With my 15th round selection, I'm proud to pick in the WILDCARD category, what is in my humble opinion, Sir Elton John's finest album, 1971's Madman Across the Water.
Some really wonderful records came out in the year of my birth! As for this particular pick, I knew that I could not go through this draft without selecting an Elton John record. His early work, when he and Taupin were cranking out songs like Chris Lindberg cranked out Flames line combinations, is often lost on younger music fans because his present work isn't exactly rock music. Is there anyone in this draft that fits in that category? Likely not, but if you find yourself fitting that description do yourself a favor and pick up anyone of the early Elton John records. You will not be disappointed.
I think this is his best album. Solid from start to finish and one I often listen to in its entirety. I've been debating with myself whether to choose this one or
Goodbye Yellowbrick Road for a couple of months now. Madman wins out because every song is great IMO. Yellowbrick Road is a great record, with some outstanding individual songs, but I don't think it quite lives up to Madman. Madman is a bit obscure, as
Tiny Dancer is really the only mega popular song on the record. More seasoned rock fans will know other songs like
Levon as well. I often find that people have never even heard the title track or
Indian Sunset and I feel sorry for them!
Without further adieu, I give you
Madman Across the Water....
Tiny Dancer
Levon
Razor Face
Madman Across the Water
Indian Sunset
Holiday Inn
Rotten Peaches
All The Nasties
Goodbye