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 22 - Caleb Quaye Interview
Eppsisode 21 - Stuart Epps Interview
Episode 20 - Elton's Buried Treasure vol. 2
Episode 19 - Early Cover Versions of Elton's Music
Episode 18 - Elton's Anonymous Cover Versions - ft. Dana Gillespie
Episode 17 - The New Routes of Davey Johnstone - 1971-73
Episode 16 - The Folk Roots of Davey Johnstone - 1951-71
Episode 14 - The Songs They Gave Away
Episode 13 - I've Been Loving You (For Precisely 50 Years)
Episode 12 - Bernie's Early Themes - '67-'69
Episode 11 - The Greatest Covers
Episode 10 - The One - 25 And A Half Years On
Episode 9 - At Home With Sheila and Reg
Episode 8 - Dee Murray Love-In
Episode 7 - Reconstructing 'A Song For Europe 1969'
Episode 6 - Cool As Christmas - Collaborations That Make Elton Cooler
Episode 5 - Don't Say It With 'Diamonds'
Episode 4 - It Was 40 Years Ago Today, Grumpy Elton Sacked The Band On Stage
Episode 3 - Regimental Sgt Zippo - The Debut Album That Never Was
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