Search - Elton John :: Live In Australia With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

The Best Elton John Live Album

Anthony Nasti | Staten Island, New York United States | 12/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is by far Elton John's best live album. Recorded during a time when both his career and his vocal chords were litteraly in rock 'n' roll jeopardy, Elton bounced back with an astounding live album that features the songs that you tend to hear very much rather than the monster hits.The stirring "Sixty Years On" is highlighted by a grandoise performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Elton's haunting vocal perfomance. And anyone who says that his vocal problems could stop him from hitting the high parts on songs are put to shame on his towering performance of "The King Must Die".
Elton also does a stirring revival of "Madman Across The Water",
done hear in a screeching style with a dark string performance by the orchestra. The version of "Candle In The Wind" was a huge international hit, and this moving solo performance by Elton blasts the version he wrote for Princess Diana out of the water.
Elton's energy is evident on rocking performances of "Take Me To The Pilot" and "Burn Down The Mission", complete with his percussive piano playing. And though we're all probably sick to death of listening to it, his stellar performance of "Your Song" begs repeated listens. Elton's vocal performance on the finale
"Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" shines, and he shows that he's more than just a candle in the wind."

One of my all time favorite CD's

Anthony Nasti | 08/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Elton John is one of my all time favorite artists. His melodies along with Bernie's lyrics go together very well. Elton's performace on this show was nothing short of amazing. Especially considering that at the time he was battling a cocaine addiction, an eating disorder, alcoholism, depression, and throat problems. The highlight of the whole night was when he play the seven minute song Tonight from his Blue Moves album. That is one of the best songs I have heard. The only thing that would have been better is that they played the whole concert since they only played the second half where he had the whole orchastra. Nonetheless I still loved it. Elton sounds like he just threw himself into this project and the results are nothing short of amazng. This is a must for any Elton fan. The other bad thing, not that I'm complaining, is that there are more slow songs than fast songs. Still this is a must for any Elton fan like me."

It should not work but it is a masterpiece..

need coffee now! | Bay Area, CA, USA | 06/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why should it not work? Well,considering the not so great quality of the albums he released during this period; BREAKING HEARTS, ICE ON FIRE, LEATHER JACKETS and REG STRIKES BACK, the mid-eighties were a period of Elton John's music that I am not fond of at all. Also at this time Elton got married either as a publicity stunt or to allay any suspicion of being gay. He was alo trying to kick a drug habit as well a finally ending a soured recording contract with David Geffen. And on top of all this his voice was overworked and almost completely shot.



So out of all this he makes a live album in 1986 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and makes in my opinion one of the best live albums I have ever heard. Conduted by James newton Howard, it allows Elton sing songs not normally heard live. Only four of the fourteen tracks were singles and he delved into his early albums and sang quite a few lesser known songs. In fact none of his songs from 1977 through 1986 were included. Also the first four tracks are Elton with only the orchestra and the band do not make an appearance until Track #5 (SORRY SEEMS...)

But I think what makes the album so special is that he was certainly going through a very rough time (again!). And the rasping, rough vocal only adds to the appeal.



Track listing is given at the end and there is no real need to analyse the songs in detail. But in most cases, they are ideal for a full orchestra accompaniment. The only song without orchestra is CANDLE IN THE WIND, much more restrained and in my view, much better than the studio version. However it is just wonderful to hear songs like MADMAN ACCROSS THE WATER, SIXTY YEARS ON, THE KING MUST DIE, THE GREATEST DISCOVERY, BURN DOWN THE MISSION get the full treatment.



One of the best tracks is TAKE ME TO THE PILOT. It stands out even more as it is the only fast-paced song on the album. Maybe one or two more fast songs would have helped vary the tempo but overall i do not care as the album is very rewarding anyway.



Some tracks are over the top. HAVE MERCY ON THE CRIMINAL was always way too bombastic for me and unfortunately his raspy vocal gets swamped by the orchestra. TONIGHT sounds too much like cheesy Gershwin and the orchestra is too loud for the sad, yet tender lyric. The album version on BLUE MOVES is much better as it is more understated. YOUR SONG is also better on the studio version with its subdued strings.



But it is a very unique live album and it is not a rehashed Greatest Hits Live. If you only know EJ for the hits, go discover these great early songs with great melody and great lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It ranks up there with Elton John' best albums. Just be prepared for the rasping hoarse vocals.



1. Sixty years on (5.08)

2. I need you to turn to (2.34)

3. The greatest discovery (3.48)

4. Tonight (7.26)

5. Sorry seems to be the hardest word (3.30)

6. The king must die (4.58)

7. Take me to the pilot (3.54)

8. Tiny dancer (6.06)

9. Have mercy on the criminal (5.28)

10. Madman across the water (6.20)

11. Candle in the wind (3.46)

12. Burn down the mission (5.27)

13. Your song (3.48)

14. Don't let the sun go down on me (5.28)"