Sometimes I rag on Elton John because I am sick of his status as one of the two most popular piano players of our time, with Billy Joel. Nobody else is comparable, and it frustrates me that strangers want to lump me in as a devout worshipper of not just either but both.
But today, I'm gonna give Elton an adulation: Side Four of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is one of the strongest album sides of all time.
- "Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n' Roll)": Funny stuff.
- "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting": The musical focus on this major radio hit is not the piano but a monstrous distorted guitar riff that has survived many rough 'n' tumble Saturdays.
- "Roy Rogers": I thought I was listening to a Nashville chart-topper for a few minutes.
- "Social Disease": Bernie Taupin's comical lyrics glide off of Elton's tongue in this perfect example of how the musical arrangement of a song should vary from verse to verse. It also makes me want to sit down at a piano and write such inventive chord progressions.
- "Harmony": This stunning album closer makes you think the Beatles reunited for a moment.
Big props, Elton. Nice album. Side One is just about as compelling.
Nicely played.
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