RECAST 1973 - SEPT - Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

RECAST:  ( Episode #45) 

Elton John — “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” September, 1973

Elton John's seventh studio release is considered his best by many. The double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road contains many well known hits including the title track, the Marilyn Monroe-inspired “Candle in the Wind,” and the 11-minute epic “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.” Elton John initially intended to record this album in Jamaica, but political instability and the upcoming Frazier/Foreman boxing match caused the production to be moved to Chateau d'Herouville in France.

Friend of the Show John Lynch returns to help us showcase this monster rock album from 1973.

All the Girls Love Alice This deeper cut in a minor key deals with prostitution and lesbianism. Tempo changes between the verses and chorus with a groovy fuzzy guitar distortion give this track its distinctive sound. Liberty music was originally trying to get John and writer/partner Bernie Taupin to write songs for other artists, but they decided to write it for themselves.

Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting This well-known track was inspired by Taupin's experience in local pubs as a lad — it was banned on a number of radio stations because of fears that it would inspire violence. At age 15, Elton John was actually playing in pubs.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road The title track hearkens to a simpler childhood time, removed from celebrity and high society. Reginald Kenneth Dwight would change his name to Elton John inspired by two blues players he liked.

Grey Seal Another deeper track from the album is driven by piano riffs and interesting key and tempo changes. If you don't understand the lyrics to this song, you're in good company - Elton John doesn't understand the lyrics either!

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Super Friends Theme Song This staple of Saturday morning cartoons featured DC superheroes...“Meanwhile, back in the Halls of Justice...”

STAFF PICKS:

Looking Glass - “Jimmy Love Mary-Anne”   Wayne brings us the yacht rock this week. If you think this sounds like "Brandy," there's a reason for it. This is their follow-up top-40 hit. Story songs like this were popular in the early '70's.

The Edgar Winter Group - “Free Ride”  Bruce's staff pick brings the boogie from the debut album from The Edgar Winter Group. Ronnie Montrose and Rick Derringer were also on this album.

Jim Croce - “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” Special Guest Host stepping in for Brian, John Lynch introduces another storytelling song with amazing lyrics like, "badder than old King Kong, and meaner than a junkyard dog." Unfortunately, Croce would die in a plane crash in this month.

Chicago - “Just You 'n' Me” Rob takes the tempo down with a horn-driven hit. This was the second single released from "Chicago VI." The song was inspired by an argument that trombone player James Pankow had with his girlfriend - shortly thereafter his wife.

LAUGH TRACK:

Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers - “Monster Mash” Ahead of Halloween 1973, this song was moving up the charts. Originally released in 1962, the song was re-released in 1973.

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