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Post by BiteUrLip on Apr 23, 2020 17:10:15 GMT
From Live In Moscow 1979.
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Post by BiteUrLip on Apr 23, 2020 17:13:03 GMT
Absolutely the biggest weakness of this live album is that it's just piano, vocals and percussion. The original version is superior to this one.
3½ stars.
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Post by dougs on Apr 23, 2020 21:58:57 GMT
"Crazy Water" from LIVE FROM MOSCOW 1979:
Last year (2019) finally saw the official release of Elton & Ray Cooper LIVE IN MOSCOW 1979. First released on Record Store Day on remastered vinyl the album and song were then released in all formats later. This "Crazy Water" version is a slightly extended one and features only two musicians; EJ on piano and Ray on percussion. Elton's piano is playful with a fast-tempo. It is always fun watching Elton play frenzied piano. An interesting part of the song is when he slows it right down and shows off his vocals. This is probably a case where a song is actually better experienced live than it is on live LP record through repeated listening. You can hear how Elton & Ray got the entire crowd clapping along. This live version certainly isn't as finely crafted as the BLUE MOVES studio version but it is raw and probably felt good live. I did see them on their 1979 tour and "Crazy Water" did "feel" good that night!
It is interesting that Elton has never played "Crazy Water" either with his band or on those few occasions where he played with an orchestra. EJ played it first at The Rainbow in London in 1977, then all through 1979 with Ray Cooper, then again in 1993, and finally in his solo shows from 2009 to 2012. On BLUE MOVES "Crazy Water" has a lot of musical accompaniment; the large band, orchestra, and backing vocalists yet the only live performances have been with a spare (piano/percussion) arrangement or solo. Producer Gus Dudgeon just raved about "Crazy Water" when it was recorded calling it one of Elton's best. Lyrically, "Crazy Water" is apparently about Bernie's failing marriage to Maxine (aka "Tiny Dancer" - depending who you ask).
Rating: 4 stars (maybe 4 1/2)
Doug
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Post by newloneranger on Apr 26, 2020 6:36:18 GMT
Its ok, I prefer the studio version,
4 stars
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