Last night a friend of mine asked me if I had ever heard the original version of Madman Across the Water. Being this was one of my favorite Elton John tunes I was intrigued. Dave says: “Listen to the reissued 2001 album Tumbleweed Connection with the original version that doesn’t have Elton’s piano as the lead instrument but Mick Ronson’s guitar”. Yes the same Mick Ronson that help make David Bowie’s “The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars” record such a big hit and was the leading force beside Bowie on the powerful tour that followed.
Come to find out that the 2001 reissue was the second one. The first one was 1995 or 1996 like that really matters. I loved the song so much that it was decide to skip this weeks song for this one instead. It will be worth it! If you have never heard this version you have to listen to it. What a great version. It truly highlights Ronson’s guitar skills and really rocks out. I wonder what kind of radio play it would have gotten if it ended up being released instead of the “Madman Across the Water” album version?
Thanks Dave for all your fabulous music knowledge and sharing it with me again. Get better soon too!!!!
Forgotten Rock Classics 
Yes, I can see why you love this version. I think Taupin and John were an amazing team.
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Not many song writing teams can match the number of rock and roll hits Taupin and John have had, John and Paul, Jagger and Richards come to mind. John and Paul don’t have the longevity that the other two pairs have but boy did they change the music world in the short time they wrote together.
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Yes, you got me thinking of writing partners: the Gershwins, Lerner and Lowe, the Bergmans, Simon and Garfunkel, Carole King and Gerry Goffin. People who worked so well together as a creative team and produced the most wonderful music that just goes on. And you’re right, Dennis, music can make a difference in the world. That’s why I love reading your blog . I learn something from you with every post. Thanks, Clare
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Thanks Claire. You can even add Menken and Ashman to the list. Before Ashman passed they had wrote some pretty good scores for Disney that really made the movies what they were and who could forget “The Little Shop of Horrors”
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Feeeeeed Meeeeeee! (although my favorite number is in the dentist office)
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