Elton John Leon Russell If It Wasn't For Bad http://theeltonjohntapes.blogspot.com

[starrrkrazeee]

the break is so rich... it pulls on me from the inside out with such sweet feeling frangrance! ahhhhh.....

[maby52love]

Very handsome guy too!!

[January2454]

All thanks to Elton for bringing back the incomparable Leon Russell. I share Elton's view that it was a travesty and a tragedy that such a legend as Leon "disappeared" for so long.

[lumeriam]

LEON RUSSELL! Saw him at Luther Burbank Center mid 80's LOVE you both.

[pianoterry]

Elton, it is my dream to one day play piano beside you. I am from Truro Nova Scotia, and played piano since I was younger than 5 years old and am self taught. I am pianoterry.  Best regards Sir Elton John

Respectfully, Terry Brown

[starrrkrazeee]

@pianoterry My dream is to sit beside Leon Russell and listen to him play, or write a song. maybe pull out my bass and follow him for an hour! Go to the Brook and have a burger n Tulsa! i heard about all these site ing's & never saw him except during a concert, i drove by his house 100 times. Then 1 night after his Tulsa concert, leaving the Brook I ran into him, he smiled, said hi and i walked out, head spinning. i had come within 3ft of the one and only Leon Russell, Incredible!

[no1pjfan]

I've loved both of these guys since the early 70's. I'm so grateful to Elton for bringing Leon back into our lives. What incredible talent they both possess! Congratulations to my heroes!

[spacecase3196]

Elton john is performing with Santa Claus!!!

[kathleenb1947]

@spacecase3196 Santa can keep his sleigh at AND all his reindeer at my house any night! 

[morbss]

the voice at the begining is like from Mr Garisson

[shelstar7]

I first heard this song on my dad's car radio last year as he was driving my sister and I to the airport for us to go on holiday. The time was about 6.30am and it was still quite dark outside. The song combined with the whole feel of being on the road so early gave such a serene feeling. Beautiful song.

[starrrkrazeee]

@shelstar7 serene feeling ... perfect word to describe the feeling! that was the word i was looking for! So, sweet serene feeling.

[mapscannotcontainme]

OK...I need everybody's or at least somebody's help on this...

Before I get started...absolutely kickass song and great to justice for Leon...now...down to business...as I was listening to this song it reminded me of another song and I couldnt figure it out. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road outro is obvious and the intro familiar here, too...but what I wanted to ask is do the vocals here remind anybody else of Anthony Kiedis? This reminds me of RHCP Dosed oddly. I know EJ influenced him. Anybody?

[botbagel]

I'm stoked Leon has taken his rightful place in the Rock and Roll of Hall of Fame! Bout damned time!!!

[MIKEE2250]

I was glad to here leon going into the rock & roll hall of fame

[kidwest123]

I never really sat down and listen to an entire Elton John CD let alone Leon Russel, but last night I listen to the Union entirely, and the lyrics are amazing Leon's singing is so catchy, Elton's fantastic booming vocals through each song he sang in, absolutely amazing.

[cjenkins73]

Bloody damn good song

[MartinAWhite999]

Wonderful, wonderful song. More music should be like this.

[dave60538]

Long live Leon!!!

[casparus52]

You'd think the world off jazz would be a somewhere both these guys would at least

had a sniff at after all these years--but alas we're still left with bland meat and potatoes.

[TheApplegirl59]

Beautiful...thank you Elton, for bringing Leon back so others could hear how awesome he is, too! I love the collaboration in "The Union", and have been playing it and a lot of vintage Leon...am so thankful to hear my fellow Oklahoman again!!

[afi0931]

To all the people crying about this song/album. It's not a f*ckin Elton John song. Leon wrote it.

[afi0931]

This song was written by Leon Russell. Elton is the bigger name but stop giving him all the credit. Leon has been around FOREVER!!

[owens918]

Tulsa, OK baby!!!!!!

[fulluvit]

Reminds me terribly of Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat".

