I saw Elton John twice in concert. First time was in 2011 and second time was 2019. The second time was the last time as it was part of his final tour, entitled Farewell Yellow Brick Road.
Hey, long-time Elton fan here. It's great to see some casual fans looking at such a deep part of the Elton John catalog. A few points I'll make: * This was the last studio album Gus Dudgeon produced for Elton (he would also produce 1987's Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). Gus later said that Elton was in such a bad state with his drug addiction, talking about how Elton would snort so much cocaine that his nose would bleed, and how there would be lines of coke all over the recording console. Elton himself has talked extensively about how bad his addiction was at the time, so he wasn't exaggerating. I don't think for a minute that Gus was to blame for how this record turned out. He did the best he could with lackluster ingredients. * Leather Jackets was the last album that Elton owed Geffen Records, his US and Canadian label during the 1981-86 era. Many of the songs were leftovers from his previous album, 1985's Ice on Fire, and it seems to me as if he just wanted to deliver Geffen crap in revenge for how they treated him. Many of Geffen's legacy artists (those who had been successful in the '70s on other labels) suffered from poor direction and bad promotion on the label, and would even go on to be more successful once they left Geffen for other companies. Elton himself found greater success once he rejoined MCA Records in 1987, scoring a #6 single with the live version of "Candle in the Wind" in 1987 and a #2 single in 1988 with "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That". * While it is true that Elton called this his worst album for many years, and he still hates "Heartache All Over the World" to this day, he has given it a fairer shot in the last few years. He even included two of the tracks, "Hoop of Fire" and "I Fall Apart" on his Jewel Box boxed set of deep cuts and rarities, remarking that he forgot "Hoop of Fire" was on Leather Jackets and how much he likes it. * Many of your criticisms of the record surround the '80s sound. Critics are quick to dismiss the '80s sound as being throwaway and irrelevant, and it's fine if you dislike that sound, but it is important to remember that artists are contractually obligated to create records that sound contemporary so that they will be marketable. This was the sound that was popular at the time, so of *course* Elton was going to make a record that sounded like that. Also, Elton has always been a fan of new artists, so he was absolutely soaking in the sounds of the '80s at this time, and would have been influenced by it in the studio. * While synthesizers were used on the record extensively (part of that '80s sound I mentioned before), there is certainly not an *absence* of "real instruments" (the synthesizer is absolutely a real instrument that takes a lot of expertise and skill to play, and as a keyboardist I will die on that hill) on the album. Most of the tracks have drums and bass on them, perhaps in addition to a drum machine. In fact, Queen's John Deacon and Roger Taylor play bass and drums respectively on "Angeline". Elton's piano is resplendent on tracks like "Hoop of Fire", "Gypsy Heart", "Slow Rivers" and "Paris", and he even delivers some killer piano licks towards the end of "Go It Alone". * Interestingly enough, Leather Jackets wasn't a flop everywhere. It did very well in Australia and New Zealand, with "Heartache All Over the World" going to #7 in the Australian charts. This probably has more to do with the fact that Elton's hugely-successful tour with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was going on at the time, so anything new by him was going to garner a lot of attention down there. * All that said, this is not the album I would give to a first-time Elton John listener. It is not representative of his sound, and it is not a consistently quality piece of work. I would go to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, his self-titled second album, Madman Across the Water, or Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy first. His '80s albums should not totally be dismissed, though. Both Too Low for Zero and Sleeping With the Past are fine albums, and The Fox is a hugely underrated effort.
@@robdaviesprogm I never thought I talk Elton John but yeah this album not best start to dive in. You really have the whole history. Thanks for sharing.
