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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Named for a cut that originally appeared on his Tumbleweed Connection album, Madman Across the Water yielded some of Elton John's earliest AOR staples. "Tiny Dancer", like the previous "Your Song", was introduced and carried by John's masterful piano composition. The song's sense of longing also employed the falsetto chorus that would become as much of a trademark as his costumes. "Levon", another entry into the John/Taupin "ballad of" category, is one of their finest pieces. The orchestration gives the song not only its sense of foreboding, but also its release of tension as the song ends. "Rotten Peaches" became a favourite, as did "Holiday Inn". There's also a different interpretation of the title track than appeared on Tumbleweed Connection. --Steve Gdula
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
This really is one of Elton's finest albums. The beautiful 'Tiny Dancer'opens the album, full of superb orchestrations. It's good to see that this timeless classic is featured on the new 'Greatest Hits 1970-2002' compilation. The title track is also a masterpiece, (hear an early version on the remastered 'Tumbleweed Connection') as is the rarely mentioned 'Indian Sunset'.
This is no pop album, but if you like classic rock with a touch of blues and some classical touches, this is a must.
This is no pop album, but if you like classic rock with a touch of blues and some classical touches, this is a must.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
One of Elton's finest works. It contains some of the best lyrics Taupin ever produced, and they were crafted by Elton into musical gems not crass commercial pop music.
'Tiny Dancer' is a wonderful tribute to Bernie's then wife, Maxine. A song so simple and beautiful that it will stay forever as one of Elton's very best.
This is not a pop album, but it's far better than the more successful albums that followed, though maybe not always easy to listen to.
Not until 'Blue Moves' would Elton and Bernie write such beautiful music.
'Tiny Dancer' is a wonderful tribute to Bernie's then wife, Maxine. A song so simple and beautiful that it will stay forever as one of Elton's very best.
This is not a pop album, but it's far better than the more successful albums that followed, though maybe not always easy to listen to.
Not until 'Blue Moves' would Elton and Bernie write such beautiful music.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
Being born in 1976 I have to give credit to my Dad for getting me in to Elton John although it was somewhat subliminal as it was played a lot through my childhood during the late seventies and early eighties. However I picked up this little gem one day when I was around 17, 1993, I had never actually heard it. Dad had it on vinyl but I don’t recall him ever playing it, but for some reason it really grew on me. It got me through some bad times, and when I listen to it now it brings back warm memories of my teen years. It is defiantly one of the best albums I have ever heard, touching, magical, warm, and dramatic and an absolute masterpiece. Possibly one of Elton’s finest works of music, although for some reason it is less well known? There is not one song on this album that I don’t like, right from the melodious "Tiny dancer" (which I recently had played on piano at my wedding) to the melodramatic “Indian Sunset", “Levon” and “Razorface” It just has to be listened form beginning to end! If you like Elton just buy this album, you will not be disappointed!!!
Thanks Elton for some warm memories, oh and my Dad:)x
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Elton John and Bernie Taupin had five albums under their belt before, "Madman Across The Water" and this proved to only solidify their immense talent. Of course, the huge hits, "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer" grace this album, but all the songs carry a strong sense of pop/rock with a minimum of perfect orchestration. After this album, Elton John pushed his style in slightly different directions, but returned to this original fashion with albums like, "Songs From The West Coast" and "Peachtree Road". This album has always been a classic and in SACD format, the sound is absolutely brilliant!
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Pete Walker
Format:Audio CD
'Madman across the water', issued in late 1971, is the third and last of the series of three highly orchestrated, dramatic albums produced by Elton John just as his career was taking off in America and before he became well known in Britain. The black 'Elton John' album established him as a major talent and this reputation was consolidated and developed in 'Tumbleweed connection' with its many references to the American 'wild west'. 'Madman' sees Elton consolidating his musical identity, as established in the previous two albums, rather than developing it in new directions, and if it has a theme it is more one of contemporary, rather than 19th century, America. Several songs relate to characters in modern urban settings, and there are two about Elton's recent experiences of life on the road as a musician. By contrast, however, 'Indian sunset' returns to the theme of the 'frontier', whilst the brief closing track contains almost biblical poetic references.
The musical style throughout the record is the archetypal early-period Elton - medium tempo, with piano, bass and drums as the principal instruments, and Paul Buckmaster's grandiose string arrangements very prominent. It could be argued that there is too little variety of style, but the songs are distinctive enough to hold their own, and this very consistency of sound demonstrates Elton and Bernie Taupin's wish to be true to their musical vision and not to compromise for the sake of commercial success.
... Read more ›5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By MigRant
Format:Audio CD
Madman across the Water is one of my favourite Elton John albums...... and I've got a good few. It was released at a time when Elton was just starting to be an "international" phenomenon (rather than a one hit wonder) and at a time when his personality (and possibly/probably ego)played second fiddle to the music (no pun intended).
However, it shows Elton and the production team, playing with new-found ideas, (and probably finance) experimenting with orchestration on most of the tracks, and generally looking to produce something that was recognisable as Elton John, but sufficiently different to the previous two albums as to be interesting.
The result is an album of tracks which are instantly recognisable as Elton John, but not the tracks that are played constantly as "Elton in his heyday"!
Ranging from intensely personal (Tiny Dancer) to bizarrely abstract (Indian Sunset, considering the artist)the lyrics and the music withstand the test of time well, and if the new remasters lack the crackles and clicks of my old vinyl copy, then the character and atmosphere of the music, particularly Indian Sunset and Madman, more than make up for the loss.
A must for afficionados of Elton John, and a definite must for music lovers.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
my favorite cd of all time
this came out when I was in my 20's and I have always loved it.I know all the songs by heart and even now 'Indian Sunset' brings a lump to my throat, the words are so sad. Read more
Published 2 days ago by philippa.c
4.0 out of 5 stars
Prompt and good value
The item was delivered promptly and well packaged and was good value. I have not yet had time to listen to it, but I know it will be fine.
Published 3 months ago by Sylvia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Probably the best Elton album
Had these on tape many years ago but it became unusable. Pleased to find a CD version and the crazy thing was it was cheaper, even with added postage, than the download version. Read more
Published 4 months ago by D. Passell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elton at his very best
I recently saw Elton John in concert, and he played the first two songs from Madman. That inspired me to buy the album. The rest of the songs don't disappoint either. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Stephen L
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of his best
for those who followed elton from his early years this really shows his growth, and has tunes that will remain in your mind for all time to come
Published 15 months ago by Mrs. Julia M. James-tarn
5.0 out of 5 stars
a great addition to my back catalogue.
I am singing along with all of the songs, although I have not heard them for ages.
One of Eltons best, in his best writing period
One of Eltons best, in his best writing period
Published 17 months ago by Mr. L. Woolcott
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elton John
What a great album. I bought this album many years ago but this album has been remixed and it sounds better than ever.
Published on 9 Jan 2011 by Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for fans of Elton John's earlier stuff
My Brother-in-law was delighted to receive this at Christmas and claims it includes 2 of the best Elton John tracks ever.
Published on 7 Jan 2011 by Helen
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good album but no classic.
There's a lot to enjoy about this album: 'Tiny Dancer', 'Levon', 'Holiday Inn' and the title track. What's left is non-remarkable. Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2010 by MR K J DOWNING
5.0 out of 5 stars
Madman Across The Water
My wife saw Elton John at Manchester Free Trade Hall in the early seventies. She loved Elton's early stuff - up to and including Yellow Brick Road. Read more
Published on 23 May 2010 by Jas
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