Madman Across the Water [Remaster] - John, Elton (CD 1996)

First, I confess I am an avid Elton John listener, fan and collector. His music has caught my ear since I was old enough to appreciate music and, most especially, once I was able to start buying albums. I can still remember the first time I heard Elton John while listening to a small, portable AM radio. To this day, this is one my more favorite Elton albums.

Elton's "Madman Across the Water" was originally released in 1971. It was burned on CD in the early 80's, back in the early days of digital music. In 1995 it was remastered with 20 bit digital technology using the original studio recordings and rereleased on CD. Having owned both the older and newer, the remastered piece has far better overall sound. The insert also includes more information, especially nice if you are interested in historical Elton information. There are also copies available on 24KT gold pressed by Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs. Since MFSL has stopped production as of November of 1999, these particular pieces are going at prices over $100, used.

Madman differs from Elton's other albums of this time period because his usual band mates of Nigel Olson and Dee Murray only perform on one track, All the Nasties. The remaining tracks use other musicians and stand-ins. The tone of this song may reflect the sentiment of Elton, his lyricist Bernie Taupin, and the band.

Of all the songs on the album, Tiny Dancer, Razor Face, Madman Across the Water, Holiday Inn, All the Nasties and Goodbye are my favorite selections. Every song on the album is a fine work but these particular pieces seem to have excellent melodic qualities, mixing and lyrics. Only you can determine for yourself what your favorite songs will be, but these particular choices deserve a careful and attentive listen.

For those with "good" sound systems, you will notice this album maintains an excellent sound stage. On my system, you would swear Elton's voice is coming from the center channel even though it is turned off. It's almost as though he was standing right there, singing and playing. There are few modern albums that can make this claim.

If you enjoy listening to Elton John and do not currently have this piece in your collection, I highly recommend adding it. Additionally, I recommend Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, The Fox, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Love Songs. Elton John is one of the artists where it's better to listen to albums rather than buy a "Greatest Hits" collection.