@@NickCinoMusic ahhh nick, you’ve identified yourself…not a bad thing…I made some comments above may make more. For the record, lest you think I’m being unkind in any way, don’t mean to… was entertaining…I may say more stuff, on the other hand, you didn’t ask my opinion so if your not interested I totally get that also…peace to you🙂
I may make a few comments, but maybe not all at once…I listened to this a few times, albeit while I was falling asleep, but feel knowledgeable about what all was said. If I may, HECTOR, SOrry about the capital letters not intentional, you’re the guy in the upper right? Anyway, I like you, you’re funny, but along with the much of the panel you were critical of “heartache”. One guy asked why was it the lead single? Well after hearing it a few times it’s pretty catchy, I know that’s a relative word , what’s catchy to some is not always catchy to others, the lyrics are great. First of all, many will make an issue out of this , which I don’t want to do, but should be noted he was married to Renate at this time. It should also be noted that he was having trouble getting into the top ten in this era. Being in the teenage demographic during this time I watched the charts like a hawk back then. He had a huge hit about a girl, little Jeanie in 1980, but couldn’t seem to get into the top ten after that. He could get some airplay on adult contemporary stations, but the stations my teenage friends were listening to the top 40 type, were not embracing him, I was in Miami at the time with a dad who worked for the airlines, so I often noticed the same in stations around the country when I traveled. For Elton, who seemed irrelevant, I know because I was a huge fan amongst those who knew only one thing About him that he once said he was “bi” which really meant gay to them. Anyway, my observation at that time was for an Elton John song to be a big hit, it needed to be in the top ten, once in the top ten, the top 40 stations picked it up. Once they picked it up it would climb higher. I could spend all day making this case, but here’s a list , we’ll start in 1979…he gets a top ten hit with the rarely mentioned song “mama can’t buy you love” did well ej was appealing to youth once again however, we had lots of singles that have aged well and are somewhat known, because of live footage,touring etc, but weren’t big hits, or I can tell you weren’t played on top 40, or hard rock formats. I won’t name all of them, but here’s what we have, victim of love,79, lil Jeanie 80,huge, nobody wins,Chloe (love that song),empty garden,blue eyes,I’m still standing, kiss the bride…none of which,despite being well know my many today were not big hits, that is to also say, did not touch or go into the top 10 .oh btw, I’m also talking strictly the u.s. billboard charts, so not worldwide, but, honestly it was the u.s.which acknowledged his talent first,and where he had a lot of success. So his album 2 low 4 zero, puts out a song called I guess that’s why they call it the blues, all around the world, it’s huge, meanwhile, chart wise, in the u.s., 2 low is sinking like a rock. if I recall correctly, it was about to fall off the top 200, was at 198 on the charts when “the blues “ was released here. The songs release coincided with his 1984 marriage to Renate, the song became his biggest hit since 1980s lil Jeanie (which was at number 3 for weeks and had a long stay in the top ten) and the albums longevity increased I think peaking at number 25 , pretty low for ej even in the 80s, but while not climbing high, it held steady and probably outsold his more recent products. I’m going from memory here….but I’m sure my numbers are close to accurate…his other so called worst album, victim of love , peaked I think at 31,next 21@33,13, the fox (ever heard of that one?)21, jump up 17, too low, even after I’m still standing came out which every one knows now, didn’t even sell the album but when he got married and “the blues “came out, there he was , being relevant again. His next album, breaking hearts gave us “sad songs” big u.s, hit. His next album, a relative underated in my opinion flop in the u.s called ice on fire, did give us a big hit with Nikita, of course there was “that’s what friends are for “ putting him out there , all of these songs , coming out after he got married were introducing him to younger folks, and ej, offstage looked pretty good, somewhat toned down let his hair grow a bit, contact lenses, shirts and ties, love the 84-88 era image wise. So, time to get back on the subject of heartache, my defense, whether you admit it or not, it has a beach boys, beatle element a la back in the ussr,California girls lyrically, the Beatles talking how the Ukrainian girls really knock them out, leave the west behind, The Beach Boys talking about girls all over the u.s. but liking the California ones, Elton talk about girls all over the world! How can you not love him saying “ you can go from Tokyo to Rome “and that catchy echo returning, “looking for a girl “ . Look I’m an lonely guy, I’ve been there, church,concerts clubs you name it, I seem to have an “ignore me “ sign attached I get it I know what it’s like to go out and not meet someone, or to call girls even as friends , and not get an answer, “there ain’t one little girl that’s home!” Is this a deep song, no, it’s a fun song, about the reality of rejection. All your friends aren’t around because “every body has a date, and the ones that don’t are tired” you work all week hoping to find some interaction, but only disappointment because no ones responding. Hector, the question is asked every weekend by people everywhere, “what the heck do you on the weekends when your hearts on fire?” In Tokyo, in Rome ? It happens all over the world! Maybe your a guy, who has to fight the lovers off, most of aren’t, if Elton wasn’t so talented, he probably would have a companion