Third appointment dedicated to Elton John: today we talk about “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.”

In 1974 Elton John released “Lady Samantha,” a compilation containing numerous B-sides and rarities retrieved from the early years of his career. In the same year, “Caribou” was also released, which, despite the copious sales of the single “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” failed in its attempt to provide a worthy successor to the masterpiece “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” As often happens, however, the affection of the public and commercial success are not enough to remedy a private life increasingly on the brink of collapse. After the recordings of Caribou, Elton began using cocaine and, during the same period, ended his relationship with Reid, already severely tested by the latter’s infidelity and drug abuse. Brightening up this dramatic scenario, in 1974 ex-Beatle John Lennon arrived, with whom Elton formed a deep friendship. This resulted in two collaborations: the song "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” included in Lennon’s album “Walls and Bridges,” and the cover of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” chosen as the single to launch Elton’s new album “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” (1975). Recorded in the summer of 1974, the artist’s ninth work is entirely dedicated to the creative relationship between the pianist Captain Fantastic and the lyricist Brown Dirt Cowboy, alter egos of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who retrace their careers in about ten tracks, completely setting aside the need to create a radio-friendly project. “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is in fact the last album featuring the historic lineup of the Elton John Band, composed of Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums, later revolutionized for “Rock of the Westies” (1975). The title track introduces the two protagonists, while the piano-rock of “Tower of Babel” and “Bitter Fingers” transport the album into a theatrical dimension still unprecedented in the artist’s repertoire. Next come the orchestral funk of “Tell Me When The Whistle Blows” and the single “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” in which Elton expresses his gratitude to his friend Long John Baldry for opening his eyes about his homosexuality. Then comes the rock ‘n roll energy of “(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket” and the funereal “Better Off Dead,” while “Writing” lightens the atmosphere before the solemn ballads “We All Fall In Love Sometimes” and “Curtains.” The album closes with the cover of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” followed by the poetic “One Day At A Time” and the cheerful funky-soul of “Philadelphia Freedom.” In addition to receiving unanimous critical acclaim, in just four days after its release “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” sold almost one and a half million copies, staying at the top of the American charts for seven weeks. 

To conclude this journey into Elton John’s music, today we suggest listening to “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” which, with its delicate Beach Boys-style harmonies, is certainly one of the most memorable tracks on the album.