![The Union [+Digital Booklet]](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00462JOT6&tag=mvcubed_stuff)
A lot of the songs on here are Elton John, Bernie Taupin collaborations, but by bringing in Leon Russell they got back to the country, rock roots which drove their sound on albums like Tumbleweed Connection. Producer T-Bone Burnett decided to have them record the album live and that again strips down the sound a bit more and gives it a nice rootsy feel. The mix with Russell works very well as his sound compliments Taupin's lyrics and John's musicality very well. My favorite song on the album is the Russell, Taupin track "I Should Have Sent Roses". It gets a bit bluesy and I think gets into the heart of what Taupin is so good at, writing self reflective lyrics.
For me the album is a bit long at 14 tracks, and because of the gritty, slow sound of the album it wore me down a bit. If I were in the right mood for it though I think this album would really grab me.
I could see playing this when in a dark mood, or taking a lone, long drive at night.
Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 3 out of 5 stars for Pretty Good.
I remember Mr. Toy going over to SIU on a school night to see Leon Russell in concert. Or it might've been Leon Redbone.
ReplyDeleteHow does Elton's voice sound?
ReplyDeleteHonestly it took me a moment to realize which one was John. His voice is pretty strong though, just much lower.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can barely stand to listen to him with the lower voice.
ReplyDeleteIt works on this album because it is such a gritty album.
ReplyDeleteMr. Toy was great.
ReplyDelete