Madman Across the Water

Japanese-only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) paper sleeve pressing of this classic album from the British singer/songwriter and entertainer, originally released in 1971. SHM-CDs can be played on any audio player and delivers unbelievably high-quality sound. You won't believe it's the same CD! Universal. 2008.

Named for a cut that originally appeared on his Tumbleweed Connection album, Madman Across the Water yielded some of Elton John's earliest AOR staples. "Tiny Dancer," like the previous "Your Song," was introduced and carried by John's masterful piano composition. The song's sense of longing also employed the falsetto chorus that would become as much of a trademark as his costumes. "Levon," another entry into the John/Taupin "ballad of" category, is one of their finest pieces. The orchestration gives the song not only its sense of foreboding, but also its release of tension as the song ends. "Rotten Peaches" became a favorite, as did "Holiday Inn." There's also a different interpretation of the title track than appeared on Tumbleweed Connection. --Steve Gdula