Elton John - Songs From The West Coast
Rocket / Universal

Elton John's "Madman Across The Water" was the first album I ever bought. In 1971 I was only eleven Elton was 24 with an edge of undirected angst that was starting to shape into something of relevance to anyone in the market for a new pop hero. Critics in spite of themselves had also proclaimed Elton the likely next big thing. He was - groundbreaking albums followed like the adventurous "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and the autobiographical "Captain Fantastic" but the cryptic "Madman" remains my all time favorite album by any artist. My love for Elton was tested to the limit in the 80s' with the insipid "Little Jeannie" and finally after hearing "Leather Jackets" in 1986 I cracked and had to admit Elton's creativity was as long gone as his locks. I'm sure you've heard the press saying this one's his best album in years well that in itself doesn't necessarily say anything. So I approached this CD like any new Elton release desperately searching for the Rocket Man of old and for the first time since 1992's "The One" Elton had reconnected to some sort of semblance from the Glory days. At least four of the tracks on "Songs From The West Coast" sound like that plugged in hero from the 70's - ok maybe not as good as his old hits but a close facsimile and that alone makes it worth ten times its price. The irresistible "Look Ma, No Hands" a longing call for a mother love and attention features the return of Nigel Olson who played drums on most of Elton's early hits. The reunion continues with the melancholy "Ballad Of The Boy In The Red Shoes" a tale of the good old days through the eyes of a dying aging dancer with string arrangement by Elton's old pal Paul Buckmaster. Lyricist Bernie Taupin toys with denial and delusions on the spirited "Love Her Like Me" about a rejected lover not loosing a beat by maintaining the relationship that's all in his head. Interestingly the label chose to release the Beatlesque ditty "I want Love" as the first single when really it's easily one of the weaker tracks on the album. Elton's Voice is also revived sounding as loose as before his throat surgery fourteen years ago. Producer Patrick Leonard(Madonna) doesn't have the slick grandness Gus Dudgeon gave Elton in the 70s but he's obviously on to something here Elton's phrasing has a bouncy catchy feel not heard since "Rock Of The Westies" in 75 and the harmonies are truly vintage. With teen queens and Boy Bands holding us hostage on the charts Elton John has finally come to our rescue. It may not be "Madman Across The Water" but it's easily one of the best albums for adults out there. - by John Beaudin