I really
liked Elton’s “Your Song” when it came out in late 1970, and I remember in
early 1971 going to Murphy’s 5&10 in downtown Harrisburg to check out the
album. When I got there, however, I found two Elton John LPs: the self-titled
one that had “Your Song” on it, and another one, called Tumbleweed Connection. I’m not sure exactly what made me decide to
buy the latter instead of the former (which I picked up later) – probably the
cover art, possibly the song titles. Something must have attracted a lot of
purchasers in addition to myself, as the album managed to hit the top 10 on
both the U.S. and U.K. album charts without having any of its tracks released
as a single.
It’s pretty
impressive that two Brits could come up with such a great concept album about
the American West before either Elton or lyricist Bernie Taupin ever set foot in
the States. Apparently the work of The Band was a major influence.
Favorite
tracks:
Come Down In
Time
Where To Now
St. Peter?
Country
Comfort