24 months passed between the recording sessions for Crazy Water, and those for Elton's next (major) single, the angry, jagged Ego. From the sound of the record, Elton hadn't been able to find much solace in the interim. Ego twists with the energy of a tantrum. It's dark and humourous, petulant and self-mocking, all at once.
Backed with Flintstone Boy, a lightly subversive slice of queer country music, this single was Elton's state of the nation address for Spring 1978, and a real artistic statement. Unfortunately for Elton, punk had come, the new wave was in the ascendancy, and younger record buyers were not looking in his direction. For their part, Elton's own fanbase were alienated by the lack of a singable hook in the song. Released 40 years ago today, Ego stalled at number 34 on both sides of the Atlantic.
This episode is a celebration of this vital single release. Part biography, part musical analysis, the episode looks at 1977/1978 Elton, and these two songs, from every conceivable angle.
The episode takes some of its shape from the excellent Elton John biography 'Captain Fantastic' by David DeCouto.
The two centre extractions that I talk over can be heard in full on my new YouTube channel.
Episode 42 - Jewel Box Companion 1: Bernie's Letter
Episode 41 - Old Friends
Episode 40 - Tumbleweed Connection at 50 (part 2) with John Higgins and Peter Thomas
Episode 39 - Tumbleweed Connection at 50 with John Higgins and Peter Thomas
Episode 38 - Tumbleweed Connection Covered
Episode 37 - 'Elton John' at 50 (Part 2) with John Higgins and Skaila Kanga
Episode 36 - Jewel Box Joy
Episode 35 - 'Elton John' at 50 with John Higgins
Episode 34 - Fantasy Residency and More Songs They Gave Away
Episode 33 - Anett Murray Interview
Episode 32 - Mysteries of Elton
Episode 31 - Empty Sky at 50
Episode 30 - Listening Session with Peter Thomas
Episode 29 - Top of the Charts with a ROCKET, ft. The Lambrettas
Episode 28 - Alternate Versions, Mixes and Edits
Episode 27 - Breaking Down 'Passengers'
Episode 26 - Rare Masters Vol. 2 (Part 2)
Episode 25 - Rare Masters Vol. 2 (Part 1)
Episode 24 - David Larkham Interview
Episode 23 - Bernie's Auction - What We've Learned
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