Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin, were fascinated by Western movies. They brought in that flavour to their 3^rd outing ‘Tumbleweed Connection’. Released in 1970, the LP is the perfect bedrock for the subsequent brilliant albums from the duo. Incidentally, the album also celebrated its 50^th anniversary in August 2020.

The sound is Americana, country and country rock. The lyrics are about gunslingers, one-horse towns, salons and everything which will make you see a Hollywood Western in there. Why, John even sings with a Yankee twang. Produced by Gus Dudgeon (producer of many Elton John albums), with grand orchestral arrangements by Paul Buckmaster and some mean guitar thrown in by Caleb Quaye, the overall effect of the album is that of a classic. Also, there is a certain Dusty Springfield there in the backing choir.

Although it is a concept album, I always play the side 2 of the LP first. Call it favouritism. The stand out tracks of this side are Where To Now St Peter?, Amoreena (which was used in the opening sequence of the movie ‘Dog Day Afternoon’), and everything else. Side 2 has the majestically beautiful and hauntingly sung Come Down In Time, a timeless composition by the duo. The other mentions on this side are Country Comfort and the bluesy opener Ballad of a Well Known Gun.

The cover art is a photograph shot at Sheffield Park railway station in Sussex with John and Taupin in the frame. The idea was to recreate a rural Americana look and it works beautifully. To mark the 50^th anniversary, the railway station was restored to look as it did when the cover photo was taken.

The early Elton’s albums have a certain ‘joie de vivre’ with his incredible piano playing, immaculate compositions and singing. Taupin’s imaginative and poetic lyrics added the right amount of charm. Even a plaintive song like, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road has so much life in it.

Hopefully, 2021 brings in the same and much needed ‘joie de vivre’ for us. Here’s wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Year: 1970

Genre: Americana, Country, Country Rock

Length: 46:56

Producer: Gus Dudgeon

Rating: 4/5

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 32-year-old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions. He's also the author of the book 'Khyaalon ki Tapri', a collection of poems. This bestseller book is available on Amazon.  

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com