I distinctly remember the release of this album because our chorus teacher at PS 11, Mr. Czina, was a huge Elton John fan and at the ripe old age of 11 years old, we sang Harmony and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I am sure my PS11 facebook friends will back me up on this.
There really is not a weak song on this double album and represents the pinnacle for John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin. Taupin wrote the lyrics in two weeks and John wrote the music in 3 days…unbelievable. I recall reading that each song was recorded on the first take..also unbelievable. The band was simply at its best during this time period.
The album opens with a foggy, funeral dirge fit for barren moors and crescendos with swirling synth and Wurlitzer runs which promise resurrection and then the band kicks into “Love Lies Bleeding” with the opening line…”The roses in the window box have tilted to one side…everything about this house was born to grow and die”.
It wasn’t until years later that I realized the song “Sweet Painted Lady” was not about a woman who painted. “Jamaica Jerk-Off” was not about wanking and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was not about the Wizard of Oz.
This album featured a lot of guitar work from long time band member, Davey Johnstone, who was always overshadowed by John’s virtuoso piano playing. “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” is a classic feature of Johnstone’s Gibson-Marshall power chords.
The album’s “Candle in the Wind” track was reprised for Princess Diana’s funeral and was a beautiful and touching moment befitting a beautiful and touching song. For me, one of the strongest tracks on the album (and Elton agrees) is “Grey Seal” with a hook guaranteed to garner hall of fame induction.
“…Through the medium of cinematic metaphor, the album builds on nostalgia for a childhood and culture left in the past”.
Goodbye yellow brick road, where the dogs of society howl. Indeed.