Tumbleweed Connection - Elton John (1970)

Long range Americana

Tumbleweed Connection, recorded in March 1970, only two months after and still before the release of the previous album Elton John, is, in my opinion, where Elton John and Bernie Taupin really hit their stride.

Much is made of the fact that neither of the two had set foot in America when writing the album, and it is not so much inspired by America as the music and films the pair had grown up on. Their love for Americana is compelling, even though I don’t share it. It is often described as a concept album, and although it doesn’t contain any overarching narrative the songs together paint a picture that transports the listener.

Songs like Talking Old Soldiers evoke the Old West, while Country Comfort, describes a childhood entirely unlike those of John and Taupin, who grew up in suburban London. To a kid from the North Shore, their tale is utterly convincing.

Elton John himself, biased though he may be, describes it as “probably one of our most perfect albums” and I’m inclined to agree with his assessment. I don’t think it quite reaches the same heights as his later more successful albums, but it does what it does incredibly well, and that’s very valuable.

My favourite songs are Where to Now, St Peter?, Talking Old Soldiers, and Burn Down the Mission, but others such as Country Comfort, or Amoreena are worthy of mention.

A near perfect album, 4½ stars.