Build Your Own Best Of - Elton John

I've been a fan of Elton John for a long time. His writing collaboration with Bernie Taupin has created some of the greatest music of my generation. He is an amazing live performer, one I've seen countless times over the years. His string of 7 albums from 1971's Madman Across The Water through 1975's Captain Fantastic is a staggeringly amazing collection of songs. This amazingly prolific period is surpassed probably only by The Beatles for sheer quantity of quality work in such a short period of time.

But Elton is also one of those artists that I occasionally despise. You see, for every Tumbleweed Connection there was a Leather Jackets. For every "Amoreena" there was a "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" A quick scan of ratings in my library shows a tremendous number of 3 and 4 star entries along with a boatload of "never play this again"s - it seems I either love him or hate him.

But when he clicks, it really is magic.

So once again inspired by Nat at Mini-Obs, the idea is the same as always:

Pick one of your favorite bands / artists and list 10-15 songs by that band / artist to compile your own best of compilation.

So here goes - The Best of Elton John as compiled by me:

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Sir Elton makes me cringe these days, but I was a huge fan back in the day. No argument about any of the songs you've picked: they are all top notch from the great years of EJ. The only songs I'd add include an odd one, sort of, but compelling: Ticking, from Caribou. It just breaks my heart. Also Elderberry Wine from Don't Shoot Me.

Favorite album of yours?

Mine's a tie between Madman and Yellow Brick.

#1 nat (Homepage) on 2008-09-06 07:41 (Reply)

The beauty of those albums is that you could probably pick any 15 songs at random and they would be great.

Eldberberry would have made the cut if I had just a couple more songs - is sure a standout on Don't Shoot Me.

If I had to pick one as a favorite I think I would have to go with Tumbleweed. It's a joy to listen to from start to finish.

Thanks for your comments - I always look forward to them.

SB

#1.1 Scott (Homepage) on 2008-09-06 09:38 (Reply)

I'm a huge fan of EJ for all the time. Once I listened his song "sacrifice" continuously for a whole day. The list you compiled and your idea is great. Thanks for sharing:)

#2 Scoliosis advice (Homepage) on 2008-09-06 11:30 (Reply)

Sir Elton makes me cringe these days,Really informative post.Thanks for sharing this in your post with us.Waiting for your next post like this.

#3 Italian recipes (Homepage) on 2008-09-08 11:29 (Reply)

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