You have discovered pure gold. This album is one the finest of all time...by any artist. Blues, gospel, RnR. This album has it all.

Early Elton John was real good. This is one of those people that if you didn't buy and listen to whole albums you really missed out.

This whole album is a masterpiece! This album has a lot of country influence as you picked up.

That entire CD is awesome. Where to now St. Peter is perfection.

This whole album has an Americana feel to it. His second big album in the U.S. He writes the music and Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics. During this period it was essentially a 3 piece band just before he added a guitar player.

Guys….Thank You so Much. This is so special. The previous album to Tumbleweed Connection is the Madman Across the Water. These 2 Albums will forever be the most iconic pieces of work from the Master! I lost my big brother a few years ago to cancer. He introduced me to these albums as I was a very young child. I still have these vinyls. Again, thank you.

As petite as Elton is, he has been known to break piano strings - an almost unbelievable feat. He's was a frustrated prodigy until he collaborated with Bernie Taupin. The rest is history. His ode to Gospel music is shown here and flavors many of his early tracks. Pls keep going down this deep dive.

What a great, deep cut. The live album 11-17-70 is an unbelievable experience. It's the recording of a session broadcast on FM radio on that date. Elton and band are introduced to lukewarm applause then they do a set with this song and several others and at the end the applause, shouting, and general reaction are incredible.

My favorite from this album by far is Come Down In Time. This song is fire. Thanks for appreciating it. ❤

Please, feature more cuts from this album. All of it is righteous. So far as the “power” of his piano: I saw him during the Yellow Brick Road tour, when he still used the Grand. What struck me immediately was the great richness and clarity of the notes, along with the power. So whatever the “tricks” used, they weren’t limited to the studio.

Arguably the best album EJ released. Top to bottom, it’s a masterpiece. No top 40 hits, but every song is a gem. Beautifully produced. Great reactions fellas!

This was Elton's third album (second album in the US) released in 1970/1971. He was on his way but hadn't reached mega-star status yet.

The band stayed pretty consistent throughout the heyday of the 70s -- Dee Murray on bass, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Nigel Olsson drums, Ray Cooper on percussion. They were tight. The live version of this is excellent; I'd be interested to hear what you think of the piano playing/mix on that. Thanks for this reaction; it's a really excellent song.

Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums, from Elton's original band for this album.

He came out with a one-two punch in 1970 with his self-titled album (which has Your Song on it) and Tumbleweed Connection. The next one, Madman Across The Water, and Tumbleweed were his hommage to country or americana - but also gospel (Border Song, which Aretha covered). For something quite different, try the title track to Madman Across The Water.

"Madman Across the Water", "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".....!!!

This for some reason was always my favorite Elton John album and in particular this song... Thanks...I'll never forget thinking "How famous is a drummer who puts HIS name on the base drum.. not the band's name or lead artist.. Nigel Olsson was magic to myself as a young drummer...

1st 6 or 7 albums are gold. This one and Empty Sky didn't get the airplay or have the hits, but the music is unbelievable. Just so many great songs and almost zero fill songs, almost every song is so listenable.

Mad Man Across the Water album- Levon, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, the whole album is epic. Sadly, Elton never returned to that style of music. But still had great hits to come.

Saw Elton John at Dodger stadium with Eric Clapton, Elton came out first and did his set and then Eric came out and did his set and then they both came out together and played a set, the concert lasted over 3hrs.

This is the Elton John I love…for me, not later pop. This entire album is gorgeous! Thanks for playing it!

Yes this entire album is his version of country music. It’s phenomenal!

Early Elton John is the best Elton John, imo

That’s one helluva of a vocal too! Elton sang his ass off in this record!

Madman Across the Water Holy Moses What Now, St. Peter

Early Elton up to captain Fantastic, is probably his most fertile period and Bernie Taupin’s lyrics were on a rich vein of form.

Dee Murray on bass. This is a special album. All great songs, pure perfection. This deserves your attention and I hope you can get to react to the entire album. Pure magic.