[politiciandiva]

@fulluvit Yes it does!!!!

[bmiger]

I'm so glad Elton realized that Leon is such a genius. What a treat, and so are all of Leon's songs from 1960s to late 1970s. I'm a proud Leon Lifer. L'chaim Leon! Live and be well.

[judecreek2]

When you take a pinch of Elton and add a dash of Leon, you have the recipe for the perfect "Union."

[neohip]

Well this is very special indeed.

Elton has always been open about his influences,and here he unites with Leon Russel,a master of his craft who has been away for far to long.

God bless them both.

[dinos369]

<3 Sir Elton John.!.!.!

[cyrus1960]

love eltons music so i bought this cd and was disappointed.

[ERBinOHIO]

Glad to see that the younger and up coming generations have realized the true magic of the 70s music this music is timeless in content...Feel blessed to  have lived my youth as it emerged..

[jessied44]

How can you not love this "we've all been there" song.

[bookish01]

I've loved Leon Russell since the 60's and still listen to him. It was very sad to see Sunday Morning this morning and learn that Leon felt forgotten! I never forgot him.

He is and always will be a a special talent I never tire of listening to. I bought this as soon as I learned of it. Great album!

[dburr13]

Leon and Elton sound great together...I'm so glad they did this!

[jferkfjkj]

this or herbie hancock/jeff beck etc.. should win the grammy for collaberation over the untalented katy perry/snoop dogg, and eminem

[pavaughn1]

Leon Russell was one of our favorites in 1970....Hummingbird....and glad to see he is still out there making music! 

[judecreek2]

HAPPY GRAMMY NOMINATION!!!!!!!!!

[mizofan]

@judecreek2 Yeah, it's a pity the album wasn't released in time for a grammy as well, hopefully will be remembered for next year

[TheBeatlesDreamScape]

Great Album.

I might be 13, but I haven't been affected by bands of this generation :D

I love Elton, love Leon, Love John Lennon, Love The Beatles, Love Pink Floyd, etc. :D

[LegionofPhoenix]

@TheBeatlesDreamScape Don't forget Queen and Rush.

[TheBeatlesDreamScape]

@LegionofPhoenix

Queen's okay, I hate Rush :D

[LegionofPhoenix]

@TheBeatlesDreamScape That's a real shame. Sorry to hear that.

[spydey550]

If only I was old enough when they collaborated in the early days. I have seen EJ live in 1982,, then Leon in 1995. Both awesome shows. Im glad to see them pair up at least one more time.

[ovaljimmy]

Leon hot ! Elton Not !

[kbrewster3024]

I love this song...what a team. I'm so glad they've paired up.

[TheM1lrm]

I was first saw Leon Russell when I was 16 or so on "Sound Stage" on PBS. Claudia Linier was the reason my friends and I were hooked on watching. It took several views to realize his talent behind that voice. As the years past I learned to love that voice. I still cry when I hear "Me and Baby Jane". He became my idol to this day I still see him as "The Master of Space and Time".

[ctrygardener]

I am so moved by this video and the audio. Elton John could have gone on with his career, very successfully indeed, but he looked beyond himself to pay a great respectful omage to a truly inspiring and uplifting, sometimes melancholy, Icon. I am now in my fifties - but I am sharing this music and legends of music with my 18 year old daughter - I am reliving the music and times with my friends. Thank you - I am still listening, crying, and singing!

[Seattlecarnut]

I recently bought the new cd by the two living legends. And I love it!

[craggles]

The master Leon and his apprentice Elton....The Rev is still rollin away the stone ...and together it is and ivory and vocal cornucopia baby

[kyunja3]

I have loved Leon since I was 16 years old. After admiring his work for 40 years and seeing him only in small venues, it's wonderful to see him get the accolades he deserves. Go Leon!

