Album Info Hide Show Artist: Elton John Album: Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy Gatefold: Yes Released: Europe, 3 Aug 2018 Tracklist: A1 Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin – Davey Johnstone Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic] – Elton John Shaker, Congas, Gong, Quijada [Jawbone], Tambourine – Ray Cooper A2 Tower Of Babel Electric Guitar – Davey Johnstone Piano – Elton John Tambourine – Ray Cooper A3 Bitter Fingers Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Bells, Bell tree, Tambourine, Congas – Ray Cooper Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Piano – Elton John A4 Tell Me When The Whistle Blows Arranged By [Orchestral Arrangement] – Gene Page Electric Guitar – Davey Johnstone Electric Piano, Clavinet – Elton John Tambourine, Congas – Ray Cooper A5 Someone Saved My Life Tonight Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Guitar [Leslie], Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Arp String Ensemble] – Elton John Tambourine, Shaker, Cymbal – Ray Cooper B1 (Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Piano, Clavinet – Elton John Tambourine – Ray Cooper B2 Better Off Dead Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Harmony Vocals, Piano – Elton John triangle – Ray Cooper B3 Writing Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Harmony Vocals, Electric Piano – Elton John triangle, Shaker, Bongos – Ray Cooper B4 We All Fall In Love Sometimes Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Piano, Harpsichord, Mellotron – Elton John Synthesizer [Arp] – Dave Hentschel Tambourine, Bells, Congas – Ray Cooper B5 Curtains Backing Vocals – Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Davey Johnstone Piano, Harpsichord, Mellotron, Vocals [Lum-de-lums] – Elton John Synthesizer [Arp] – Dave Hentschel Tambourine, Bells, Congas – Ray Cooper Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 211 High St, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . 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We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show Elton John’s “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is a remarkable album that stands as a deeply personal and introspective work in his extensive discography. Released on 19 May 1975, this record captures the essence of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s early struggles and triumphs as a songwriting duo, chronicling their journey from obscurity to stardom. Its an album that feels both intimate and grand, a testament to their creative partnership and the heights they reached together. From the opening title track, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy”, the album sets a reflective tone. The song paints a vivid picture of Elton and Bernies early days, with Elton as the “Captain Fantastic” and Bernie as the “Brown Dirt Cowboy.” The lyrics are autobiographical, and the music complements them beautifully, with Elton’s piano work and the bands instrumentation creating a lush, evocative soundscape. This theme of self-reflection and storytelling runs throughout the album, making it a cohesive and compelling listen. One of the standout tracks is “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”, a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into a dark period in Elton’s life. The song is both poignant and cathartic, with its soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrics resonating deeply. Its no surprise that this track became one of Eltons most beloved songs, showcasing his ability to convey raw emotion through his music. The production on the album is stellar, with Gus Dudgeon at the helm. Dudgeon, who had worked with Elton on several previous albums, brings a polished yet organic sound to the record. The band, featuring Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums, is in top form, delivering performances that are both tight and expressive. The arrangements are intricate yet accessible, with strings and backing vocals adding depth and texture to the songs. “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” was also notable for being the first album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to Elton Johns immense popularity at the time. It was a critical and commercial success, further cementing his status as one of the leading artists of the 1970s. The albums packaging was also a highlight, featuring elaborate artwork and a booklet with lyrics and illustrations, making it a collectors item for fans. What makes this album particularly special is its honesty and vulnerability. Unlike some of Eltons other records, which often featured more universal themes, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is deeply personal, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of its creators. Its an album that rewards repeated listens, with its rich storytelling and musical intricacies revealing new layers over time. In the context of Elton Johns career, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” represents a peak of artistic achievement. Its a record that balances introspection with accessibility, showcasing the unique chemistry between Elton and Bernie. For fans of Elton John, its an essential listen, and for those new to his music, its a great starting point to explore his incredible body of work. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review