Madman Across the Water
Named for a cut that originally appeared on hisTumbleweed Connectionalbum,Madman Across the Wateryielded some of Elton John's earliest AOR staples. "Tiny Dancer," like the previous "Your Song," was introduced and carried by John's masterful piano composition. The song's sense of longing also employed the falsetto chorus that would become as much of a trademark as his costumes.  "Levon," another entry into the John/Taupin "ballad of" category, is one of their finest pieces. The orchestration gives the song not only its sense of foreboding, but also its release of tension as the song ends. "Rotten Peaches" became a favorite, as did "Holiday Inn." There's also a different interpretation of the title track than appeared onTumbleweed Connection.--Steve Gdula