[JackolousTheNinja]

Does Leon come from the same place in America as the lead singer of Avenged Sevenfold cos I swear there accents/voices are very similar? :S is that just me? LOL

[crowamonghens]

@JackolousTheNinja tulsa

[Bombeni]

@JackolousTheNinja Leon comes from Tulsa, Okla., my hometown. :)

[dandb139]

One Word. Wow.

[Crystal20ism]

Back to excellence and great music, I have goosebumps from the collaboration.

[peterdought]

At last Elton make a good song, been too long, but guess if you hook up with an old friend of JJ Cale yopu cant go far wrong

[LaurelandGabriel]

Leon Russell was always the best; everything he ever did....actually same with Elton John...Loved "Tumbleweed Connection"......

[venturaedmund]

@ mizofan, ty for posting. looks like i will be buying the deluxe version today and giving the regular one to a friend.

[mizofan]

@venturaedmund Well, it's always best to hear it first before diving in paying more, cos the deluxe dvd is only short. The other deluxe song My Kind of Hell is pretty good, doesn't damage the album. Once i heard Mandalay Again i couldn't resist the deluxe

[venturaedmund]

This is what it is about for me. The music industry is not broken in that when quality like this comes out, I will buy it. Elton John and Leon Russell looking and sounding like they are having fun and at the top of their games, are you kidding me?

Sign me up.

[mizofan]

@venturaedmund There's a classic Mandalay Again (on youtube) on the 16 track deluxe version

[Zorin995]

Looks like I had better retract my chart prediction comments also.

It is great to be proved wrong sometimes!

[mattbod]

These two played a three hour set at the BBC Electric Proms last night. It was great.

[mizofan]

The album is #3 in the US charts!

[mwantero]

Awesome song. I got a question. Does anybody else think this song is about Leon meeting Elton for the first time or am I seriously misinterpreting the song?? The lyrics seem tongue-in-cheek to me. I'm probably reading into it too much.

[BRUCESCHOLTEN1]

Put your hands on the radio! It's a big bluesy deal that Leon Russell appears with Elton John at the Roundhouse in Camden Town London at 2010 BBC Electric Proms. Leon's vocal is excruciatingly his own on methinks the best song of 2010, 'If it wasn't for Bad (You'd be Good)'.

Leon's album 'Carney' is timeless. In 1975 he released the best album of that year, 'Will o' the Wisp' with the song 'Back to the Island'.

[Zorin995]

I have changed my mind on this. Last month I stated on here how much I disliked this. How times have changed.

One month later, having listened in great depth to the track and to the album I have to admit that this is fantastic and I retract my previous negative feedback.

Such fantastic musical ability demonstrated by these guys, who have endured different journeys since they met.

What great listening material this is, however I stand by my comments that it wont do well in chartland -

[mizofan]

@Zorin995 Well, great news on your change of mind. I think it's gonna sell a helluva lot better than Elton's last 2 albums, and may well chart higher in US than any album since Blue Moves. It certainly deserves to and i expect a buzz to spread. Image is very important for Elton to overcome homophobia that's worked against his sales, and a high chart position would make him seem more relevant again and more respectable to like him. I'm pleased for Leon after all these years.

[mizofan]

@Zorin995 Have you seen its chart position?

[mizofan]

The great reviews keep coming for The Union. So much praise now: "special", "a revelation", "mighty", "excellence", "extraordinary", "briiliant soulful", "Elton's best since Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "best album of 2010", "a landmark", "simply great", "easily the best (by either Elton or Leon) for many years", "wonderful", "wondrous", "terrific", "a triumph", "rejuvenated", "happy reunion indeed", "perfect union"...

[judecreek2]

@mizofan Well, that sums up my feelings about it, too. But maybe I'd add a little bit of "I told you so" to all the people that thought Leon was done. I could not be happier that the Master of Space and Time is BACK in a BIG BIG WAY!

[judecreek2]

@mizofan Oh,yeah! This is wonderful news! I am thrilled for both of them. I saw them on both "The View" and "Good Morning America" and I was kinda touched at how Elton John was almost protective of Leon. They both looked and sounded really good.

