Tumbleweed Connection

After the relatively modest Empty Sky and eponymous second LP, Elton and Bernie, in thrall to The Band and their first two game-changing albums, came up with this near-faultless piece of faux-Americana, and I can remember how good it sounded on its release back in 1970 {when I was 19} and it still sounds pretty good today, though not quite as paint-fresh as it once did {whereas those Band albums have never dated one jot, and never will}.A huge cast of musicians was used for this record, including none other than ~ wait for it ~ Dusty Springfield, Madeline Bell, Lesley Duncan, and lead singer of White Plains/session singer supreme Tony Burrows, on backing vocals for two tracks, in particular Duncan's own fine composition Love Song.The closing track Burn Down the Mission is a standout on this almost-great album, as is one of the extras on the superb remaster {with full booklet}: the original version of the song Madman Across the Water, which was to be the title track of Elton's next, magnificent LP.But that's another story . . .

Having recently bought a small turntable, mainly for RSD releases etc, I decided to buy some of my favourite albums on LP, (seeing as everyone seems to say vinyl has a better sound etc etc) - regardless of that debate, it is great to here this classic EJ album on vinyl. I've always loved this, from the second I first heard it back in 2005 or 06. In my opinion, his top 3 albums are this, GYBR and 'Captain fantastic...'. This songs just flows, from the opening riff of ballad of a well known gun, to the fade out on the mini Burn down the mission jam, it is a true 5 star record. I still find this is underrated to a degree. I mean, Bernie was 17 18, hadn't been to the state at the time, and wrote sh*t like this. Just not enough credit. It says a lot that The Band asked Bernie and Elton to write them a songs in 1971. The master, MY Dylan, also commented on either Ballad or my fathers gun, back in 1970. This is classic roots rock. A golden era, 1970....and this is a part of that tapestry....

Quite simply, the male vocal album which I consider the absolute finest of my lifetime, even in the face of Motown. Not only are the songs all masterpieces, but the musicianship and backing vocals put this album in a league of its own. And any album which features the cream of UK backing vocalists (plus someone extra special) as a support choir is well deserving of all the accolades - Madeline Bell, Kay Garner, Lesley Duncan, Sue and Sunny, Tony Burrows and other stalwarts, and, as a masterstroke, Dusty Springfield, were all engaged to work on this album. Exceptional on so many levels.

If you like early Elton John then you will like this album. There are no big hits on this concept album but there are some great compositions. I love Ballad Of A Well-known Gun, Country Comfort, Amoreena and Burn Down the Mission. There are one or two tracks I'm not keen on but like all music, as with all art forms, it comes down to personal choice. A good production and a bonus track with the original version of Madman Across the Water (nearly 9 minutes long). Great band including Caleb Quaye on guitar and Nigel Olsson on drums.

Used to play the LP a lot in the 70s and always rated this as one of Elton's finest albums. Hearing it again on remastered CD, it is even more impressive and I would put it top of his pile. Not a weak track and some great ones: Amoreena, Burn Down the Mission ... Before Elton moved into pop rock.

It's my favourite EJ album, so obviously love it. There is one fault however which really annoyed me. There is a clock track clearly Audible on "Love Song". After all the blurb about lovingly remastered on the sleeve notes, this is a disgrace.

Every Elton album seems to have that one amazing track that stands out above the others. This album is one of the hardest to choose one particular song... at a push Talking Old Soldiers the words in this song are so powerful. A great Elton album, but aren't most of them.

A lovely CD, real blast from the past with Elton John's style of the early seventies. Delivery date was stated as 6th to 12th June and it arrived on the 12th June. Perfect condition and an incredible price.