problem, and he probably knows that which is what makes this song believable. Was he gay? Arguably yes, however, he has always been able to be an actor, that’s what makes him so great. Take a listen to “Indian sunset” where he portrays an Indian in the old west, would he be a good astronaut? I don’t know but he identifies as one in rocket man to perfection. Can you see him busting a chair over someone’s head? Maybe not, it but when you hear Saturday nights alright for fighting , you believe otherwise. We could go on and on. Let’s close with the comments people made about “girls girls girls” again, the echos, the harmonies, a very beach boys element, that can be heard in the fade out of California girls ,maybe listen to that and see if it isn’t a hat tip to The Beach Boys as they’re singing in the fade-out I wish they all could be California girls, and in the background you here what? Listen carefully, girls , girls, girls. The video to this song, albeit flamboyant, is quite entertaining with ej in his long hair and his very hot 1986 touring band, 86 was a great era for his band and concerts and shows, I was fortunate to have great seats to 3 of them and his stage support was amongst his best eras, as he later in the year recorded with them and the Melbourne symphony orchestra for another very successful recording. I’m no big defender of leather jackets, I may say more depending on if this comment gets any reaction, but I’m disappointed In many peoples reasons for liking or disliking certain songs in this panel!would love to have been on it because there are definitely songs that are weak, sadly, some of those were chosen as the best by the panel. I hope I made you and others rethink the cleverness of the lyricsof “ heartache” is it a deep song? No. It’s a fun song, although it flopped , but honestly, at this point in 86, the u.s. radio stations were snubbing him again, as they will likely at this point do forever as he is now in his late 70s . Maybe the panel has their phones ..l guess I can’t use the term “ringing of the hook” anymore but we shall just say ringing all the time, for people begging to be with them, but most of us do not, thus the song resonates and makes us say “yea Bernie and ej, I totally get that point.” I know you said you never wanted to hear the album again, I chuckled at your comments, I respect it to some extent, but maybe check out the video for fun for this song. I’m not one for ejs flamboyance which is on full display, but u see his long hair as I recall and his great band.i could do without the old film clips, but hey, like this panel, I wasn’t invited to give my input at the time…as valuable as at least I think,😬 my input is. I hope, I have given you and the panel food for thought,thanks.
@@bruceski2133 Man this comment is like a history lesson in music. Rock Of all ages picked this one to discuss, Funny that Elton John does not like this album. Its just too cheesy for me. Thanks for commenting and watching.
I saw Elton John twice in concert. First time was in 2011 and second time was 2019. The second time was the last time as it was part of his final tour, entitled Farewell Yellow Brick Road.
Cool I never saw him.
@@robertsparling917 I saw him in 2010 or 2011 after his album with Leon Russell.
Thank you so much for having us.
@@RockOfAllAges-81 it was a fun chat
Hey, long-time Elton fan here. It's great to see some casual fans looking at such a deep part of the Elton John catalog. A few points I'll make:
* This was the last studio album Gus Dudgeon produced for Elton (he would also produce 1987's Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). Gus later said that Elton was in such a bad state with his drug addiction, talking about how Elton would snort so much cocaine that his nose would bleed, and how there would be lines of coke all over the recording console. Elton himself has talked extensively about how bad his addiction was at the time, so he wasn't exaggerating. I don't think for a minute that Gus was to blame for how this record turned out. He did the best he could with lackluster ingredients.
* Leather Jackets was the last album that Elton owed Geffen Records, his US and Canadian label during the 1981-86 era. Many of the songs were leftovers from his previous album, 1985's Ice on Fire, and it seems to me as if he just wanted to deliver Geffen crap in revenge for how they treated him. Many of Geffen's legacy artists (those who had been successful in the '70s on other labels) suffered from poor direction and bad promotion on the label, and would even go on to be more successful once they left Geffen for other companies. Elton himself found greater success once he rejoined MCA Records in 1987, scoring a #6 single with the live version of "Candle in the Wind" in 1987 and a #2 single in 1988 with "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That".
* While it is true that Elton called this his worst album for many years, and he still hates "Heartache All Over the World" to this day, he has given it a fairer shot in the last few years. He even included two of the tracks, "Hoop of Fire" and "I Fall Apart" on his Jewel Box boxed set of deep cuts and rarities, remarking that he forgot "Hoop of Fire" was on Leather Jackets and how much he likes it.
* Many of your criticisms of the record surround the '80s sound. Critics are quick to dismiss the '80s sound as being throwaway and irrelevant, and it's fine if you dislike that sound, but it is important to remember that artists are contractually obligated to create records that sound contemporary so that they will be marketable. This was the sound that was popular at the time, so of *course* Elton was going to make a record that sounded like that. Also, Elton has always been a fan of new artists, so he was absolutely soaking in the sounds of the '80s at this time, and would have been influenced by it in the studio.