[boozer7574]

When I thought music for the boomers was in a sad state, this comes along! thankyou Elton Leon!

[axienemo]

I have been a Leon Russell for Soooo many years! I am so very happy that Elton partnered with him to produce this album. I can't wait to buy it!

[mizofan]

The album has been getting excellent critics' reviews- only 5 negative out of 32 i've read, and many have been gushing in their praise.

[DustyCatMom]

I saw Leon Russell live in the 70's at the Nassau Coliseum in NY and have his old albums still on vinyl. I love love love this CD, they should have done it sooner

[catluvnj]

i have loved leon since the early days....he was a powerhouse in rock and roll........energy, talent , style .........absolute cool!!!!!! he didn't really disappear, he has been performing at small venues for years, i have seen him many times, THANK YOU ELTON FOR INTRODUCING LEON TO NEW LISTENERS. and, it is shameful that he is not in hall of fame

[DundeeBhoy2007]

Easily the best song of the new album, great to hear Elton going back to basics. I can hear a lot of the goodbye yellow brick road and capt fantastic albums in this. Breath of fresh air.

P.S Does this not resemble billy joel's movin out?

[mizofan]

@DundeeBhoy2007 I wouldn't say it's easily the best song on the album, there are lots to love!

[DundeeBhoy2007]

@mizofan I gotta agree with you now, each time I play it I warm to the other songs. Just a great all round record.

[greanteawoman]

This is a fantastic blend of two of the most extraordinary talents. I thank Elton John for reaching out to Leon and making this record and acknowledging Leon’s influence on his music. Leon is a massive influence on many artists. It grieves me to think he's been left out - overlooked, esp by the R&R Hall of Fame, (shame on them!). Leon was the leader of the Rock and Roll band of the 1970s as far as I’m concerned and I hope more younger people will take the time to check out his phenomenal music.

[1caninelover]

Glad I live in Southern California...I can't wait! Got tix for 11/3 in Hollywwod & 11/5 in Ontario...I am a lucky, lucky lady!

[SaturnTrack]

I'm glad Rolling Stone gave "The Union" 5 Stars. It's an Elton and Leon album that truley deserves it.

[mizofan]

@SaturnTrack Yes, it's great and it's been getting excellent reviews so far

[LoveEltonjohn]

i can't wait for the Album is it also to get it in the nederland

[cardenb]

Awesome!!!

[sbarsky54]

Elton John used to open for Leon. He mentored him.

[briarhillgirl]

GO LEON,SAW YOU LAST IN1971.YOU SOUND GREAT.

[graphicbrew]

it is great to see Leon in the headlines again. I saw him play at BB KIng's last year and he was amazing. I can't wait to see Elton and Leon at the Beacon soon!

[doodahbagel]

Leon should have been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame years ago. Loved his Shelter Records catalog of work and it all still rocks today.

[mizofan]

The album is great!!

[unaserenata]

I can't wait to get this album.  I love the single, which is exactly what I would expect from two musical legends. Finally, something great.

[candelise]

Every true Elton fan SHOULD know about Leon Russell! His influence on Elton has been plain for a very long time. I hope their album is a good one.

[lornisply]

I hope this album wins album of the year! I love everything I've heard so far! Leon Russell was on the great "Concert for Bangladesh" concert album--two great men and two great piano players! Jerry Lee Lewis also has a new album coming out . . . we need more piano!

[GavinLiamLogan]

LOVE that opening.  WOW!!!

[mactheartofwarfare]

The Greatest Melody Writer Ever In Popular Music Performing With The Greatest Gospel Blues Country Influential Pianist From Oklahoma

[tubetu43]

...Im an Elton fan, but didnt like it.....waiting for the album, with hope....

[Oystercatcher011]

Sir Elton was chatting from his house above Nice to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 this morning and talked about his collaboration with Leon. I'm now getting acquainted with the music they're recording, as I must confess I'd not heard of Leon. Shame on me!

