Today we have Elton John's ninth studio album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. Released in 1975, it is a concept album about Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin's early music careers. The album was also the last to feature all of Elton John's band playing together until the 80s. The album sold extremely well upon release, staying at the number one spot on the charts for seven weeks, and is generally considered one of Elton's best works.
I find the high sales for this album surprising--besides Empty Sky, this album might be his least catchy batch of songs. Yes, besides "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" and "Someone Saved My Life," none of these songs are likely to offer the instant gratification that pop stars like Elton are expected to brew up for their fans. In fact, many of these don't start sounding good until the third listen. Slightness and understatement here is key--it does feel strange to say this with such a overstimulating cover--and Elton throws in a "Bitter Fingers" or "(Gotta Get a) Meal Ticket" to counteract this occasionally. The understatement is welcome, especially on "Writing," and that such an album can appeal to the masses makes a pop cynic like me a believer. B+