* While synthesizers were used on the record extensively (part of that '80s sound I mentioned before), there is certainly not an *absence* of "real instruments" (the synthesizer is absolutely a real instrument that takes a lot of expertise and skill to play, and as a keyboardist I will die on that hill) on the album. Most of the tracks have drums and bass on them, perhaps in addition to a drum machine. In fact, Queen's John Deacon and Roger Taylor play bass and drums respectively on "Angeline". Elton's piano is resplendent on tracks like "Hoop of Fire", "Gypsy Heart", "Slow Rivers" and "Paris", and he even delivers some killer piano licks towards the end of "Go It Alone".
* Interestingly enough, Leather Jackets wasn't a flop everywhere. It did very well in Australia and New Zealand, with "Heartache All Over the World" going to #7 in the Australian charts. This probably has more to do with the fact that Elton's hugely-successful tour with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was going on at the time, so anything new by him was going to garner a lot of attention down there.
* All that said, this is not the album I would give to a first-time Elton John listener. It is not representative of his sound, and it is not a consistently quality piece of work. I would go to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, his self-titled second album, Madman Across the Water, or Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy first. His '80s albums should not totally be dismissed, though. Both Too Low for Zero and Sleeping With the Past are fine albums, and The Fox is a hugely underrated effort.
@@robdaviesprogm I never thought I talk Elton John but yeah this album not best start to dive in. You really have the whole history. Thanks for sharing.
This was a fun chat, thanks for having me on Hector!
Hows that 80”s spotify suggestion?
@@NickCinoMusic ahhh nick, you’ve identified yourself…not a bad thing…I made some comments above may make more. For the record, lest you think I’m being unkind in any way, don’t mean to… was entertaining…I may say more stuff, on the other hand, you didn’t ask my opinion so if your not interested I totally get that also…peace to you🙂
I may make a few comments, but maybe not all at once…I listened to this a few times, albeit while I was falling asleep, but feel knowledgeable about what all was said. If I may, HECTOR, SOrry about the capital letters not intentional, you’re the guy in the upper right? Anyway, I like you, you’re funny, but along with the much of the panel you were critical of “heartache”. One guy asked why was it the lead single? Well after hearing it a few times it’s pretty catchy, I know that’s a relative word , what’s catchy to some is not always catchy to others, the lyrics are great. First of all, many will make an issue out of this , which I don’t want to do, but should be noted he was married to Renate at this time. It should also be noted that he was having trouble getting into the top ten in this era. Being in the teenage demographic during this time I watched the charts like a hawk back then. He had a huge hit about a girl, little Jeanie in 1980, but couldn’t seem to get into the top ten after that. He could get some airplay on adult contemporary stations, but the stations my teenage friends were listening to the top 40 type, were not embracing him, I was in Miami at the time with a dad who worked for the airlines, so I often noticed the same in stations around the country when I traveled. For Elton, who seemed irrelevant, I know because I was a huge fan amongst those who knew only one thing About him that he once said he was “bi” which really meant gay to them. Anyway, my observation at that time was for an Elton John song to be a big hit, it needed to be in the top ten, once in the top ten, the top 40 stations picked it up. Once they picked it up it would climb higher. I could spend all day making this case, but here’s a list , we’ll start in 1979…he gets a top ten hit with the rarely mentioned song “mama can’t buy you love” did well ej was appealing to youth once again however, we had lots of singles that have aged well and are somewhat known, because of live footage,touring etc, but weren’t big hits, or I can tell you weren’t played on top 40, or hard rock formats. I won’t name all of them, but here’s what we have, victim of love,79, lil Jeanie 80,huge, nobody wins,Chloe (love that song),empty garden,blue eyes,I’m still standing, kiss the bride…none of which,despite being well know my many today were not big hits, that is to also say, did not touch or go into the top 10 .oh btw, I’m also talking strictly the u.s. billboard charts, so not worldwide, but, honestly it was the u.s.which acknowledged his talent first,and where he had a lot of success. So his album 2 low 4 zero, puts out a song called I guess that’s why they call it the blues, all around the world, it’s huge, meanwhile, chart wise, in the u.s., 2 low is sinking like a rock. if I recall correctly, it was about to fall off the top 200, was at 198 on the charts when “the blues “ was released here. The songs release coincided with his 1984 marriage to Renate, the song became his biggest hit since 1980s lil Jeanie (which was at number 3 for weeks and had a long stay in the top ten) and the albums longevity increased I think peaking at number 25 , pretty low for ej even in the 80s, but while not climbing high, it held steady and probably outsold his more recent products. I’m going from memory here….but I’m sure my numbers are close to accurate…his other so called worst album, victim of love , peaked I think at 31,next 21@33,13, the fox (ever heard of that one?)21, jump up 17, too low, even after I’m still standing came out which every one knows now, didn’t even sell the album but when he got married and “the blues “came out, there he was , being relevant again. His next album, breaking hearts gave us “sad songs” big u.s, hit. His next album, a relative underated in my opinion flop in the u.s called ice on fire, did give us a big hit with Nikita, of course there was “that’s what friends are for “ putting him out there , all of these songs , coming out after he got married were introducing him to younger folks, and ej, offstage looked pretty good, somewhat toned down let his hair grow a bit, contact lenses, shirts and ties, love the 84-88 era image wise.
