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Elton John

The Captain and The Kid  Hear it Now

RS: 4of 5 Stars Average User Rating: 4of 5 Stars

2006

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The Captain and the Kid is the third album in a career-resurrecting run that began in 2001, when Elton John took the novel approach of sitting down at a piano and writing songs that sound a lot like Elton John. The album is a sequel to 1975's chart-topping Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, and it has moments that rival the original: The songs are precision instruments, from the honky-tonk pop of "Just Like Noah's Ark" to pristine ballads like the title track. With lyricist Bernie Taupin in tow, The Kid traces thirty-odd years' worth of ups and downs that befall the duo. The story line gets a little murky and the album cheeses out on songs like "The Bridge." But more than just a gift to fans, it shows Elton's gifts haven't deserted him. And that's more than good enough.

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Sep 18, 2006)

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Review 1 of 16

floppyrooster writes:

4of 5 Stars


At first,I didnt like this record.I thought it the material was weak and Eltons' voice was not at its best.I gave it a good listen with the headphones,glass of wine in hand.This is a GREAT RECORD! Thank EJ for giving us an awesome piano disc.It seems to remind of where Peachtree left off.I hear alot of references to the time when Captain Fantastic was out.I must say Eltons' voice is now at its best.Smooth tones he has matured well.look forward to many more records like this one.The voice,The piano.An Icon of our generation

May 20, 2007 06:09:54

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Review 2 of 16

MiniGuv writes:

5of 5 Stars


What a superb album, unfairly reflected in both the UK and US charts. Superb blend of varying styles mixed together to create an album to follow up Captain Fantastic, a must have album.!

Apr 7, 2007 15:01:37

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Review 3 of 16

garyoke writes:

5of 5 Stars


It's very hard to be objective about The Captain And The Kid if
you're a long term EJ fan, as I am. I just love this disc.

I'm old enough to remember chasing EJ's limo down 6th
Avenue after a TV appearance in 1970 (and getting an
autograph). And as a piano player, EJ was my hero - I rocked
out to Honky Cat throughout college. This is the Elton we
know and love.

TCATK has been described as the third in a comeback trilogy,
but that's not quite accurate. Truth be told. Songs From the
West Coast is the better album, and Peachtree Road is the
weakest. But this disc has many joys to behold.

Suggestion: Take 4 strong songs from Peachtree Road,
Answer in The Sky, Weight of The World, Porch Swing in
Tupolo, and All That I'm Allowed, and burn them as songs
4,7,9, and 13 on CATK and you have the ultimate current EJ
disc.

Frankly with songs like this, and a voice that's gained depth
and authority with the years, I don't ever want to hear Bennie
And The Jets again.

Neither will you.

Jan 13, 2007 17:01:42

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Review 4 of 16

kissybissy writes:

5of 5 Stars


Elton is back to his roots with The Captain and the Kid presenting his fans with enjoyable uptempo songs and ballads that feature a stripped down production that harks back to his early albums.

It was a brave venture make a sequel to his famous Captain Fantastic album, which certainly is not an easy task, especially 'cause it covers more than 30 years of his partnership with Bernie Taupin. One cannot forget that the Original album covered his three years of their career.

Elton didn't disappoint his fans and once again proved he didn't lose his edge as a singer/songwriter, showing is still able to produce classics such as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic.

We cannot avoid mentioning Bernie that successfully covered those 30 years plus in just 20 lyrics - 10 of them, made it into the album - showing that, as Elton, he's still in top form.

A masterpiece that certainly will make history like its predecessor Captain Fantastic.

Ana Sousa

Curitiba-Brazil

Oct 11, 2006 19:57:14

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Review 5 of 16

smiddlecn writes:

4of 5 Stars


I don't know what's more amazing--Bernie Taupin's ability to capture pieces of their lives so perfectly in so few words--or Elton's ability to set the words to music. It's the best album Elton's done in years. Songs like "And the House Fell Down' and 'Blues Never Fade Away' are amazing. This Elton-Bernie fan is thrilled!

Oct 7, 2006 15:13:34

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Review 6 of 16

cmsrick writes:

5of 5 Stars


I was taken completely by surprise by this cd. This is the best Elton John work since the late 1970s. It is the first cd in a long time that I just can't stop listening to. Elton has finally returned to the faithfull.

Oct 7, 2006 14:31:33

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Review 7 of 16

One11Eleven writes:

5of 5 Stars


I LOVE this album. And The House Fell Down is ROCKIN!

Oct 3, 2006 07:29:24

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Review 8 of 16

vickiebob writes:

5of 5 Stars


This is pure Elton!. What a wonderful surprise. The reason I started listenin to him and Bernie in the first place....Thanks for the memories and the new ones to come.

Oct 1, 2006 08:51:16

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