[cmagic74]

Do ur soul a favor............. Trust me......

[PHIL2364]

Leon Rusell is one of the all time greats ! He deserves to be in the hall ! Thank you EJ for helping shine a light on this great artist. You are a class act....

[bluebeatlesboy]

This is an amazing song!  It's not simply me hearing it and thinking it good and then leaving it- I keep coming back to listen again and again, it's a hell of a great song, I love it! I hope this does well, it deserves it!

[nosferatu49]

F***ing GENIUS!!!

[JET997u]

Dynamite combo!

[songsbyallan]

What do they mean by the first "single" from the new elton john/leon russell CD? Radio stations don't play elton john or leon russell anymore, except for a few classic rock stations which only play oldies!!

[nandomark]

Sounds like their voices are interlaced nicely.

This is a great Elton-like romp.

[zachhoran]

I suspect Leon will hit the Adult COntemporary charts with this song, seeing Elton's attached to it. Don't think Leon has been on that chart before.

[pljgfdt]

Dam This would of been a instant hit for me if it was elton singing it. Elton needs to do this song over definetly. Sorry russell

[delaneywalsh]

Thanks Leon for singing a Duet with me! You ROCK! "Stranger in a Strange Land" was always one of my favorites and I was honored to sing with you! :) So happy for you and your record with Elton.

[Zorin995]

Oh Dear.....What rubbish....This song doesn't know where it wants to go. What a daft first 30 seconds and I'm sorry but it just doesn't develop any better. Never thought Elton would collaborate with old Father Christmas but this single wont do well, and The Album, well if this is anything to go by........

[daught33]

You are a fool and an idiot.. I't's a fabulous song!

[pljgfdt]

@Zorin995 If this was sang by Elton with his 80's voice it would of rocked!!!!!!!!!!!!

[howieroarke]

Catchy little tune. Listened to it 5 times already. Not sure of T Bone's production. It doesn't seem like this song has made up its mind what it wants to be. And what's with the first 30 seconds? I've heard some of his other recent work (e.g., with John Mellencamp) that has turned me off. I really enjoy Peachtree Road though, so if you agree with remcureboy, my opinion may not count for much.

[REMCUREBOY]

@Joelesque

While Captain and the Kid is a MAJOR improvement for him, All of Peachtree Road sucks.

Lighten up. Christ. I love Elton, but I also know when he makes shit music.

[pljgfdt]

@REMCUREBOY R u crazy the peachtree rocks said by the puerto rican kid of the bronx. Was not to crazy for the cat song on the album but all that am allowed and all tht album rocked. Bro please. You must be a whiteboy with nigga ears I bet lol.

[mizofan]

This album has had raves from the few reviews i'm aware of, including Rolling Stone

[bobdole9696]

I think it's really cool how purely Elton John fans and purely Leon Russell fans are coming together and listening to this musical collaboration of theirs. I'm ashamed to admit I'm not too familiar with Leon Russell's music, but this song just sounds so amazing with his voice (and Elton's in the background). "The Union" is definitely going to be turning me into a Leon Russell fan. I suppose it's not only a "union" of these two great musicians, but also a union of their fans.

[220denyse]

@bobdole9696 i had Leon's Carny Album in 1972. Been a fan of him always. He has jammed with almost every musician or they jam with him! i love both Elton and Leon...among many others. But Leon is called the Master of space and time. His ageless. Amazing singer/songwriter/musician. He sings one of the best ballads ever.

[220denyse]

@bobdole9696 The song is called, "This Song For You".

[220denyse]

@judecreek2 i never said that "A Song For You" was on Carny. Just said it was one of my first albums and i liked it. And i made a typo. i just love Leon. His voice is so unique. His songwriting and music moves me. Wish i still had my albums. My brother took them with him when he went to college. i had them mixed up with his. Oh, well. Glad that i got to see Leon with Johnny Winter in '89. And i met Leon back stage.