So, time to get back on the subject of heartache, my defense, whether you admit it or not, it has a beach boys, beatle element a la back in the ussr,California girls lyrically, the Beatles talking how the Ukrainian girls really knock them out, leave the west behind, The Beach Boys talking about girls all over the u.s. but liking the California ones, Elton talk about girls all over the world! How can you not love him saying “ you can go from Tokyo to Rome “and that catchy echo returning, “looking for a girl “ . Look I’m an lonely guy, I’ve been there, church,concerts clubs you name it, I seem to have an “ignore me “ sign attached I get it I know what it’s like to go out and not meet someone, or to call girls even as friends , and not get an answer, “there ain’t one little girl that’s home!” Is this a deep song, no, it’s a fun song, about the reality of rejection. All your friends aren’t around because “every body has a date, and the ones that don’t are tired” you work all week hoping to find some interaction, but only disappointment because no ones responding. Hector, the question is asked every weekend by people everywhere, “what the heck do you on the weekends when your hearts on fire?” In Tokyo, in Rome ? It happens all over the world! Maybe your a guy, who has to fight the lovers off, most of aren’t, if Elton wasn’t so talented, he probably would have a companion problem, and he probably knows that which is what makes this song believable. Was he gay? Arguably yes, however, he has always been able to be an actor, that’s what makes him so great. Take a listen to “Indian sunset” where he portrays an Indian in the old west, would he be a good astronaut? I don’t know but he identifies as one in rocket man to perfection. Can you see him busting a chair over someone’s head? Maybe not, it but when you hear Saturday nights alright for fighting , you believe otherwise. We could go on and on. Let’s close with the comments people made about “girls girls girls” again, the echos, the harmonies, a very beach boys element, that can be heard in the fade out of California girls ,maybe listen to that and see if it isn’t a hat tip to The Beach Boys as they’re singing in the fade-out I wish they all could be California girls, and in the background you here what? Listen carefully, girls , girls, girls. The video to this song, albeit flamboyant, is quite entertaining with ej in his long hair and his very hot 1986 touring band, 86 was a great era for his band and concerts and shows, I was fortunate to have great seats to 3 of them and his stage support was amongst his best eras, as he later in the year recorded with them and the Melbourne symphony orchestra for another very successful recording. I’m no big defender of leather jackets, I may say more depending on if this comment gets any reaction, but I’m disappointed In many peoples reasons for liking or disliking certain songs in this panel!would love to have been on it because there are definitely songs that are weak, sadly, some of those were chosen as the best by the panel. I hope I made you and others rethink the cleverness of the lyricsof “ heartache” is it a deep song? No. It’s a fun song, although it flopped , but honestly, at this point in 86, the u.s. radio stations were snubbing him again, as they will likely at this point do forever as he is now in his late 70s . Maybe the panel has their phones ..l guess I can’t use the term “ringing of the hook” anymore but we shall just say ringing all the time, for people begging to be with them, but most of us do not, thus the song resonates and makes us say “yea Bernie and ej, I totally get that point.” I know you said you never wanted to hear the album again, I chuckled at your comments, I respect it to some extent, but maybe check out the video for fun for this song. I’m not one for ejs flamboyance which is on full display, but u see his long hair as I recall and his great band.i could do without the old film clips, but hey, like this panel, I wasn’t invited to give my input at the time…as valuable as at least I think,😬 my input is. I hope, I have given you and the panel food for thought,thanks.
@@bruceski2133 Man this comment is like a history lesson in music. Rock Of all ages picked this one to discuss, Funny that Elton John does not like this album. Its just too cheesy for me. Thanks for commenting and watching.
@@hectorThechilldudeonacouch yea I said a lot and may add more…thanks for reading, hope I at least made you think.
@@bruceski2133 yes I still don’t think this is best album to listen by this artist.
Oh no, Nick's audio cut out at 12:10
Just for a moment no biggie
Noooooo 😭😭
@@NickCinoMusic it was Elton lol