LOST TRACKS

The great run of classic Elton John albums ended for many with the release of "CAPTAIN FANTASTIC & THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY." It was the last to feature the legendary Elton band that included Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson. But I stayed with Elton for at least two more releases. The first was the follow-up "ROCK OF THE WESTIES." It was a bit of a disappointment that featured a new gang from Philly in the studio, Caleb Quaye, Roger Pope and Kenny Passarelli to name a few, and spawned the hit single, "Island Girl."

Then came "BLUE MOVES," an album whose release in 1976 was met with mostly closed arms.
It was a two CD set which most critics felt showed signs of fatigue in Elton's hit making ability. There were epic orchestral ballads that lasted 8 minutes. Disco workouts that lasted 7 minutes. Gospel numbers. And of course, the monster hit, "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word." But that was it. No follow up single.

The album is never talked about with the same respect as such classics as "Tumbleweed Connection," "Madman Across The Water," or "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." And maybe it shouldn't be. But it deserves more attention than it has gotten over the years. It's an ambitious work that years later still holds up. And if we still have the patience to listen to any of Elton's dreck from the 80's, 90's and later, "BLUE MOVES" deserves at least 5 minutes of your "upload to iPod" time.
Listen to a fave track of mine. A beautiful ballad, unlike anything Elton and his band had attempted prior.

Idol.MP3

BUY "BLUE MOVES" HERE