[boliverful1]

@bobdole9696 Nothing to be ashamed about. If you want a great introduction to Leon's music, I'd highly recommend 'Leon Russell & the Shelter People' or "Carney'....both are superb albums that are impossible not to enjoy.

[mrlordmilton]

@bobdole9696 I could not bow more, never got Elton and never heard of Russell , but hey at 59 , I'm buying the first album in 10 years , love it .

This is headinmg for number 1 and then the stars , if it wasn't for them I'd be plain happy....now I feel real good.

[judecreek2]

@mrlordmilton Welcome to the club! Enjoy!

[Goku4816]

@bobdole9696

See, Im just the opposite.

I have been a MUCH bigger fan of Leon's than Elton's. However, both are amazing...But Leon is the Man...I agree, Im loving the two fan based getting to know each others music!

[pwg1126]

@bobdole9696 You need to hear Masquerade, A song for you, Straight brother and the whole Asylum Choir album or CD.

[REMCUREBOY]

I was expecting the worst from them (Elton is tooooo "ballady" these days for me..) but this is REALLY good! Nice!

[JohnTaupin]

This is friggin' incredible.. so bluesy. Anyone who can't hear the magic here does'nt know squat about good music. Can't wait for the album!

[JohnTaupin]

@malaxen hmm.. you or T Bone Burnett? I wonder who could produce a better album.......

[bobdole9696]

Is it just me, or did I hear Goodbye Yellow Brick Road @ 2:40?

Anyway, I think this is a great song. I wish there was more of Elton in the song, but I guess this is one of Leon's songs. I suppose that means Elton's songs will be extraordinary. I'm really excited about this album now!

[jpzollar]

@bobdole9696

Yeah I heard that too! Brilliant!!!!

[alreltney]

@bobdole9696 you are correct sounds just like it at about a 1/4 faster.

[alreltney]

@bobdole9696 you are correct sounds just like it at about a 1/4 faster. Wonder if that was intentional?

[bobdole9696]

@alreltney

Oh yes, I think it definitely was intentional. No doubt about it. I think it was kind of meant as a tribute or compliment to Elton and his hit album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I'm certain Leon was (and still is) a big fan of Elton as well. I suppose we'll see the reasoning behind that on Crowe's documentary.

[builderbro]

@bobdole9696 We also heard "Up On A Tightrope" at :46 and repeated occasionally as the song progresses. This collaboration is similar to Eric Clapton and B.B. King: no new ground broken, just great talent in different arrangements.

[TheRocker4U]

@bobdole9696 I heard it also. Elton must have written that part.

[cueball6101989]

@bobdole9696 it's not just you. I heard it too. 

[SkunkDroppings]

if this was 1973...and these two were in their prime..............this song would be one of those that didnt make it onto the album...

this is crap...real crap...not buying this cd...waste of money

this is awful and leon and ej dont know it then their in denial and surrounded by bullshit artists...

now when harrison collaborated with jeff lynne on cloud nine it worked cause the songs were strong..

this eats alls...just like elton does nightly

[Areseesee]

@SkunkDroppings Your name fits.

[SkunkDroppings]

@Areseesee

after hearing two songs from this forthcoming cd...i believe they should have called it "skunk droppings" not "union"...

[GavinLiamLogan]

@SkunkDroppings Nice.  Idiotic commentary AND homophobia. Wow. You're a classy human being, all right.

[Kaalec]

@SkunkDroppings What a very apt name you have taken for yourself.

[Areseesee]

Mercy! Leon's got the piano cranking and the ladies singin' just like 1971! This one makes me tap my feet. Leon's always at his best when he's singing about a broken heart - that's how come I relate to the man. I'm in love with her and she loves him - one of his constant themes. I smell some hits on this album. After hearing this song I realized I should've worked on my chromatic scales more often. Oh, and a nice video from contatorobsonvianna. Thanks for sharing.

[GavinLiamLogan]

Wow!  Excited!!!

[hagyspasher]

absolutely fantastic! thx for upload!