You’re right! Country and gospel with a dash of rock!

One of his best LIVE songs ever. Speeds it up, rocks out, packs a punch. Start of with his first live record "Live 11:17:70" where he absolutely ki**s this great song!

And Che is right it is Eltons Tribute to Country Music he said it in an interview many moons ago...

We need the spirit behind this song back today. It is sorely needed.

A must live performance is: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding

One of Elton and Bernie’s all time best tunes with great production and arrangement! Elton was so good on piano!Paul Buckmaster with the incredible maestro of the orchestra and Gus Dudgeon directed the production. 2 of the very best that put Elton to the elite class.The whole album had their spin on country

This is my favorite Elton John album. His song "Come Down In Time" is one of the most beautiful songs written. I finally got to see him live in 2019. It was a small venue and I had great seats. Just seeing his piano made me cry. I started taking piano lessons at 8. I learned a few songs but can only read music, not jam. Not easy reading his songs! It took me months to learn Funeral For A Friend.

My favorite songs on this album are My Father’s Gun and Amoreena. Tumbleweed Connection feels like what the south must have been like after the civil war.

Country Comforts is a must

I absolutely love seeing young folks really get into this stuff. This song, album and these artists are very special. I am 63 and have been listening to this since it was released 52 years ago, and it is literally an emotional / spiritual experience to watch this happen. Music is, after all emotional and spiritual and meant to be shared or it dies.

Elton John Wrote the Music that is why his piano is showcased. He has always been a great piano player. In almost all of the Elton John songs the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. They had a partnership in the music. Bernie Taupin was the silent partner that wrote the lyrics together with Elton John's music. Many fans did not know about Bernie Taupin being the co songwriter in Elton Johns music. Together they have written many great songs.

Oh, yes, this was his and Bernie's spin on country. There are other songs on this incredible album that make that point a LOT better even than did this fantastic song. Listen to the live version of this on the album "11-17-70" when Elton, Dee, and Nigel did it as a trio. You want to talk about powerful piano? There's no question of what's going on when it's just a trio and all you have is piano, bass, and drums. Thank you for featuring this album, gentlemen!

Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters & Madman Across The Water are amazing

Guys, listen to this entire album, it’s my favorite Elton John album ever!! A classic, it’s an early one before he blew up and became more poppy & radio friendly! Just a superb album!! ✌🏻

His piano tells part of his story/lyrics.

Dee Murray on bass. One of the most underrated players.

Yes, this is Elton's spin on country. Remember the album is called Tumbleweed Connection. England isn't known for its tumbleweed.

I love Elton. First time hearing this track. Amazing. Thanks fellas.

I love this album. Next songs to do are “Madman Across The Water” and “Levon”. And pretty much anything on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. 😁❤️

There is a live version of this. Recorded during a live radio broadcast the album is entitled "11/17/70. Broadcast from the A&R recording studios in Philadelphia. This should be a whole album listen, but Burn Down the Mission is a must. You'll be amazed at what just 3 musicians are capable of.

