Personnel: Elton John (vocals, electric piano, harpsichord, Clavinet, Mellotron, ARP synthesizer); John Lennon (guitar); Davey Johnstone (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, piano, background vocals); David Henschel (ARP synthesizer); Dee Murrey (bass guitar, background vocals); Nigel Olsson (drums, background vocals); Ray Cooper (congas, bongos, cymbals, Jew's harp, tambourine, triangle, bells, hand bells, gong).

Audio Remasterer: Tony Cousins.

Liner Note Author: John Tobler.

Recording information: Caribou Ranch, Colorado (06/1974 - 07/1974).

One of Elton John's many 1970s pop gems, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC & THE DIRT BROWN COWBOY is a classic album filled with well-written, catchy tunes. The most famous song from this record is the radio hit, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." A bitter tune about a badly entangled relationship, John's lyric rejoices in an 11th-hour triumph of freedom.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC also features John's well-known version of the Lennon/McCartney favorite "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." John maintains the eccentric sonic elements of this tune, but makes it more dramatic and operatic, particularly as the song's refrain loops on and on towards the ending. "Writing" is another highlight on this disc; Latin-influenced, upbeat, and bubbly, this number contains some quirky bongo playing and a light, care-free lyric centered on the actual process of composing songs. Without a doubt, John and partner Bernie Taupin were one of the best songwriting duos in rock history, and many of their finer collaborations are captured on this 1975 release.

What the critics say...

Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.134) - Ranked #158 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time"