in often--oh well), but Madman Across the Water is my favorite Elton song from just about every point of view. Great singing, great lyrics, great playing, great production; just consistently perfect. I love it.

[@kallsop2]

Nope it's in my top 5 Elton songs. I first heard it in 1976 and it just blew me away. Always get a kick when I play it and someone hasn't heard it and goes where did that come from. So much good stuff from his early albums.

[@blanetalk]

Madman Across The Water is my favorite song on this album, and the whole thing is so darned good!

[@joelliebler5690]

This is one of the all time best sides of any album anywhere at anytime.Paul Buckmaster,R.I.P.,did a masterful job directing the orchestration!

[@davidsibley7329]

I personally believe this was his best album. Not a sub-standard track on it! I have owned it since ‘72 and still regularly play it. Never gets old Thanks for the reaction.

[@davidgale7384]

I have waited for your reaction to Indian Sunset.... "They ain't playin' with this one." Phenomenal indeed. Brutal.

[@tessesmom]

I finally got to see Elton John about 12 years ago. He performed all of the songs from this album and I was thrilled as it is my favorite album of his❤

[@buckgreen4598]

SAW THIS TOUR IN 71..SO COOL TO WATCH YOU DIGGIN IT..GREAT CONTENT....

[@ChuckDrennen]

I think that’s the first time that I saw you inspired enough to play some air drums. Bravo.

[@markprior2278]

Although i new a lot of Elton Johns music, it wasn't until i heard "Tiny Dancer" on the movie "Almost Famous" that i became a fan. Between 1969 and 1975 his music was great, it was then that he became much more hit orientated and that is when most artists lose their Mojo

[@LSorr3]

great soundtrack on that movie

[@terrilgeorge7255]

This was great. Tiny Dancer is my favourite Elton song, and Levon is in my top 5. First listen to Indian Sunset but it won't be my last. Glad you acknowledged Bernie's lyrics. The man's a genius, and the combination with Elton is one of the finest in modern music. ❤

[@davidmckenzie420]

I bought the album for the title song. Great song.

[@nyrocks5580]

One of my favorite album sides. Never been a fan of side two, but I know many people are.

[@JohnnyTalia]

Thank you for reacting to "Indian Sunset", I think that song is underappreciated and I don't think anyone else has ever reacted to it. I first heard it more than 50 years ago and it has been crawling around in my head ever since. The whole damn album is pretty remarkable. Another of his more remarkable albums is "Tumbleweed Connection", from around the same period in his career. There's a few astonishing songs on that one too.

[@wanderer0617]

Elton John and Bernie Taupin days, like this album, were the greatest. This is my favorite EJ album. Thanks so much!

[@francesfinn9958]

Thank you! I love Elton since I was a child of the 70’s.

[@MarkChappell1]

My favorite song from this album is "All the Nasties". Don't let the title fool you, it's such a great melody with unbelievable harmonies.

[@donrobbie1461]

It amazes me that so few other artists recognise the benefit of using the skills of a writer of lyrics such as Bernie with Elton to add value to songs. Mind you it takes a lot of skill by Elton to take lyrics on paper and write music to match

[@joannparker1977]

Whenever I hear "Tiny Dancer" I think of LA. There's a wonderful video of this song. I absolutely love it.

[@hoppers13]

As a session / sideman I lived the “Almost Famous” life for too many years. This song always brings the sweetest pain.

[@HXERkYJclMcKLAWwQW]

Isolate the acoustic guitar- incredible .

[@Linda-y9h]

Saw Elton during his Yellow Brick Road tour. What a performance he gave, including costume changes. One of my top 5 concerts of my huge concert going journey. (Led Zeppelin will always be my number one.) Thanks for doing this album, his best.

[@johns7097]

In the early seventies I had all Elton's albums. I knew every word, every note to every song.

[@richardpalermo9020]

Back when this came out I use to walk to work listening to this on 8-track portable player.

[@kimberelyanngunter6341]

Nothing but Love for Elton John❤❤

[@marcjacobscontinued9411]

For me too, except "Nikita" haha. I don't understand that a person who made 'Tiny Dancer' and 'Your Song' also decided to record and put out 'Nikita'.

[@allisonreed7682]

What a fantastic reaction! Now that you’ve heard the title track from this brilliant album, you have to check out a live version that’s on KZbin. Search “Madman Across the Water (BBC Sounds for Saturday 1971)”. It is 10+ minutes of Elton belting out sublime jazz greatness. You’ll have goosebumps.

[@dennisdye7270]

Elton has amazing phrasing with Bernie’s lyrics. If you read them separately from the music, I can’t see how they would fit a melody, but Elton does it beautifully.

[@Gloren50]

Probably my favorite album of the early 1970s. I think I wore out the vinyl record I played it so much.

[@meditationlifeskills]

A stunning piece of music, like time traveling through the mind of a made man. Or was it the mind of a madman after all?

[@jamesvomsaal]

Great reaction thanks

[@christopherhann6725]

I think this Elton's greatest albums there's not a bad moment on it i so love it

[@davidboivin7996]

Top 5 album from Elton.

[@renemokum]

I'm curious to find out which Stevie Wonder album you will be covering. I hope it's 'Songs in the Key of Life,' my favorite album by him.

[@195511SM]

Look him up doing these 'live' from Top Of Pops around 1971.....Especially 'Madman Across The Water' ....Great delivery & for the most part...it's only him & his piano. Very clean footage.

[@tinicum54]

Agreed, I have watched them.