Thank you so much for reacting to my suggestion. Sharing this with fellow fans, and seeing you bob your heads to my choice is such a joy, along with your insights. Sorry Elton's publisher copyright struck you!! Here's some context someone might enjoy: Elton's breakthrough album, Elton John, with his first hit record, Your Song, came out during my impressionable high school years, and I have closely followed his music ever since. Though he's rightly revered for his later, glossy, beautifully produced and recorded pop records like Daniel, I prefer his less known, earlier, ballsy, R & B influenced records. In order: "Elton John", "Tumbleweed Connection", "Madman Across the Water", and "Honky Chateau". These have a thicker, more acoustic and rootsy sound, and many capture Americana remarkably well for a couple of brits. Though they are less well known that Elton's later mega-hits like Daniel, I think they are something special. Burn Down The Mission comes from Tumbleweed Connection--the album after Elton's breakthrough album, Elton John. Tumbleweed Connection was released October 1970 (!) The band The Band was popular then with their rootsy, acoustic-based songs of Americana (classics in their own right), and Elton's producers thought that style would work well for Elton. Boy do I agree. Tumbleweed Connection features cinematic, expansive, unconventionally-structured songs of 1800s Americana, and is my favorite of his albums. I agree with Che that this is Elton's take on country--the songs feature acoustic instruments and tell country tales. But as you have observed before, those Brit rockers just have to britify songs. I was hoping you would notice the bass, La. To answer your question, Elton had the same band for most of his career. From Wikipedia: "The band was originally formed by John in 1970 as a trio, consisting of himself, drummer Nigel Olsson, and bassist Dee Murray. They first appeared together on disc with John on the album Tumbleweed Connection, which was released that same year. Over the next few years, guitarist Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper also joined the band, forming the band's classic lineup. The critical success of the band was at its peak in the 1970s, when they released a streak of chart-topping albums in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). " Context of the song itself: Many early western towns were founded by groups of Spanish Missionaries, Who preached Catholicism ("You tell me there's an angel in your tree") and, with the help of native converts, built walled mission compounds from which they preached, taught and guided, the more primitive local populace. Many California cities are named after the missions that founded them--Santa this, Santa that. 😉 Burn Down The Mission is told by such a local dweller who, resentful of the mission's wealth, calls for burning and sacking it. I hope you enjoyed the song and the info as much as I did sharing it. Thanks for making my week. 😁 All the best!

When I saw him in concert for the third time, he was in the beginning of the first song and stopped. He went on a rant about the stage being too far away from the people. He wanted to see us and let us see him. He stayed at the very edge of the stage the whole time to be closer to us. Damn that was fire. He loves his millions of fans.

Killer song! One of his best.

I wore out the needle of my record player playing Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection album back in the 70s 👏

Some of his best work❤

I'm enjoying these tunes all over again vicariously thru you two. I dunno how old you are. I'm 55 and THIS is the soundtrack to my childhood. Straight up. I obviously don't recall when this came out in 1970...I was two! But I recall hearing these songs in late 1974 onward. Those early Elton records were ALL great. The core of the band was Dee Murray on bass, Davey Johnstone on guitars , Roger Pope on drums as well as Nigel Olsson who would take over the drum seat. But here there's a whole bunch of other musicians. Made for a PERFECT record

very nice / this is a magic lp... start to finish // thanks guys

"It's time we put the flame-torch to their keep" Great line from a great song.... hell yeah!!!

My favorite Elton John album.

It's his Dynamic Range that impressed me as a kid and a piano player when I first got into His music. He'll go from Loud to Soft within two chords! Extraordinary control. (He did spend some time at the Royal Academy of Music as a teenager.) Classical control.

Love this album❤❤❤❤❤❤

Yeah! Love this song and album.

You nailed i! This is a spin on country music. The whole album shares this thread and partially takes you back in time to a different culture. Thank you Mom for raising me with this in the background. And thank you gentlemen for feeling this one out.

My favorite Elton album... By far!!!!

I mentioned this on several channels but never any takers ..You gotta great one here

I think you're talking about Elton's hammer fingers, but he also weaves in the piano masterfully, even on synthesizer pieces like Funeral for a Friend, the piano line is evident amongst all the sounds.

Early Elton is just fabulous. So bluesy and soulful

Fantabulous. Thank you for this reaction

I saw Elton when I was 15. 2 weeks before the release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. He played that entire album, all four sides. Intermission, then came back and did songs from Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across The Water, self titled place, Friends and other greats. Totally amazing.

Love that you are doing some Elton, especially the earlier stuff.

Look at the album title Tumbleweed Connection... Country and Western

The key changes are masterful in this song.

He loved Soul music and gospel. It's like being taken to church.

This one is even better live. Saw him in October and he still plays with all that strength. Agree with the other comments about checking out Madman Across the Water.

