'Elton John / Greatest Hits (November 4, 1974) Remaster (2009)'!

Do you remember the age of innocence? Back in a time where not knowing something was almost more releasing as knowing something. In November 1974, singer, performer Elton John's first 'Greatest Hits' compilation was released. Having known songs such as 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Your Song' on the radio I immediately purchased the album when I noticed it in the bins in early 1975. I soon became a fan of songs like 'Rocket Man', which I kind of understood as a type of 'Space Oddity', and the great guitar-oriented, 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting', which I quickly tried to learn the lyrics too as I was doing my air guitar along to Davey Johnstone's superb riff! So, logically, when I had the opportunity I wanted to share this new outlandish singer that I had discovered with my cousins. My older cousin, Rob, quickly informed me that Elton was so outlandish because he was Gay. My innocent, quick Reply at the age of 11 was, 'Yes, and I'm happy too when I hear his music!' No, I wasn't familiar with what Rob meant, but I continued in my enjoyment of what is still to this day great music even once I became aware of what the word, Gay had come to represent. No, I am not homosexual, but like that child who first heard a song like, 'Daniel', which made me think of my best friend down the street I continue to enjoy the music of Elton John. Why, YOU may ask, because it's simply great music! I have never felt that I had to change my way of thinking or lifestyle because of listening to a song by Elton John nor do I think that anyone has to. Come to think of it, if we ever really attempted to ban singers who sang that were Gay, well, I have a feeling that there wouldn't be many left to listen to! So, if YOU have never heard any of these great songs, or if YOU have heard something about this man that YOU didn't like then maybe it's time to put aside your prejudices and simply enjoy some great music from the man who has written the book on what a Pop-Rock song should sound like, Elton John, and his fabulous songs written by Bernie Taupin, the amazing songsmith. - Rick Wilson, former Rock Radio Journalist with Radio Canale Grandé.

01) Your Song (Elton John) 1970 ***** Ultimate single!
02) Daniel (Don't Shoot Me, I'm The Piano Player) 1973 ***** Nice tune!
03) Honky Cat (Honky Chàteau) 1972 ***** Great groove!
04) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) 1973 ***** Not just for 'Wizard Of Oz' fans!
05) Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) 1973 ***** Great riff!
06) Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) (Honky Chàteau) 1972 ***** Kate Bush loves it, so do I!
07) Bennie & The Jets (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) 1973 ***** Soul Classic!
08) Candle In The Wind: original (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) 1973 ***** Original Marilyn Monroe version!
09) Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Caribou) 1974 ***** Another original!
10) The Border Song (Elton John) 1970 ***** Great Aretha Franklin cover!
11) Crocodile Rock (Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player) 1972 ***** I seen this one on Sonny & Cher, and I was hooked!
12) Bad Side Of The Moon (single, Elton John CD) 1970 ***** Yes, it's-a my life!
13) Elderberry Wine (Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player) 1973 ***** Sounds great! Let's try some!
14) Michelle's Song (Friends: soundtrack) 1971 ***** Great missing link!
15) Take Me To The Pilot (Elton John) 1970 ***** Another hidden treasure!
16) Mellow (Honky Chàteau) 1972 ***** Have YOU ever been, Olivia?
17) Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters (Honky Chàteau) 1972 ***** Unique, but nifty!
18) Burn Down The Mission (Tumbleweed Connection) 1970-UK, 1971-US ***** Concert favourite!

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