[@stephenstrudwick8095]

Hope you get to listen to "Amoreena" from one of Elton's early albums, "Tumbleweed Connection." I love it as much as the movie it was featured in "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975) with the great Al Pacino, and the late great John Cazale. John died of cancer at 42 years of age in 1978, but the handful of films he was in during the 70s are awesome (eg, Godfather 1 & 2, Dog Day Afternoon, Deerhuner, etc). He also had a long-term relationship with Meryl Streep! What a short, but great life!. RIP John.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

This is my second favorite ELTON JOHN album. It's absolutely brilliant. (Number One: "CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY")...

[@philipberger621]

I'm sick of tra-la-las and la-de-das.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

@@philipberger621 So good.

[@dawnschneider187]

Definitely listen to this in its entirety! Every song has weight, love all of them! Wonderful reaction, Lee.

[@unclephil7650]

This is in my top five Elton John songs of all time

[@hopeklemann1]

so this is kind of a random comment , but tiny dancer kind of became a little iconic part of the movie "Almost Famous "... it's a really super movie based in the 70s on music at the time rolling Stone magazine and it's kind of deep to explain here but I think you'd really like it if you haven't seen it

[@scottstambaugh8473]

My favorite movie ever.

[@hopeklemann1]

@@scottstambaugh8473 I love it, too

[@JohnLedger-g4i]

Elton’s career kicked off after a weeks residency at LAs Troubadour club on the strip. It was the place in to play late 60s early 70s. All the Laurel Canyonites played it.

[@corawheeler9355]

Great music from a wonderful album

[@8DecadesLife]

Madman is my favorite Elton album & Madman is also my fav track. I had the vinyl for home & the cassette for the road.

[@MisterWondrous]

One of my favorites from Sir Elton. Fun to play on guitar. Should try it on piano. They fit like glove here. His tragic "Ticking" is a fun one to play on piano, where he really pulls some emotion outta those keys. I love the way his voice trails off, like down and back up a hill. Very spatial this song. Well, isn't that spatial!

[@smithpm81]

one of his very best

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Had new york radio station wnew on my night table going to sleep. Madman came on and i can't discribe the floating, sinking feeling that went through me. Like no other song i have ever heard

[@lauraallen55]

All great songs! Earlier Elton is best Elton. Madman is one of my favorite songs of his.

[@irrefudiate]

Each of these songs had a cinematic quality to them lyrically and musically, especially Indian Sunset. It seems like, back in the day, songwriters went the extra mile... Elton, the Beatles, etc., etc. Joni Mitchell's "Amelia" fits that bill.

[@jbach4311]

Best Mystery Bundle Ever!! Thank You!

[@leeannies-tears369]

I LOVE THIS ALBUM ❤. TINY DANCE UP FIRST! WOOHOO

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Classic greatness

[@ls1959]

Goodbye Yellowbrick Road is Elton's peak. A double album with not a filler anywhere. All great stuff with many classics.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Hey Lee, when you get to Stevie Wonder , Superstition, be sure to check out Stevie Ray Vaughn cover. It became a staple of his live shows. I suggest SRV " LIVE IN NASHVILLE" version. But there all great.

[@theeloquentbaby]

Just a magnificent set. Thank you, Barry.

[@nanlewis]

Madman is so intense.

[@AjaxCaper]

Levon has my favorite Elton song for years. But maybe one day it will be Madman. It's so good.

[@nancy9891]

Great songs! Thank you so much for this wonderful album. L33 your love of history enlightens all of us.

[@L33Reacts]

Hi Nancy! Glad you enjoyed it. 😉

[@gallery963]

There is a live version of "Indian Sunset" with Ray Cooper on drums that is awesome.

[@robinstarkey6071]

Tiny Dancer is played in The Oscar winning movie 'Almost Famous'. Phenomenal movie about rock music, and possibly the most perfect placement of a song within a movie ever, ever, ever. Chills just thinking about it. I hope you watch it, Lee. I promise you'll love it

[@randy8297]

The mid-sixties(ish) to mid-seventies(ish) was the golden age of Rock n Roll. There's good music from every era but that period seemed to be the true maturation of the art form.

[@827dusty]

Elton John's early music from 1969 to about 1974 was his best. He was the top artist during that time. He and writer Bernie Taupin were an unstoppable Duo. He had some great songs after this time, but not like that early period. This might be my favorite album as well.

[@roadkill7314]

Madman is my favorite Elton song!

[@wanderer0617]

You're choosing some great music! I don't recall if you have reacted to The Rolling Stones. My favorite band since they came out. Them and the Beatles around the same time! I just saw them twice last week in Vegas and Seattle. Just incredible, high level performances, like they always have ❤

[@shemanic1]

From "Tiny Dancer" to "Indian Sunset" This album is a masterpiece. Bernie's lyrics, Elton's singing & the strings of Paul Buckmaster, make this one of the best albums ever. There is a superb massed voice version of "Tiny Dancer" by Choir! Choir! Choir! to check out. Roger Pope was in a band called Hookfoot, with Caleb Quaye, Ian Duck & David Glover, all local to me & the Troggs. Their bluesy albums are great.

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

Apparently, Elton selected parts of Bernie's poems to sing. He didn't just play what he got. He excised bits.

[@HXERkYJclMcKLAWwQW]

I was in 9th grade , went by the record store heard this bought it . Burned a “ fat one “ put on the song “ Madman across the water “ on the Pioneer Headphones I had and my mind melted . The orchestral music, Caleb Quaye on acoustic guitar.

[@dranet47]

The bass is Dee Murray. He was amazing.