He and Billy Joel play piano as a percussion instrument. Dee Murray is on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums and the amazing Davey Johnstone on guitars. Percussion was usually Ray Cooper and he's got to be in the background there.

Great hook! Burn down the mission !

"Amoreena" from Tumbleweed Connection is a great song. Give it a listen.

That voice is so iconic. He is Captain Fantastic. This was what I listened to at age 13. This and so much of what you guys have covered. The 70's were an amazing time for music. We were lucky and you are lucky to hear this passed down to you.

If you want to hear keys, listen to "Take Me to the Pilot" from Elton John's first album!

Loved listening to this album at my best friend's house so long ago. Thanks for a special fun memory trip!!!

THE ENTIRE ALBUM ( TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION ) WAS COUNTRY SOUNDING 😊 HE'S JUST A MERE 23 YEARS OF AGE DURING THIS LAH AND CHE 😊INCREDIBLE!

Boys, do you hear the flames actually burning it down at:7:25 on your video (and after until the end) Elton's full composition on this is so over the top. Flutes, horns, percussion, bass, keys, strings, etc.... It actually sounds like flames are taking over. So amazing!

I had the privilege to see the tour he did in support of this album, and a few other times. I was so blown away by this man's energy, been a lifelong fan since.

Whenever I've had my fill of modern city life I put on this album and go back to a much better time.

This album came out in October, 1970 in the UK and January, 1971 in the U.S.. Elton has referred to this record as their Wild West album due to its subject matter and production.

This album is a masterpiece, and also Madman Across the Water!!

Always loved this, it was a different sound from Elton than I was familiar with. Love how it changes from slow to fast and slow again. More PLEASE 🤗 👍🏻💯

So glad someone finally reacted to this! Such a great song off a extremely solid album! Thanks for doing this one

Grew up with Elton playing all the time. Every album as if not better. We wore the yellow of the yellow brick rd album. Saw him in concert 3 times and it was awesome. Played lying on the floor on his back. Lying down on it looking down on the keys and any other way amaginable. LOL moment when he try to break his chair for gifts to the audience but can't hes so frail. The bodyguards come out and crumble it snd he hands it out. And wore many different crazy ass expensive glasses during the concert. THANKS

I have always felt this is his best song, at least my favorite. Thanks again Gentlemen!

This is a great great album. Early Elton was the best Elton. This is one of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite albums. I'd like to suggest that you give him the Led Zepplin treatment & give a listen to him in a historical context beginning with this album. You will see just how diverse his sound was. This was his most country sounding album, but he has tons of great stuff.

Reg can play the hell outta them keys!

I really enjoy watching you guys discovering the music I grew up listening to 😘🥰

YEAHHHH, HE'S BEEN POUNDING AND SLAMMING KEYS SINCE HE WAS ( 4 ) CHE SO!, NO QUESTION ABOUT HIS SOUND, INSANE! 💯 😊

I used to have an Elton John piano book, and it was very, very hard. Lots of keys being hit with those two hands.

This guy was the best!❤

You have to listen to the live version of this from his 60th birthday concert or any other big concert. The ending is different live and amazing if he has a choir.

That was great!

Incredible album! His A&R man said "I don't hear a single".

The entire album has no bad songs on it, I liked the early Elton John stuff the best.

Early Elton is magic

The classic lineup for Elton John’s band. . .Nigel Olson on drums, Dee Murray (deceased 1993) on bass. The guitarist you guys are referring to is Davey Johnstone, who did not join the band until 1972, and to this date is Elton’s musical director for the band. So happy you picked up on him, but yes, Davey’s guitar and Elton’s piano have magical chemistry. But you won’t hear Davey on this album (Tumbleweed Connection) or the next album (Madman Across the Water). Davey joins the band on the following album, (Honky Chateau), which also has some great songs you should check out: 1.) Honky Cat. 2.) Rocket Man 3.) A Cat Named Hercules 4.) Salvation These songs are mighty! Check them out!!!!!

hescamazing