Live Cuts Make This One an Essential
Rudy Palma | NJ | 12/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After the stately, erstwhile title track of this maxi single moves past the station, many tracks abound that make this a true standout in Elton John's catalogue of non-album CD releases.
The sentimental, world-weary ballad lifted from "Songs From the West Coast" exudes grace, maturity and world-class musicianship, while "Did Anybody Ever Sleep With Joan of Arc?" is a fine testament to the 15th century French heroine. A leftover from the "...West Coast" sessions, the song spews strong, contemplative lyrics across its quirky melody. It clearly was left off the album not due to lack of quality but thematic conflict.
The remaining three tracks are awesome live cuts from John's performance on BBC Radio on September 9, 2001. "I Want Love" is even more earthy in a live setting, with its lyrics coming across with more urgency than ever as John pleas his passionate case. Furthermore, "American Triangle" tells the terrible saga of the murder of Matthew Shepard with unsurmountable passion. Bernie Taupin's cryptic lyrics cut to the heart of the matter while John sweeps listeners away with his raging torrent of melody and vocals.
"'Western skies don't make it right/'Home of the brave don't make no sense/I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire/Left to die on a high ridge fence/It's a cold, cold wind/It's a cold, cold wind/It's a cold wind blowing, Wyoming."
One moment of the disc, however, is ripe for the pop culture history books. Stripped down and full of caffeinated invigoration, this recording of "Philadelphia Freedom" is arguably John's best. Playing like a fiend and singing with the giddiest of soul, it is impossible to resist succumbing to the blissful musical rapture of this performance. The background singers sound merely superfluous as John crosses the finish line.
This is definitely an underrated gem in John's catalogue that all major fans cannot be without. All five tracks are above average to outstanding in quality, coming together to create a fine indicator for forthcoming helpings of his post-millenium performance and songcraft."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1
